Cayman triathlon attracts international competitors

(CNS): With sports tourism on the rise in the Cayman Islands visitors and athletes are making trips specifically to watch and participate in sporting events. The Mercuryman Triathlon which took place at the Reef Resort in East End on Sunday sponsored by CITA is  Cayman’s only official half iron distance triathlon and aquabike event. The endurance event involved a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. The event was completed as an individual or with relay teams of 2-3 members and three up and coming triathletes on the international circuit also participated in the triathlon alongside many local residents.

Justin Plenkiewicz, Johan Heath and Trevor Murphy the organizers of the event said triathlon is one of the world’s fastest growing sports with around 200 triathletes in the Cayman Islands alone. In the USA and Britain triathlon membership growth has increased on average by approximately 10 -15% per annum over the last 10 years.

Pedro Gomes a 28 year old professional triathlete from Portugal, currently training under coach Jesse Kropelnicki and preparing for Ironman World Championship in Kona Hawaii won the Men’s Individual race in 4:11:36, while Lesley Smith a 29 year old professional triathlete from the United States won the Women’s Individual race in 4:36:19.

Pedro and Lesley both were delighted to be in Grand Cayman to start off the year in a warm weather destination and Smith noted that it was a challenge due to the hot weather. She said “most triathletes like a challenge and this race was one of the hottest races I have participated in lately.”

In second place in the women’s division was elite athlete, Sue Aquila, who recommend the event to any triathlete preparing for early season races.

Meanwhile, Guilherme Campos who is a professional triathlete from Italy who has been training full time and racing all over the World over the last year and a half failed to finishdue to injury and illness.

Results are posted on the http://mercurymantri.com/ website.