Fishguard on the coast of Wales was host to Challenge Wales on the 18th of June. The middle-distance triathlon event 1.2 mile sea swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run. With both professional athletes and age group athletes taking on the challenging two lap swim, two lap bike and 4 lap run course the event was going to be amazing, and it was. Holmfirth Harrier, Lucy Byram in her inaugural season at this distance took on the challenge.
The morning of the race was a little better than expected weather wise and the rain held off at the start of the swim, with very choppy sea conditions some competitors found it too difficult and had to be helped back to shore. Lucy Byram was third Lady out of the water and headed out onto the bike with Megan McDonald but soon gapped her and caught the leader Hannah Munday and was at the front of the race putting minutes into the chasers.
The rain did hit the athletes out on the bike course around St Davids. On the bike course however, Lucy saw another athlete who had taken a bad crash off the bike. Lucy put her race on hold to assist the athlete and to get help, running to houses and flagging down cars. Once help was on hand Lucy got back on her bike and carried on with her race. While she was stopped, for over three minutes, she was caught by Megan McDonald but managed to catch her up and overtake to give herself a lead into transition of over a minute.
Showing her determination on the 4 lap run, with an out and back along the breakwater and up hill each lap, with plenty of supporters on the course Lucy pulled further away from the chasers. She finished over 10 minutes ahead despite the impromptu stop on the bike, to take the first win of the season in a time of 4:26:59. Laura Addie was second in a time of 4:37:15 and Megan McDonald third in 4:41:09.
The athlete who came off his bike Josh Holman is in hospital receiving treatment for a fractured jaw and T5 along with cuts and bruises. We wish him a speedy recovery.
This goes to show while racing is exciting and the passion many have for events is clear, keeping everyone safe while competing and looking out for each other is what counts too!
You can follow Lucy on Instagram @lucymaybyram)
Photo by Huw Fairclough Photography @shortandrounduk
