Granite Man 2021: From novices to champions
IT WAS only a few years ago that both the winners of Granite Man were taking to the water for their first ever triathlons.
Now Megan Chapple, who finished in 4:33.57 and Chris Norman, 4:18.22, have held aloft the iconic granite trophies having secured course bests in very different circumstances.
Chapple was in command for much of her race, while the lead in the men’s event yo-yoed and Norman had to overcome cramping early in the run before securing victory.
Two weeks ago thick fog led to the postponement of the race, throwing a massive curve-ball to the preparations and leaving the competitors in limbo having already tapered off for Guernsey Triathlon’s biggest race.
Visibility was clear this time, but a strong WNW wind and big swell made for a challenging swim, particularly at the L’Ancresse end of the bay.
Those covering the middle distance race completed around 1.9km in the water, before a 90km bike and a half marathon that descended into Ronez’s Les Vardes quarry.
The transition area was the focal point for spectators, providing a welcome boost as cyclists and runners looped in and out at different stages.
There was a palpable sense of achievement whenever anyone entered the finish straight, often clapped through by a tunnel of family, friends and other competitors.
Out on the course some had to cope with punctures and mechanical failures, traffic hold-ups and nutritional malfunctions.
Dave Mosley was second overal in 4:22.54 and James Travers third, 4:25.21.
Emily Squire was runner-up to Chapple, finishing in 5:14.24 with Magda Murhpy third. 5:18.22.
In the supporting Sprint distance race, young Thierry Le Cheminant dominated, although hampered by a stitch later in the run, finishing in 1:07.01.
Sammy McNaught was second (1:15.44), and leading woman, with Nathan Ward third (1:16.47).
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We are producing an e-special magazine which will be out in the next few days where you can hear more about the journeys the winners have been on as they progressed from novices to champions and we also caught up with aqua-bike age group world champion Andrea Nightingale.
