MID COAST GARAGES JUNIOR TRIATHLON SERIES RACE 7 REPORT

[Nashy]

PORT MACQUARIE TRIATHLON CLUB
“MIDCOAST GARAGES JUNIOR TRIATHLON SERIES”
RACE REPORT

It’s not about crossing the line first that makes you a winner it’s about leaving the start line in the first place – do that and you have already won!!!

Race SEVEN (7) - 8th March 2009

Sunday’s race had Port Macquarie Junior Triathlete Competitors venture back to their regular stomping ground in Port Macquarie after their last race at Rocks Ferry – Wauchope. A junior field of Seven (7) braved the challengers of swimming in the murky water following the recent rain and floods with many choosing not to race, sitting out until the water conditions improve.

Having crushed and broken my vertebrae in an Ironman training session just before Christmas I am very aware of safety whilst not only racing but also whilst training. The importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment was highlighted during this week’s race when Malachi Gooding, an experienced junior, had a nasty fall from his bike. Malachi was on a flat, straight and empty stretch of road when a simple slip resulted in him being thrown over the handlebars onto his head. The fact that Malachi was wearing his helmet correctly may well have saved him from serious injury. I believe this is a very good lesson to us all and know that Malachi will never forget the importance of wearing a helmet…
It’s good to hear that Malachi is making a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back up at our next junior event.

One area of safety that has come under some scrutiny as a result of this accident and that needs immediate attention is the importance of having the parent or guardian of the individual racers “On Course but Not Racing Themselves” whilst the junior competitor are racing. Please Note that unless this is the case the Junior Competitor will NOT be allowed to start the race. This decision is made with the kid’s safety in mind and is NOT negotiable.

Other important points include:
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IMPORTANT POINTS:
• YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 10 YEARS OLD TO COMPETE! Special provision can be made for competitors 9 ½ years old by gaining approval from Darrell Nash “Juniors Coordinator” prior to the event. This will be based on a practical assessment of the child predominately in regards to the swim and bike legs.

• You must be registered and set up ready to go for a warm up lap before 6.40AM on race day.

• Ensure your bike and equipment is fully road worthy / helmets correctly fitted etc.

• Ensure you have a swim cap.

• Ensure you have your Race Number on your leg and attached to either your race belt or pinned on a piece of clothing.

• Ensure you thank Mum, Dad or other for getting out of bed so early on a Sunday morning to bring you down so that you can compete.

FAILURE TO MEET ANY OF THESE OR ANY OTHER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE COMPETITOR SITTING OUT THE RACE… THIS IS NOT NEGOTABLE…
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There is always room for parents to be involved in giving a hand on race day. If you are interested and able please let me know prior to race day and I will discuss this with you. Some possible areas of involvement include assisting the kids at the swim to bike and bike to run transitions, riding your bike amongst the junior competitors, ensuring they obey all road rules and safety requirements, assisting with the water station following the junior race, general duties and more. If you are keen or would like more info please call me on 0418 213 866 or email me at darrellnash2002@yahoo.com.au

This is especially important whilst I am “out of action” due to my back…

Race Report:

All of our competitors walked away today with a “Mid Coast Garages” Participation Certificate indicating the competitors Name and Finish Time as well as the Date of the Triathlon. Competitors that had not previously received their cap were presented with a very special “Junior Series - Sponsors Cap” Many thanks to Dan from Mid Coast Garages for this… Dan has and continues to be a great supporter of our Port Macquarie Triathlon Club Juniors… So please consider Mid Coast Garages if you are ever in the market for any of their products!!!

The MIDCOAST GARAGES JUNIOR ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD for race 7 was presented to Thomas Craddock who completed his 2nd Home Race of the season in blistering fashion and with a BIG smile on his face…

Congratulation Thomas!

I hope all competitors enjoyed their experience today and whilst I know some may have learnt more than others, the experiences we have in life help mould our future.
If you know of some friends at school who may be thinking of joining please reinforce the safety and time aspects which I pointed out earlier in this report and have them come along to our next race…

The results of today’s race are as follows:
Race SEVEN (7) - 8th March 2009
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Competitor # / Name / Gender / Finish Time Minutes : Seconds
310 Bradley Watts Male 23:30
75 Malachi Gooding Male DNF
173 Jack Lister Male 30.38
39 Claire Hilton 28.52
155 Amy Cohen 28.52
341 Thomas Craddock 23.01
96 Liam MagEnnis 20.46

This as well as various other reports and Club Information can be found by visiting our Club Website: http://www.portmactriclub.com.au and then going into the Club “FORUM” – go to the Juniors Section for everything to do with the juniors… Please pass on any feedback – good or bad…
See you at our next race…

For info relating to a fund raiser for 5 year old Port Macquarie girl, Alani Cockshutt, who has been diagnosed with Leukaemia please visit the following link:

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Darrell Nash
Port Macquarie Triathlon Club
Juniors Coordinator – 2008 / 2009 Season