Spectacular offering at a festival of triathlon
Guernsey’s hotly anticipated festival of triathlon returns this month.
Granite Man is usually held every two years, but after fog disrupted some participants’ race plans in 2021, it is being staged again to allow an opportunity for those who had to defer a chance to get on the start line.
The event is the Channel Islands only middle distance triathlon – 1,900m of swimming, 90km on the bike and then a half marathon which traverses Ronez’s Les Vardes quarry.
Alongside that there is a sprint distance race, which comprises of 750m in the water, 20km on the bike and 5km of trail running. There is also an aquabike option, while juniors also get a chance to shine with races staged for younger triathletes.
Guernsey Triathlon’s Emily Squire said one of the big draws was the quarry.
‘It’s a spectacular route,’ she said.
‘It’s a friendly event, and it gives people a chance to race longer distance on the island. It’s a bit of an odd one this year, usually it’s every two years. Because of the fog last year, we were mopping up last year’s deferrals. So after this, it goes back to every two years.’
Numbers are slightly down because of the proximity to last year’s event and also losing about 10 Jersey competitors because of the lack of boat options. There is still time to enter all the races.
The top three men from last year – Chris Norman, James Travers and Dave Mosley, will rekindle the battle that was so fascinating last time out.
Mosley’s improvement in the water adds another level of intrigue.
Alan Rowe (pictured at the top of the page) is also expected to add to that mix at the top.
Last year’s quickest woman Megan Chapple is not making it over this time, so all eyes will be on Chloe Truffitt at the front.
One of the other potential contenders, Amy Critchlow, is out with a collarbone injury, so it is likely to be Emily herself as Chloe’s closest competitor.
There should be around 20 juniors taking part.
Healthspan have come onboard to provide gels out on the course and other nutrition for those taking part.
Ian Brown’s Cycleshop have backed prizes in the sprint and middle distance events as well as offering bike servicing for competitors.
Ronez provide the dramatic quarry section of the 70.3 race and trophies.
One of the benefits of having a middle distance race in Guernsey is the confidence it can give people to travel off island for similar and even longer events elsewhere.
‘I think about 40 club members have gone off this year and raced either a 70.3 or Iron Man, which is incredible.’
Granite Man takes place on Sunday 11 September at 7am. The transition and finish line is at Pembroke.
You can enter and see course maps here.
