PEEBLES triathlete Iain Veitch has won The Roc Wales triathlon race, breaking the previous course record by 18 min in the process.
The 40-year-old took part in the event in Wales at the weekend, completing the course in time of 4:24:06
The Roc Wales is an iconic, brutal triathlon event, superbly put together in some of the most breath-taking and rugged scenery the UK has to offer.
A 1500m sea swim at the Welsh coastal town of Abersoch was followed by a demanding 50km ride through Snowden national park before running the famously tough Watkins path to the summit of Snowden itself.
After coming back down athletes then ride the 50km back to Abersoch where the race concluded with a 1km run on the beach.
Iain said: “The course was brilliant. A beach start sea swim in the choppy waters off the gorgeous beach of Abersoch. An honest rolling bike course and a run up the infamous Watkins Path of Wales highest mountain. It really packs a punch.
“Despite the conditions being windy and choppy the swim went quite well. While I lost touch with the small lead pack I was able to keep with the second wave and limit lost time. As usual at these events the support coming out the water and in transition was brilliant.
“Starting the bike in sixth place the conditions were windy but dry. I didn't have an accurate time check on the leaders but knew the chap in fith place was strong and likely to set the sort of pace we needed to make up some time. The course is hilly, technical in places and offers some great views of the main feature of the event – Snowden. By the end of the bike I had moved into fourth place.
“The run up the mountain follows the Watkins Path which is often described as the toughest but most scenic route. The last 1k, in particular, is savagely steep and really poor underfoot but also affords some of the best views in the UK.
“By the turnaround at the top I had made up most of the three min deficit on the leader and moved into second. Shortly after I took the lead but almost as quickly lost it again. This would keep happening until the second bike where I was able to retake and retain the lead.
“The ride back was tough with a strong headwind and already tired legs but thankfully I didn't have any company. The mountain had put paid to the other competitors mounting a serious attack on the bike. I was able to then just focus on enjoying leading and making sure no silly mistakes were made. Back at the beach the support from spectators and the organisers was superb and made the last 1k run almost bearable.
“Finally I would like to to mention James Doherty Sports Massage of Peebles. He's very kindly been helping with sports massage these last few months and helping keep my old body ticking over. “
In addition Kate Pearson a former Beltane Queen won the woman’s v40 category at the same event which was a superb achievement after training being badly affected by Covid this year.
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