THE triathlon season is just starting and it's time to measure the results of the winter's hard training. Monmouth Triclub athletes have started the season very strong with a number of members competing in different events and all putting in some exceptional results.

The highlight was in the British Sprint Triathlon championships where Victoria Baker won her age group (30-34) coming in 8th female, a truly remarkable result.

Club members have also participated in a variety of other events, with Monmouth Aquathlon organiser Richard Newhouse and Jools (Forrest) Boon competing at Blaenavon Tri in Abergavenny, coming 26th and 25th respectively.

It was an excellent result for Jools, who was still recovering from an ultra-marathon he completed the previous weekend.

Emma Davies took part in Tewkesbury's sprint triathlon, while Great Britain Para-tri squad member Andy Lewis, came third in the London ITU world Paratriathlon event.

Next weekend the action continues with club chairman Phil Tilley doing his first triathlon of the year alongside Trish Chalk and Gareth Jones, who are all participating in the Slateman in Llanberis, North Wales, Hannah Darcy will be in Barcelona for an Ironman 70.3 event.

Membership at the club has nearly doubled since last year and with that has come increased opportunities to train with friends of a similar level and share encouragement.

The regular Monday and Thursday evening swim sessions at Monmouth Boys School pool have been complemented by Sunday bike rides from Monnow Bridge, participation in local running races and a few trips to get some outdoor swim practice in.  

The club welcomes members of all abilities from novices who want to train for their first event through to those who would like to take up the challenges of "IronMan".

If you would like to join this small and friendly club you can contact [email protected]">[email protected]. Alternatively, visit http://www.monmouthtriclub.co.uk">www.monmouthtriclub.co.uk, find them on Facebook, or turn up to one of the training sessions.