Do3 athletes set for European Championships

ATHLETES from Warwickshire triathlon group Do3 produced a string of brilliant performances as members reached the requisite standard for selection at the upcoming 2019 Weert ETU Standard Distance Triathlon Championships.

There were three podium places for Do3 at Southam Triathlon, a sprint event, which was raced over a 400m pool swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

Marina Lobato was first female and came over the line in 1hr 10mins and also achieved a personal best on the course.

Jonathan Ward was third in his age group and sixth overall after completing the sprint triathlon in 1hr 1min, while the relay was won by Do3’s Becky and Andy Brown.

Personal bests on the course were achieved by Alison Robbins, Paul Squire and Jason Robbins who completed the event in 1hr 18mins, 1hr 15mins and 1hr 17mins respectively.

Kate Wilson also raced and her husband Rob Wilson crossed the finish line in 1hr 5mins. New squad member Sebastian Jones took part in his first ever triathlon and pulled in an impressive 1hr 12mins.

At St Neots Triathlon, a qualifier for 2019’s ETU Standard Distance Triathlon Championships, the squad raced the standard distance course of a 1500m open water swim, 45km bike and 10km run.

Toni Senior, who will also race at the ETU European Middle Distance Championships in Ibiza in October, was fourth in her age group and looks set to confirm her place at Weert.

Jemima Cooper also achieved the standard for the Netherlands, having placed as third in her age group in a time of 2hrs 24mins.

Abi Senior was also in fine form and looks to gain a GB age group place at Weert. Other members of the squad competing at St Neots included Neive Richardson and Sonya Tate.

At the Wombourne Sprint Triathlon, Kate Miller was third in her age group in 1hr 8mins and Gethin Rees was first in his age group, having impressively broken the hour for a sprint event.

Do3's head coach, Dave Knight, said: “The season may be drawing in, but the squad remains in peak performance.

"Southam was a triumph for Do3 with such notable results and it was also incredibly gratifying as a coach to see so many of the competitors in Do3 kit.

"Toni and the gang raced hard at St Neots and deservedly have reserved their places for 2019’s standard distance finals.

"As the weekend highlights; hard work, grit and determination are proven to pay off. I also remain indebted to the generous support of our sponsors who have helped Do3 become such a formidable force in European triathlon circles.”