Here we see Polly Veazey-French on her way to winning the notoriously difficult Helvellyn Triathlon held in the Lake district on Sunday 2nd September 2012.

The race started off with an open water 1 mile swim in Ullswater – England’s most beautiful  lake; followed by a 38 miles cycle – including the Kirkstone  Pass. Kirkstone Pass is a moutain pass at an altitude of 1,489 feet. This is the Lake District’s highest pass. In places the gradient is 1 in 4. The Triathlon culminated in a 9 mile run up Helvellyn. At 3118 feet England’s 3rd  highest peak, only 75 feet less than the highest and in doing so setting the course record for a female athlete. In the later stages of the race, Polly fell badly, gashing her knee that later needed 12 stitches, and for the last 2 miles was in some discomfort.

Since January 2012 Polly has worked hard and makes weekly 50 mile round trip cycle rides to receive Sports Massage to help keep her injury free. She has won four triathlons this year and positioned 3rd in the Great Britain Middle Distance Triathlon held in July. In events such as the Triathlon, the quality of equipment can be a real asset, and a carbon racing bike could help make Polly more competative.

To help raise funds in order to purchage a bike for Polly, Derbyshire Sports Massage are holding weekly Sports Massage sessions held at Darwin Forest County Park each Thursday from 5.30 to 9.00 pm, with money raised going towards Polly’s bike fund. To book a place please telephone Darwin on 01629 736 222. In the coming weeks Polly will re-evaluate her goals for 2013, leading towards the World Triathlon Championships (date and location to be confirmed). To follow Polly’s progress please log onto www.matlock-one.co.uk.