Fun in the sun for junior athletes
JUNIOR triathletes turned out in force for the Airlie Beach junior triathlon on Saturday at the lagoon, with the fun day focusing on fitness and participation across three age categories.
By far the biggest contingent of juniors was from Cannonvale State School, but competitors also came from Ayr, Hamilton Island, Bowen, Mackay and Townsville.
A number of very talented athletes showcased their skills and over seventy competitors toed the start line for the three different divisions as they swam through the lagoon, pedalled around a loop bicycle course on Broadwater Avenue and finished with a short run to the finish line.
Lachlan Wake was the first home in the 8-10-year-old division after finishing with a strong cycle and run leg.
The St Catherine's student said he had really enjoyed the race and the energetic youngster looks to have a bright future ahead in the sport.
Ryder Harvey from Hamilton Island took out the 11-14-year-old race, leading from start to finish across all three legs.
Attention now turns to turns to Townsville for the fifth leg of the North Queensland Triathlon Series and races will follow in Bowen on October 13-14 and finally the Fujifilm Hamilton Island Triathlon on November 10.
With junior races accompanying each of these events and a growing reputation outside the region for hosting quality events, numbers are expected to flourish.
