Carwyn Williams reports on the first event in the Grand Prix Series *Rankings and Results now up!*
Conditions were perfect for the 2013 Vale of Glamorgan Duathlon on Sunday 21st April, held at Llandow Race Circuit. As the first round of the 2013 Welsh Triathlon Grand Prix series, the race attracted many members aiming to secure early season points. Immediately from the off, Alexander Royffe (Newport Phoenix) set a blistering pace at the front and after half a lap of the flat race circuit, was opening a sizeable gap from the pack with only James Hockin (Celtic Tri) able to keep within touching distance. At the end of the first 5.5km run, Hockin and Royffe were neck and neck into transition and had developed a huge lead. Hockin managed to steal a few precious seconds at the change to just sneak out onto the roaf in front of Royffe for the 26km cycle. Next into transition in 3rd place was Robert Dyde (Pembrokeshire Harriers) who had developed a 30 second lead over James Manson (Cardiff Tri).
At this point the race Ladies race was being hotly contested, with Carys Griffiths (Pencoed Tri), Debbie Phillips (Pembs Tri) and Katie Williams (Cardiff Tri) all entering Transition together. Following a swift change, the remaining pack then began filtering through and heading out onto the fast undulating route along the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan coastline.
With hardly a breath of wind out on the course, Hockin and Royffe kept the pace high and extended their lead from the pursuants, with both posting fast cycle times of just under 42 minutes coming back into Transition 2. With the result now firmly being contested between both athletes, they set off on the final 2.5km run. Next back into transition was Manson, who had passed and built up a solid 2 minute lead on the bike section from Dyde.
Griffiths led the Ladies race out on the cycle, and had built up a 13 second gap from 2nd placed Phillips by the return into Transition. After a fast change, Griffiths had the break and was first back out onto the circuit for the run. Out on the cycle section, Hayley Griffiths (Celtic Tri) produced a strong ride, passing her fellow club member Williams and building a 4 minute lead over the 26km cycle to secure 3rd spot coming into transition.
There was nothing separating Royffe and Hockin for the majority of the final run leg, and with the pace still high coming round the last corner, it was all down to the final home straight sprint where Royffe managed to muster enough energy to kick and open up a a very slight gap to take the win on the line by 2 seconds from Hockin. Manson kept momentum up on the run and held a minute gap overDyde, to claim 3rd overall position.
Griffiths also ran the final leg strongly to maintain her position as leader, winning the overall Ladies category by 40 seconds over 2nd placed Phillips. Just under 4 minutes later, Williams crossed the finish line to claim the 3rd lady podium spot.
The next round of the Welsh Triathlon Grand Prix series takes place on the 2nd June 2013 in Port Talbot, for the Tata Steel Man Triathlon.
For race results and ranking please click here
