Teams from the Army, Navy and RAF competed in the annual OA Inter-Services Triathlon, on Wednesday 26th July at Cotswold Water Park. The RAF won both the men and women’s individual races, while the Army dominated the team categories.
The event, sponsored by the Officers’ Association (OA), was organised this year by the RAF Triathlon Association. Competitors swam through 1.5 km of open water, cycled 41 km of tricky terrain and finished the course with a 10 km run. The rain added an extra challenge, making the road and track slippery.
Senior Aircraftman Luke Pollard completed the race in one hour, 54 minutes and 40 seconds, and Flight Lieutenant Lucy Nell finished in two hour, 11 minutes and 44 seconds.
Remarkably, this is the third time they have both won the OA Inter-Services Triathlon.
Luke said: “Winning for a third time is as exciting as the first. I always work hard towards the OA Inter-Services Triathlon. It’s a race that always carries a lot of prestige. I’m so pleased to take the title for another year. It was great too see so many competitors out there taking on the challenging course. I’m already looking forward to 2018’s race!”
Lucy said: “To compete in the OA Inter-Services Triathlon was fun. The atmosphere is always highly competitive, and it’s fantastic to compete alongside so many talented ladies, all of whom are extremely passionate about representing their Service. I was delighted to win for the RAF."
The Army won all three team awards: veteran male, open male and open female. In addition, the Army won both veteran individual awards. The fastest male and female veterans were Warrant Officer Class 2 Philip Westoby and Major Karen Peek. Lieutenant Henry ‘Harry’ Eaton, from the Army, and Lucy Nell won the fastest male and female officer awards.
Harry said: "Another great result for Team Army. It’s the product of a lot of hard work by both athletes and support staff. We all really appreciate the benefits of the race sponsors, the Officers’ Association, who always make it a premier event in our race calendar.”
The Police, Fire Brigade and Prison Service competed in the triathlon as guests. The OA also entered a relay team: Lee Holloway, OA Chief Executive, swam; Steve Chisnall, an Officers’ Association (OA) Trustee and former Air Vice-Marshal, cycled and Kate Tripp, a former Squadron Leader, ran.
Lee Holloway said: “The OA was delighted to sponsor the OA Inter-Services Triathlon for a second year. The competitors’ high levels of physical fitness, mental determination and self-discipline are qualities that will support Service leavers when they make a successful transition into civilian life. It was tough swimming against such great athletes, but also rewarding.”
For the full results visitwww.dbmaxresults.co.uk