Elites and Amateurs Race to Victory on Final Day of Virgin Active London Triathlon

London

The final day of the Virgin Active London Triathlon saw top international elite athletes take to London’s docklands on their quest for victory at the world’s largest triathlon, which host 13,000 participants each year.

Yesterday, excitement at the Excel included a whole host of Olympic athletes and famous faces including Melanie C and Virgin Active’s Team VA, comprising of Louis Smith MBE, Nicola Adams MBE, and Jade Jones MBE.

The second day of the event got off to an energetic start with Gerry McCann, father of Madeline McCann, taking on an Olympic distance event. McCann travelled down from Leicestershire to take on the challenge, completing the swim, bike, run in an impressive time of 2:26.50.

McCann said: “Incredible day, incredible experience but incredibly tough. I knew it would be a challenge, I wanted to push myself, get under 2:30, which is why I chose the sub 2:30 wave. Missing People is a really important charity, it’s the main reason I’m here and it is my motivation. We got incredible support, it is a lifeline for families like us.”

Alongside the masses of general participants, the Virgin Active London Triathlon also played host to the Grand Final of the British Triathlon Super Series. Top International athletes, with a strong British offering, battled it out for the title creating added excitement for the crowds of spectators.

Despite trailing behind Lucy Hall in both the swim and bike section of the race, Jodie Stimpson showed phenomenal form taking the women’s elite title in 1:57.36 finishing with a strong run. Hall followed behind in 1:59.14.

Following her win, Stimpson commented: “Lucy was cycling really well. I tried to close the gap on her but I couldn’t beat her and so I used the run as a chance to catch up and take the lead. It was a fantastic event, you can’t beat racing on home soil – it brings you to another level.”

Emma Pallant followed shortly behind Hall in 2:00.59, securing her third place and overall victory in the British Triathlon Super Series following a recent run of good form.

The men’s elite race was a similarly thrilling spectacle welcoming Greg Rouault to the podium who came in 1:46.23 ahead of British athletes Stuart Hayes and Mark Buckingham. Hayes, who was favourite for the race finished in 1:46.53 while Buckingham followed with 1:47.08.

Rouault said: “Last week after Hamburg was rough. I struggled a bit but I needed to get a good swim and I did. There’s a fantastic atmosphere here today and it’s lovely to see how many people get involved. I wish every country had a big triathlon like this.”

Hayes, a former winner of Virgin Active London Triathlon, commented on his commendable second place “I’m happy with 2nd but I really wanted to win. I’ve done this race fifteen times and a love it.”

Hayes’ took his second silver medal position of the day in the British Triathlon Super Series final standings, losing out on the top spot to Brownlee training partner Tom Bishop.

As another successful year of the Virgin Active London Triathlon draws to a close, hopeful participants are encouraged to register for 2014 now to gain access to an exclusive 48 hour entry window before the event goes on sale to the general public. To register your interest, go to www.thelondontriathlon.com.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Active said: “This year the event celebrated a very special anniversary, one year since the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. Virgin Active and the London Triathlon represent the ideals of the legacy giving people the facilities and the opportunity to keep fit, take part in sport and complete a personal goal. I’m looking forward to the 2014 event and look forward to seeing 13,000 participants here again.”

The Virgin Active London Triathlon is proudly supported by; Virgin Active Health Clubs (Title Sponsor), Cycleguard (Official Bike Insurance Partner) Maxifuel (Official Nutrition Partner), Skechers Performance Division (Official Footwear Sponsor), Speedo (Official Swim Partner), and Tri UK (Official Retailer), Virgin Money Giving (Official Fundraising Partner), Scope (Official Gold Charity), Macmillan (Official Gold Charity.)