New Irish Sprint champions crowned at triAthlone 2011
Triathletes from Westmeath flew their county flag high at the weekend as they competed alongside some of Ireland’s elite triathletes and Olympic hopefuls. Gavin Noble and Aoife Lynch were crowned Irish Sprint Champions at the 2011 annual Waterways Ireland triAthlone at the weekend’s events. Gavin completed the race in an impressive 0:58:29 and Aoife Lynch 1:09:29. Both champions joined the 2,000 plus participants who took part, cheered on by the 15,000 throngs of participants and spectators lining the streets of Athlone for yet another exhilarating event.
Waterways Ireland triAthlone began with a swim in the River Shannon, from which the competitors took to their bikes for a cycle through south County Roscommon before the exciting towncentre run to the finish in the heart of Athlone. In the mix of 2,000 plus strong pack were a bunch of Irish hopeful Rose of Tralee ladies and TV personality and fitness regular Kathryn Thomas. Four charities who will benefit from this year’s event include Respect, Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Breast Cancer Ireland, and CRY.
Speaking about the event, Liam Heavin, chairman, Waterways Ireland TriAthlone said; “We want to thank all the athletes - elite and amateur - for competing yesterday, and to extend huge thanks to the thousands of people who lined the streets to support them and create the festival atmosphere and to all the local businesses and traders for their support.”
This year’s Waterways Ireland triAthlone event was supported by Waterways Ireland, main sponsor for the event, with additional support provided by Athlone Town Council and the Defence Forces.
