Post by evamc on Nov 26, 2013 21:17:26 GMT
LOUGH CUTRA CASTLE TRIATHLON THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET!
New half iron triathlon for Lough Cutra Castle, Gort, Co. Galway
The Castle Triathlon Series have just launched their first half iron (middle distance) triathlon in Ireland. It will take place at Lough Cutra Castle in Gort, Co. Galway on Sunday 25th May. The new race, aptly titled The Gauntlet, builds on the success of the Standard (Olympic), Sprint and Super Sprint races, as well as three junior races, held at the venue for the last two years. Tri clubs are particularly welcome to compete and discounts on entry are available to al members.
The Gauntlet consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run. It's perfect for those who wish to upgrade from the Olympic distance or simply take on a new challenge. The stunning venue and scenic grounds set the scene for a motivating event nurturing the most extreme triathlon ambitions. It's one of very few middle distance triathlons on the west coast.
The race is suitably named in keeping with the castle theme. The Gauntlet not only symbolises a protective glove used as a form of armour during historical battles, but also celebrates the expressions ‘running the gauntlet’, which means running between two rows of adversaries and ‘throwing down the gauntlet’ or issuing a challenge. The Gauntlet half iron distance race will provide some opposition and will definitely be a challenge for competitors. €2,500 prize money will be awarded to the podium finishers.
The 1.9km swim is a single circuit, around Apple Island in beautiful Lough Cutra Castle lake. The 90km cycle exits the Castle gates and head northwest through the rocky karst landscape of the Burren including the daunting Corkscrew Hill. It is a single loop course, and includes part of the Olympic Distance cycle course familiar to previous competitors. The 21km run course is entirely within the Castle grounds and consists of two 10.5km laps. The course includes a strong off road element which is often praised and welcomed by the elite triathletes taking part in Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon.
Brian Adthingy is the Race Director of the Castle Triathlon Series and the brainchild behind The Gauntlet. Adthingy, not one to shy away from extreme challenges himself, explains: “The Gauntlet launched for the first time at Chateau de Chantilly Triathlon and Hever Castle Triathlon this year (2013). The response was unprecedented with 500 competitors across them both in the first year including serious world ranking elites such as David McNamee, Fraser Cartmell and Lucy Gossage taking on the new race challenge. We've been inundated with enquiries and interest since word about the Lough Cutra race began to spread.” Video footage of the Hever Castle Gauntlet can seen on the website www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
He continues: “It’s a challenging course in stunning West of Ireland scenery, and will be a fantastic opportunity for triathletes of all abilities to undertake a serious conquest whilst battling for the prestigious title.”
The triathlon community in Ireland and the UK are very enthusiastic about the new middle distance race, particularly two of last year's competitors who are returning for 2014. Elite performer Matt Molloy and podium finisher in 2013 welcomes it saying, "It’s fantastic news that Castle Triathlons have expanded the range of races on offer at Lough Cutra Castle next year with the addition of the Gauntlet. The venue is absolutely stunning, crystal clear waters, a scenic and undulating bike route and a beautiful, mainly off road, run in the castle grounds. The date also works really well for those travelling over from the UK or down from the North, as its on the second bank holiday weekend in May." Matt Molloy is also bringing his children to compete at Lough Cutra Castle next year.
Leading Cork triathlete Amy Wolfe and winner of last year's women's race loves the venue, saying, "Lough Cutra Castle was my favourite race on the tri calendar last season due to its majestic castle setting on the shores of Europe's largest privately owned lake. In 2014 it's looking to be even more competitive with the addition of 'the gauntlet' half iron distance race. Racing a half iron distance with the swim, run and party all contained within the castle grounds is rather special. it is unique and I throw down the gauntlet (excuse the pun!) that it will not be like any other race you will ever do."
Registration is now open on www.loughcutratri.ie, and with a whopping 30% discount early bird offer, now's the time to get booking. Full course details and maps will be available on the website shortly.
New half iron triathlon for Lough Cutra Castle, Gort, Co. Galway
The Castle Triathlon Series have just launched their first half iron (middle distance) triathlon in Ireland. It will take place at Lough Cutra Castle in Gort, Co. Galway on Sunday 25th May. The new race, aptly titled The Gauntlet, builds on the success of the Standard (Olympic), Sprint and Super Sprint races, as well as three junior races, held at the venue for the last two years. Tri clubs are particularly welcome to compete and discounts on entry are available to al members.
The Gauntlet consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run. It's perfect for those who wish to upgrade from the Olympic distance or simply take on a new challenge. The stunning venue and scenic grounds set the scene for a motivating event nurturing the most extreme triathlon ambitions. It's one of very few middle distance triathlons on the west coast.
The race is suitably named in keeping with the castle theme. The Gauntlet not only symbolises a protective glove used as a form of armour during historical battles, but also celebrates the expressions ‘running the gauntlet’, which means running between two rows of adversaries and ‘throwing down the gauntlet’ or issuing a challenge. The Gauntlet half iron distance race will provide some opposition and will definitely be a challenge for competitors. €2,500 prize money will be awarded to the podium finishers.
The 1.9km swim is a single circuit, around Apple Island in beautiful Lough Cutra Castle lake. The 90km cycle exits the Castle gates and head northwest through the rocky karst landscape of the Burren including the daunting Corkscrew Hill. It is a single loop course, and includes part of the Olympic Distance cycle course familiar to previous competitors. The 21km run course is entirely within the Castle grounds and consists of two 10.5km laps. The course includes a strong off road element which is often praised and welcomed by the elite triathletes taking part in Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon.
Brian Adthingy is the Race Director of the Castle Triathlon Series and the brainchild behind The Gauntlet. Adthingy, not one to shy away from extreme challenges himself, explains: “The Gauntlet launched for the first time at Chateau de Chantilly Triathlon and Hever Castle Triathlon this year (2013). The response was unprecedented with 500 competitors across them both in the first year including serious world ranking elites such as David McNamee, Fraser Cartmell and Lucy Gossage taking on the new race challenge. We've been inundated with enquiries and interest since word about the Lough Cutra race began to spread.” Video footage of the Hever Castle Gauntlet can seen on the website www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
He continues: “It’s a challenging course in stunning West of Ireland scenery, and will be a fantastic opportunity for triathletes of all abilities to undertake a serious conquest whilst battling for the prestigious title.”
The triathlon community in Ireland and the UK are very enthusiastic about the new middle distance race, particularly two of last year's competitors who are returning for 2014. Elite performer Matt Molloy and podium finisher in 2013 welcomes it saying, "It’s fantastic news that Castle Triathlons have expanded the range of races on offer at Lough Cutra Castle next year with the addition of the Gauntlet. The venue is absolutely stunning, crystal clear waters, a scenic and undulating bike route and a beautiful, mainly off road, run in the castle grounds. The date also works really well for those travelling over from the UK or down from the North, as its on the second bank holiday weekend in May." Matt Molloy is also bringing his children to compete at Lough Cutra Castle next year.
Leading Cork triathlete Amy Wolfe and winner of last year's women's race loves the venue, saying, "Lough Cutra Castle was my favourite race on the tri calendar last season due to its majestic castle setting on the shores of Europe's largest privately owned lake. In 2014 it's looking to be even more competitive with the addition of 'the gauntlet' half iron distance race. Racing a half iron distance with the swim, run and party all contained within the castle grounds is rather special. it is unique and I throw down the gauntlet (excuse the pun!) that it will not be like any other race you will ever do."
Registration is now open on www.loughcutratri.ie, and with a whopping 30% discount early bird offer, now's the time to get booking. Full course details and maps will be available on the website shortly.