The race attracted 32 enthusiastic competitors with approximately 20 percent of them competing in their first triathlon with the Mandurah club.

While some club members have continued training throughout the recent off-season, to prepare for the recent World Long Course Championships in Perth or for the Busselton Ironman in December, most competitors clearly relished coming out of their winter hibernation to compete in the triathlon short course event comprising of a 300m swim, 15km bike ride and 3km run.

Sunlight greeted competitors as they made their way to the beach for a deep water start to the race and was welcomed by everyone due to daylight saving causing some races to be started in relatively dark and gloomy conditions in recent seasons.

Troy Main continued his great form of recent seasons to dominate the race and record the fastest swim, bike and run times.

At just age 17 and with his TEE exams commencing the next day, Troy’s performance was exceptional given his study interrupted preparation.

Leigh Willison completed a great race to finish a well earned second place with Brett Criddle and the evergreen Darryl Harris completing the top four finishers.

Criddle’s performance was notable given he recorded his highest placing in a Mandurah club race (third overall) and did so by clawing his way back from 14th place in the swim.

The bike leg of the race was undertaken in difficult conditions with a strong gusting south-easterly wind making competitors work hard along much of the course and making the run leg of the race something for most of them to look forward to.

In an outstanding performance, Nathan Lyons (aged 14) yet again underlined his potential by finishing sixth overall, whilst Carina Costello was the first female over the line (12th place), followed by new club member Jenny Pedrana in her first race and Busselton Ironman competitor Kathryn Hookham.

The Mandurah Triathlon Club has experienced significant membership growth in recent years and new members are always welcome no matter what level of ablility or experience they have in triathlon.

Club secretary Elliott Combes said the club provides support and encouragement to all competitors, has a membership base comprised of people aged 14 years to 70 years and awards Club Champion status on the basis of age groups.

Anyone interested in entering or watching Mandurah Triathlon Club races go to the club website at www.trimandurah.com to find more details.