Monaghan, Fielder - the triathlon champs
Jun 21, 2005
<b>Triathlon:</b> A sports gala in which competitors run, swim and cycle long distances. And over the weekend in Jinja, the fifth Source of the Nile Triathlon got underway.
Triathlon: A sports gala in which competitors run, swim and cycle long distances. And over the weekend in Jinja, the fifth Source of the Nile Triathlon got underway.
The event was not dominated by star athletes, but by sports fanatics who woke up early on Sunday morning to take part. The competitors started off with an 800-metre swim in the cold waters of the Nile at Jinja Sailing Club, followed by a 30 kilometre cycle ride and ending with an 11-kilometre run.
While the swimming got off to a good start for most of the competitors, Marie Monaghan and Celine Martin set such a sizzling pace that by the time they got out of the Nile, they had gained almost four minutes on their nearest rivals. Monaghan pushed hard during the bike ride and eventually dropped Martin. By the time she started out on the run it was obvious she would triumph, and did so in 2:41:19. The cycle and running disciplines took place deep in the villages of Jinja and had the locals out in full support of the athletes. They lined the footpaths and screamed, sang and danced whenever an athlete cycled or ran past.
Jabier Remon, caused a stir when he ran in his skimpy swimming costume. As his privates dangled from side to side, elderly women jumped up and down exclaiming he was doing the kimansaulo.
The triathlon was an endurance test that separated the men from the boys and the women from the girls. Liz Kiyingi, who was expected to put up a spirited performance was disappointing. The surprise of the day came from Miranda Bowser, who earned herself a third place podium finish and to the hidden excitement of her husband Peter Bowser. He held court at the finish line occasionally biting his nails while muttering to himself: “She should be here anytime.†Gail Keech took the second spot.
As regards the men, Jesper Fielder triumphed in a time of 2:26:45, Junior Pank was second with 2:35:45 and Jed Stern third with a time of 2:40:55. In the women’s team event, Catherine Benson and Kim Un Hue topped while in the men’s team event, Fritz Behnsen and Isaac were winners. Ambrosoli won the school discipline. The event was sponsored by Adrift, Nile Breweries, Lake Victoria Rescue, Rwenzori Mineral Water and MTN.
Ends
The event was not dominated by star athletes, but by sports fanatics who woke up early on Sunday morning to take part. The competitors started off with an 800-metre swim in the cold waters of the Nile at Jinja Sailing Club, followed by a 30 kilometre cycle ride and ending with an 11-kilometre run.
While the swimming got off to a good start for most of the competitors, Marie Monaghan and Celine Martin set such a sizzling pace that by the time they got out of the Nile, they had gained almost four minutes on their nearest rivals. Monaghan pushed hard during the bike ride and eventually dropped Martin. By the time she started out on the run it was obvious she would triumph, and did so in 2:41:19. The cycle and running disciplines took place deep in the villages of Jinja and had the locals out in full support of the athletes. They lined the footpaths and screamed, sang and danced whenever an athlete cycled or ran past.
Jabier Remon, caused a stir when he ran in his skimpy swimming costume. As his privates dangled from side to side, elderly women jumped up and down exclaiming he was doing the kimansaulo.
The triathlon was an endurance test that separated the men from the boys and the women from the girls. Liz Kiyingi, who was expected to put up a spirited performance was disappointing. The surprise of the day came from Miranda Bowser, who earned herself a third place podium finish and to the hidden excitement of her husband Peter Bowser. He held court at the finish line occasionally biting his nails while muttering to himself: “She should be here anytime.†Gail Keech took the second spot.
As regards the men, Jesper Fielder triumphed in a time of 2:26:45, Junior Pank was second with 2:35:45 and Jed Stern third with a time of 2:40:55. In the women’s team event, Catherine Benson and Kim Un Hue topped while in the men’s team event, Fritz Behnsen and Isaac were winners. Ambrosoli won the school discipline. The event was sponsored by Adrift, Nile Breweries, Lake Victoria Rescue, Rwenzori Mineral Water and MTN.
Ends