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***PRESS RELEASE***

The annual Rosses Point Olympic distance triathlon is taking place on Saturday 25th May; starting from 1pm. This year the event has been awarded National Series status so it has attracted a strong field from across the country. The swim takes competitors from the end of the second beach in Rosses Point to Deadmans Point where they turn and transition to the cycle leg in the beach car park. The cycle consists of a 40k route looping around Ballincar and back to Rosses Point village, with the final 10k run leg taking competitors on a loop around the village and to the end of the second beach. The finish is on the Village Green where bouncy castles and entertainment will be in place to keep spectators entertained.
With the event being part of the Irish Triathlon National Series it has attracted some of the biggest names in Irish triathlon. Favourites include Stephen Donnelly from Ballina’s Liquid Motion club, Aidan Callaghan from Letterkenny and James Cleland from the Hi Elbow club. Among the locals Eamonn McAndrew will be setting out to defend his 2012 race win and Eoin McManus from the Mullaghmore club will also be vying for the top spot. One name to look out for is Cisco Juarez, a former professional and Spanish National squad athlete who is now racing and living in Sligo. If he can cope with the the cold water it could be a win for Sligo! In the female section it looks set for a competition between Cecilia McGuinness and Caoimhe NiMhuruchu, both members of Sligo Triathlon Club.
Competitors will be arriving in town from Friday evening with race sign on starting at 6:30am on Saturday morning –the race itself begins at 1pm. The best views of the action are in and around the Start/ Finish in Rosses Point where the various legs will be looping through. With Sligo Triathlon members representing the club in all the age group categories it should make for an entertaining day of racing.

***ENDS***

Directions for spectators (competitors, please see race brief):

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Great results from todays racing: Sligo took a podium place in Gortnor abbey with Sheila taking second; a full race report will follow. Jacqueline Byrne who completed tri a mhi half ironman in 5:33 in really testing conditions, well done also to Ray Byrne who took bronze in the Spiddal triathlon -not to forget Alan and Alex in Lanzarote Alex home in 13:15 -Alan not far behind in 14:37

Post race comment from a hot and windy Lanza:

Just over a year ago i signed up to do my first ironman. I choose Lanzarote cos i love the island. Last nite i realised i personal goal when i crossed the line. Fourteen and a half hours of hard work. I had a good swim but swallowed sea water which has a high salt content which caused stomach issues on the bike. Plus never ending hills and wind. The run was slow but comfortable. And then i got to cross the line a memory i.ll never forget. Any who going to enjoy last few days of hols. A full race report will follow!!!(Alan)