Ayrodynamic’s Finlay Rae finishes sixth in Porthcrawl Triathlon

Jul 22 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TEENAGER Finlay Rae continued his fine form to finish sixth overall and second youth in the Porthcrawl Triathlon.

The British Triathlon Super Series event took place in the picturesque town on the South Wales coastline.

Finlay, of the Ayrodynamic Club, recorded 30.29 which was within 24 seconds of the older junior winner. The first 10 athletes were within a minute of each other showing the quality of the field.

Finlay's performance has earned him British selection for the 2011 Tours ETU youth Triathlon European Championships in Loire on August 27.

Vintage Grant Young and super veteran Tom Reid travelled to the Hawick Sprint Triathlon. Following an excellent cycle, Grant won the vintage category in 1.14.49 with Tom following home in 1.24.07.

As well as triathlon, Ayrodynamic has many members who take part in single discipline events. Matt Herbertson and Paul Wormersley both looked to the French Alps for their major challenge this year.

Matt, for the second year running, faced the Marmotte, arguably one the toughest cycling sportifs in the world which took in the Col du Glandon, Col Du Telegraph, Col Du Galibier before finishing on Alp D'Huez.

In more favourable weather conditions than last year, Matt finished in an excellent 10.52, well over an hour faster than last year. Paul chose to take part in the shorter Etape Du Tour from Modane to Alp D'Huez, a similar route to la Marmotte but missing out the Col Du Glandon. Paul paced the route well to finish in a time of 7.40.

This weekend, 13 Ayrodynamic athletes will compete in Ironman Frankfurt, Germany. Following a very early start, they will have a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run to contend with before enjoying a few days of relaxation before heading home.

Anyone wishing to follow progress can do so on www.ironmanlive.com by entering the name or number on the athlete tracker.

Taking part are Elaine Auld 477, Susan Gray 546, Alice McNulty 638, Alan Auld 849, Colin Davidson 1111, Kenny Girvan 1367, Gregor Grant 1410, Stuart Hawthorne 1495, Alastair MacFarlane 1917, Charlie Martin 1955, Mark McNulty 1982, Charlie Smith 2583 and Alastair Stewart 2640.

Alan and Elaine Auld, along with son Cameron who will race in the Ironkids race at Frankfurt, are fundraising for The Prader Willi Association, a condition which their daughter three-year-old daughter Iona has.

Alan said: "This is by far the hardest challenge myself and Elaine have tried to do as it is a huge commitment to training required along with normal family life. However, this does not come close to the challenges my daughter Iona will be faced with in her life."

Further information on Prader Willi can be found on www.PWSA.co.uk and anyone wishing to donate can do so on www.justgiving.com/alan-auld02011 Tours ETU Youth Triathlon European Championships