NWTC to cheer Aileen in Commonwealth Games

North West Triathlon Club members will be cheering on Aileen Reid when she seeks glory in the Commonwealth Games this week.

The club member, who claimed a silver medal at the World Triathlon Series Grand Final in London last year, will compete in the Olympic distance event on Thursday morning.

Aileen finished ninth in the recent World Triathlon Series race in Hamburg and is pleased with her progress following a back injury earlier in the year.


She said: "I am really happy with how things are progressing. I didn't have the greatest winter with a back injury but then got back to training and have improved as the season has gone on. My last two races have been my best this year so I feel in good form."

She added: "The Commonwealth Games is the biggest race of the year for me.

"This is a major championship and I want to put right my experience at the Olympics when things didn't go as I had hoped.

"It's also a chance to represent Northern Ireland for the first time on a world stage and with the event in Glasgow, it is almost like a home Games for us because there is going to be so much support.

"I know I have a lot of family and friends coming over so hopefully that backing can drive me on. The weather conditions should also be in my favour so I'm looking for a good race."

The women's triathlon event will begin at 11am with coverage on BBC television.

Hundreds take City of Derry triathlon challenge

Hundreds of triathletes took part in this year's City of Derry triathlon on Sunday.

Belfast athlete Neville O'Neill, of Olympian Triathlon Club, was the first male to finish, posting a time of one hour, three minutes and seven seconds, followed by Triathlon Ireland's Harry Speers in 1:03:41 and Lorcan Healy of Omagh TC in 1:03:52.

North West Triathlon Club's Maeve Maher-McWilliams won the women's race in 1:14:13, followed by Hi Elbow TC's Laura Wylie in 1:14:28 and Katherine Woods of Triangle TC in 1:15:25.

The relay event was won by Team Hampson which posted a time of 1:03:08.

Around 400 triathletes from across Ireland and beyond competed the sprint distance event organised by NWTC, which consisted of a 750 metre open water swim in the fast flowing River Foyle, a 20 kilometre cycle taking in the city's two road bridges and a five kilometre run taking in city's iconic Peace Bridge.

It was only the second time that the now annual event has been held and many hundreds of people lined the route to cheer on the competitors.

Last year's triathlon was one of the highlights of the City of Culture sports programme, and the race director Paul McGilloway said he was "delighted" with the support shown for it again this year.

"We had a great turnout of participants and enthusiasts who crowded the streets to cheer on our competitors," he said.

"I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year's gruelling challenge. So much training and work goes into preparations for race day that crossing the finish line is an achievement in itself, regardless of the time it takes."

He added: "We would like to thank each and every person who helped out over the last few months, weeks and days to make the race such a great success.

"The conditions were  perfect for racing and everything went like clockwork, mainly due to the large amount of helpers and marshals who turned out to lend a hand. We could not have done it without them."

(Photos by Erin Ferry)

For full results log on to www.championchipireland.com/results/

Irish International to race in firmus energy City of Derry Triathlon

Irish international triathlete Harry Speers is to race in Sunday's firmus energy City of Derry Triathlon as he limbers up to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth games later this month.

Harry is expected to join around 500 other contenders who will bring along with their friends and families to enjoy the festivities surrounding the event. As well as displays of spectacular sporting abilities and achievements in cycling, running and swimming, there will be music and free giveaways to keep everyone entertained.

Paul Gilloway, of the North West Triathlon Club (NWTC) and race director, said: “This year’s Triathlon will be a great day out for all the family and I know that the participants are spurred on when they hear lots of cheering and support from the crowds so we hope to see lots of people lining the route. 

“During the day there will be fun activities to celebrate the triathlon and showcase the city as a centre of sporting excellence while displaying the many beautiful landmarks and scenery in the area. If you are looking for something to do on Sunday or will be about the City, please come out and show your support!”

He added: “We are also delighted to have Harry Speers on board and that he has considered the firmus energy City of Derry triathlon a worthy event for his important Commonwealth Games preparations.”

Des Brown, marketing manager of firmus energy, added:  “Last year’s triathlon was a powerful success and we are delighted to be involved again in this special event. We would like to wish everyone taking part good luck in their last few days of training and no matter what time it takes to finish the course - even completing it is a massive achievement!” 

The firmus energy City of Derry Triathlon will take place on 13 July, starting at 10am and comprising of a 750m open water swim in the River Foyle followed by a 20km closed road cycle and culminating in a 5km flat run that takes in key attractions around the City including the iconic Peace Bridge. Winners’ presentations will take place afterwards at the City Hotel.

The full route and details of the event can be found at www.firmusenergyderrycitytriathlon.com and supporters can use #TriDerry to share information, photos and videos from the day.

150 take Foyle plunge ahead of City of Derry Triathlon

More than 150 people took  a dip in the River Foyle last night to test the water ahead of this weekend's annual firmus energy City of Derry Triathlon.

North West Triathlon Club's preparations for the big day are in the final stages as up to 500 competitors gear up for one of the sporting highlights of the year in Derry this Sunday.

More than 150 of the competitors took part in the last official practice swim before the big day on Wednesday night under the watchful eyes of the Foyle Paddlers and in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue.

Younger budding triathletes also got the chance to experience a competitive race in the Foyle in Wednesday’s ‘Buddy Swim’ which partnered a child with an adult participant.