THE rain held off just long enough for the BSLT Triathlon series event at Peebles on Sunday.
No fewer than 100 athletes participated in the sprint triathlon course, consisting of a 750m swim, 19.46km cycle and 4.69km run, while 36 completed the accompanying shorter come & tri course. Borders Tri club was well represented with 11 members taking part.
The top four looked impressive, coming in eighth, ninth, 10th and 12th together, all in the blue club tri-suits and Kev Gillie on his first outing on his spanking new carbon bike.
The club had three prize winners: Jane Holmes (first female and first female vet) in one hour 12 minutes. Rhoda McPherson (second female) in 1.13 and John Haldane (first male vintage) in 1.23.
Kevin Gillie and Rik Turton put in impressive performances coming in eighth and 10th, both in 1.12
MSP John Lamont obviously has time in between constitutional duties to train as he came an admirable 22nd in 1.18.
Stalwart performances by the rest came from Toby Vint, (coach) who just pipped Katrona Methven, who was determined to beat daughter Robyn on her first event, and training partner Lauren Campbell, followed by Liz Taylor.
The series will continue with events in Hawick (July 1), Kelso (August 12), Peebles (August 19) and Eyemouth (September 23). These events also include a come & tri taster (a shortened version of the triathlon) to encourage those who have not attempted a triathlon before to take part.
Peebles Triathlon results – Men: 1, Andrew McGhee 1.04.25; 2, Scott Noble 1.06.41 (also first male vet); 3, Ronnie Silverston 1.08.34.
Women: 1, Jane Holmes 1.12.27 (also first female vet); 2, Rhoda McPherson 1.13.40; 3, Catherine Smith 1.17.04.
Come & Tri results – Men: 1, Kevin Liddell 38.43; 2, Alan Cummings 38.53; 3, Ian Watson 40.23.
Women: 1, Jo Turnbull 43.45; 2, Wilma Kerr 44.07; 3, Angela Gayton 44.15.
Full results will be posted on the Borders Sport and Leisure website www.bslt.org.uk.