Last Sunday saw Jake Amos and his Hitchin Hares host the 2nd edition of the Hitchin Tri at the Hitchin Swimming Centre outdoor pool. As the early morning sun slowly crept over the tree tops, nervous chatter intermingled with the trickling of the art deco fountains. The 50m pool was laned off and ready for the first 400m leg of the race. 7.00 am and the gun went off. After a quick swim exit the athletes were sent out on a gently undulating 20km bike leg ending with two laps of the town centre incorporating Butts Close. As is customary these days, Freedom was well represented with some fine performances. Ryan Nicholl was 3rd in 1:02:18 (1st in AG); Richard Springall 6th in 1:04:57 (4th AG); Steve Carrod 18th in 1:08:38 (9th in AG); Luke Nicholl 22nd 1:09:32 (2nd AG); Helen Cairns 50th in 1:14:34 (1st in AG); Andrew Fenton 145th in 1:31:05 (23rd in AG); Stephanie Merison completing her first ever triathlon 150th in 1:32:03 (16th in AG) with Emma Clark 161st in 1:36:42 (20th in AG). Unfortunatley Toni Fenton had to pull out after the bike leg.

Stephanie Merison enjoying her first race at the Hitchin Triathlon.