Octet all set for world triathlon competition in New Zealand (From York Press)

Octet all set for world triathlon competition in New Zealand

10:11am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport

A HOST of York triathletes are counting down to tomorrow’s Age Group World Triathlon Championships in New Zealand.

Seven members of York Triathlon Club will be joined in the field for the competition by fellow Minster city athlete Matt Fisher.

York TC’s Sean McDermott (55 to 59 age group), David Thomas (30-34), Will Kaye (40-44) and Jessica Bacon (30-34), along with Fisher, will be taking on the Olympic distance of a 1,500 metres sea swim, a 40-kilometre bike ride and a ten-kilometre run.

McDermott and Thomas are tackling their second world event of the year, having competed at the recent World Duathlon Championship in Nancy, France. McDermott finished fifth in his category, while Thomas managed a 30th-placed finish despite being struck down by a bug in the lead-up to the event.

Stephanie Robertson (40-44), Nick Robertson (35-39) and Christine Shouksmith (55-59) will be taking on the sprint distance of 750 metres sea swim, 20 kilometres bike ride and five kilometres run. The former Robertson finished sixth in the European Triathlon Championships in Israel.

A York Triathlon spokesman said: “All have had excellent race results this year, so should do well competing against the best age groupers in the world.”

Meanwhile, Fisher said: “Despite only getting into triathlon in 2010, I’m especially proud to be representing my country for the second time in a World Championship.

“Last year in Beijing was a special experience and I think this year is going to be even better. I’m stronger and faster than I was 12 months ago, so I’m raring to go.”