A quartet of Monmouth Tri Club competitors has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. This weekend Claire Jackson and Sharon Neville triumphed in Ludlow’s Storm the Castle, one of the UK’s toughest duathlons. the duo braved the full distance event, starting with a 10km run, followed by a 33km bike ride and finishing with a 5km run.

The undulating ride took competitors from Shropshire into Herefordshire and back again, with 500m elevation while the run treated the pair to four ascents of the lactic ladder, a gruesomely steep climb up to Whitcliffe common. Claire was the second woman home, coming first in her age group in 2 hours 48 minutes 16 seconds, while Sharon was fourth female overall and fourth in her age group in 2 hours, 57 minutes and 16 seconds.

This win cements Claire’s impressive start to the racing season; this month also saw her come fourth woman home in the New Forest’s Huntsman Middle Distance Triathlon. Meanwhile, Jak Smith smashed the Southport British Standard Triathlon, coming third overall, and first in his 25 to 29 age group, with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 16 seconds. He took on a 1500m swim in Southport’s marine lake, followed by a 40km cycle and a 10km run.

This epic achievement should see Jak qualify for the 2026 ETU European Championship Standard Distance Triathlon. Topping off this winning weekend, Matt Unsworth flew the UK’s flag in the 2025 European Middle Distance Triathlon Age Group Championships in Pamplona, Spain. Despite the heat and some painful niggles on the bike and run, Matt finished 29th out of 38th in his age group in 5 hours, 46 minutes and 12 seconds, buoyed by the gorgeous scenery and supportive crowds. Interested in triathlon?

Check out your local, friendly club at www.monmouthtri.club