Led by our 5 debutantes, it was another great day of long course racing for NSTC today.

First home for NSTC was Walshy, in 5:03 – a creditable result at the best of times, but incredible for the volume of training, ie, next to none!

Toby was next in - not sure of exact time, but only minutes later. Another result that is all the more impressive for the limitations on his training since IMOZ, due most recently to some ill health.

Then came a clutch of newbie’s: Michael O’Hara, in 5:40-odd, Len just over 5:50, and Cecile in 6:03 – with Rocket somewhere in amongst them (not sure of exact time, as missed his finish). After a sensational swim and solid bike, Murray faded a little on the run, but still did a creditable 6:30 or so on debut.

Paul Brandon decided that the limitations on his training due to Lyn’s illness weren’t enough of an impediment, and rode the first lap with a binding front brake!! Despite this, a strong finish saw him get in just under the 7hr barrier.

Hard luck story for the day (again) went to Traci, with a broken chain late in the ride leaving her cooling her heels for 18 mins until a bike mechanic arrived to get on back on the road (but with a warning not to pedal too hard, due to the temporary nature of his repair!!!) Once again, she showed her typical big heart, to carry on to finish in 7:03 –meaning she would have been way under her 7hr target if not for the mechanical strife.

So, everyone can take pride in their results. From a club viewpoint, the most pleasing thing was to see our 5 debutantes to long course triathlon racing all finish, and all give such creditable performances.

WELL DONE, ALL!!