Triathlon: The Stoneman Cup Triathlon Race Report

Not only do these athletes pick one of the toughest races to compete in, but they also pick some of the worst days of the year to do so. It seemed as if the wind Gods had left Mount Olympus to go on a day trip to the Phoenix Park. With 50mph gusts of wind, it was a challenge to stay upright on the bike, not to mind finish the race. If that wasn't tough enough the odd hail shower was thrown just to make life more difficult.

Easily known the power was out parts of Dublin, because over 50 people didn't get to hear the weather forecast and decided to race in the Stoneman Cup instead. This race was longer than the usual format, it consisted of a 2m Run, 10m Cycle, 2m Run, 10m Cycle, 2m Run. From the start Aidan Woods took the lead with the others trying to tuck in behind him and save some energy. He had pulled away a bit by the time he got into Trans 1. He was followed by Aubery Storey, Peter Savage and Brian Crinion who came in together. Aubery got away quickest, mounting his bike like a cowboy jumps on to a galloping horse. Brian got a flat on the first lap but managed to swap his wheel with one of the spectators. He had lost a lot of ground with Peter now in a good third place, so went like a bat of hell to get through the pack.

Meanwhile, Aubery slowly started to catch Aidan and to start what one spectator called a 'right good battle'. He passed Aidan on the 5th lap but Aidan was not going to give up the lead that easy. He caught and passed Aubery on the second run, and was away first on the bike again. Once again Aubery reeled Aidan in and got away on the last run leg in a good but not commanding first place. Aidan was hot on his heels. Going on his previous two runs we expected Aidan to catch him and hoped for a sprint finish. Aubery's race experience and fitness showed though, he managed to hold on and record a well deserved victory.

There was another battle going on for the third and fourth spot. After Brians earlier misfortune, he had succeeded in catching up with Peter just as they came into the last transition. Peter got out on to the run first with Brian breathing down his neck. He slowly pulled away from Brian and cruised home in third spot with 31 secs to spare.

The womens race was a race of the 3 Carolines. Caroline Kearney led from the start and recorded another worthy success. Her club-mate Caroline Mooney came in in second place with Caroline Donaghy securing third in her very first competitive race.

Results
The Stoneman Cup - Phoenix Park - Sun March 21st
Distance : 2m Run, 10m Cycle, 2m Run, 10m Cycle, 2m Run 
	(2m,10m,2m,10m,2m)
Male
	1.	Aubery Storey (3dtri) 1:15:59
	2.	Aidan Woods (3dtri) 1:16:10
	3.	Peter Savage (Team Extreme) 1:17.51
	4.	Brian Crinion (Belpark) 1:18.22

Female
	1.	Caroline Kearney (3dtri) 1:27:35
	2.	Caroline Mooney (3dtri) 1:38:41
	3.	Caroline Donaghy (Tsunami) 1:49:09

Veteran
	1.	Michael Macken (H-I-T-W) 1:20:52
	2.	Ciaran Cassidy (3dtri) 1:22:46