Almutrad rules first triathlon of 2012 season

Riyadh: Arab News

Riyadh triathletes celebrated the first triathlon of the 2012 season in Ishbilia (Jadawel) compound.
After the 400 meters swim, where Saleh Al Katheri completed in 00:06:34, just one second ahead of Dave Smith, the cycling and running events were more technical, producing mixed feelings from many riders and runners.
The cycle route was designed with both long fast straights and tight turns to ensure that the 38 cyclists concentrated throughout the ride. In addition to concentrating on the many technicalities of the course, the riders had to keep count of the number of laps they had to complete. The 12-kilometer course was reminiscent of a cycling criterium, with the riders having to ride six full laps before returning to the transition point.
Leaving the second transition behind them, 51 runners set off on their 3-kilometer run. The runners were able to utilize one side of the dual carriageways, while cyclists from the later heats were visibly battling it out on the other side of the road, making an interesting spectacle, brought about by the requirement of having to produce a tightly contained course circuit.
After about one kilometer the runners broke off and were treated to a winding course that snaked along the sun baked compound roads to a welcome water station at the halfway point. The runners then retraced their steps back to a long straight, ideal for a sprint finish in front of the camera. During the run Nasser Almutrad was able to improve on his just off the podium position of 4th in both the swim and the cycle, to finish 3rd in the run, giving him the overall winner position and 300 points.
Due to the prolonged exposure to the very hot weather conditions, caused by the delayed start, it was not long before many of the exhausted participants had returned to the pool, which was conveniently located next to the finish line, for a welcome cool down.
As a reward for their efforts the triathletes were treated to an excellent post race breakfast that was perfect for replacing all of those expended carbohydrates.
Riyadh triathletes would like to thank the Public Pensions Agency and Riyadh Investment Company for the use of their excellent facilities and their organization throughout the day, as well as their ongoing support during the buildup on the days preceding the event.
As always, Riyadh triathletes would like to thank Carrefour @5 Le Mall for their continuing sponsorship throughout the 2012 season.
Cat A Results: 1st: Nasser Almutrad 00:43:26, 2nd: Gerd Muetze 44:18, 3rd: Mo Foustok 44:58, 4th: Antonio Castellanos 44:59, 5th: Dave Smith 45:15, 6th: Alex Carinan 46:15, 7th: Alberto Requero 47:18, 8th: Simon Chorlton 47:31, 9th: Paul Mc Parland 47:45, 10th: Steve Salt 47:55
Cat B Results: 1st: Freda Gocian 56:05, 2nd: Fiona Nichol 57:51, 3rd: Liz Laughton 56:33, 4th: Jana Jaruskova 59:12, 5th: Katerina Holeckova 1:00:57, 6th: Nikoll Long 1:05:36, 7th: Jane White.
Junior: 1st: Cameron McDermott 1:17:17.