2013 European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships, Barcelona
Polly Linskill (Veazey-French) went to the European Championships, Calella , Barcelona, 19th May 2013, with some trepidation. She was suffering with a kidney infection for some three weeks leading up to the event; had lost more than half a stone in weight and was in pain for the entire race.
The first event was a swim of one and a quarter miles (1900m). Polly was first out of the water for Great Britain, in a time of 30 minutes and 33 seconds, with Spain’s Ivet Farriols Arimont second out of the water in 32:39. Polly decided to carry on with the next discipline, a hilly bike ride of 63 miles (90 km). Fastest was Germany’s Verena Eisenbach with a time of 2 hours 49 minutes and 21 seconds, followed by Lucia Thalman of Switzerland (2:54:45); Spains’s Natalia Rey Carrera (3:07:02) with Polly fourth fastest some 20 seconds adrift.
The third and final task was to run a half-marathon (21 km / 13.1 miles). Polly was quickest in a time of 1 hour 34 minutes and 4 seconds. Her nearest competitor being Verena with a time of 1 hour 36 minutes and 14 seconds.
Polly was the quickest swimmer and runner. The overall standings were Germany’s Eisenback 1st in 5 hours 3 minutes and 29 seconds; 2nd was Switzerland’s Thalman (5:11:44) and 3rd representing Great Britain was Polly (5:16:43)
Polly went to Barcelona, with a real belief that she could win. This is out of character, as folk who know Polly realise that she is very humble, and unassuming. Mindful of the British Championships, only three weeks later (8th June), Polly needed to race conservatively, and was so pleased to finish with the Bronze medal. To follow Polly’s progress please visit www.matlock-one.co.uk