In the shadow of the LOCOG headquarters, the GE Canary Wharf Triathlon delivered world-class triathlon racing in the heart of London’s iconic financial and shopping district on the 28 June, ahead of the triathlon events at the London 2012 Olympic Games, which are now just over one month away.
Residents and office workers lined the course, and enthusiastically supported the elite athletes as they raced over the 400m swim, 10km bike and 2km run super-sprint triathlon course. Key members of the LOCOG delivery team were also on hand, with David Luckes, Head of Sport Competition for London 2012 and John Lunt, Triathlon Competition Manager both lending their support to the athletes.
John Lunt commented: “It was great to see such an exciting, dynamic race in the new heart of London, it whets the appetite for what’s to come in just a few weeks time. The triathlon events of the Olympic Games will be in Hyde Park and I hope those who watched the racing here will be inspired to make the short journey to Hyde Park on 4 and 7 of August and show their vocal support for all the competing athletes.”
This year’s GE Canary Wharf Triathlon once again attracted an international field with athletes from Australia, the United States and South Africa all racing as well as a strong contingent from the UK. Australian, Aaron Royle improved on his fourth placed position in 2011, by winning the sprint for the men’s race from Olympian Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) with Aaron Harris in 3rd place (pictured above).
World Duathlon Champion Katie Hewison took the title in the women’s event, closely followed by Liz Blatchford and RSA’s Gillian Sanders (pictured below). The South African will be back in London on Saturday 4 August, as she competes in her first Olympic Games in Hyde Park..
The GE Canary Wharf Triathlon wasn’t solely for elites as the Corporate Challenge enabled 24 teams from Canary Wharf residents, including two from LOCOG, to compete on the same course as the elites and receive support and encouragement from their friends, family and work colleagues.
British Triathlon President and European Triathlon Union Vice-President, Dr Sarah Springman CBE, was delighted with the venue, format and the tremendous racing. She said: “This is a fantastic way of bringing triathlon to the heart of a city-centre and showcases the world-class athletes in our sport. Many of the staff, technical officials and volunteers who helped deliver the event will also be working in Hyde Park at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
'They all did a great job and we must thank them for their great efforts. We can now look forward to the free-to-view Olympic triathlon events on 4 and 7 August, where we want a vocal British crowd supporting Team GB in its quest for a first Olympic medal.”
Pictures Courtesy of British Triathlon Federation