French duo cop major titles at Rose Hall triathlon

Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:

Nicolas Becker and Isabelle Ferrer, both from France, emerged the toast of Saturday's second renewal of the WATA Rose Hall triathlon when they captured the international male and female titles, respectively, in the tri-dimensional event staged against the backdrop of the scenic Rose Hall coastline.

In the event, which featured a 1,500 swim, a 40-km bike ride and a 10k run, Becker clocked 2:11:55 to take the title, which was won at last year's inaugural staging by Australian Greg Bennett.

Tough course

Omar Nour, of Washington, DC, who clocked 2:15:35 and fellow American Ben Greenfield, who clocked 2:22:51, were second and third, respectively.

"I'm really happy to win, this was a really really tough course," said the elated Becker. "It is one of the hardest I've had to compete on but the climate motivated me. It's a very relaxing atmosphere."

In sealing the female title, which was won at last year's inaugural staging by the American Julie Swail-Estelle, Ferrer proved too much for German diplomat Alexandra Consten, who took second; and Jennifer Tetrick of the United States, who finished third.

"The course was very hot, very challenging," said Ferrer, who was competing in Jamaica for the first time. "I will definitely come back. It's my first time in Jamaica and I love the people."

Patrick Lee, who was the best of the local participants last year, took the local male title again with a 2:32:13 clocking. Alan Beckford took second and Christopher Gooden finished third.

Rachelle Heinould of Kingston emerged the best of the local women, clocking 3:18:27 minutes to take the local title ahead of Michelle Gabay, also of Kingston.

Women's sprints title

Jamaica enjoyed some amount of success in the sprint distance where Darragh Dolan took first place in a time of 1:27:58. Kingstonians Nigel Knowles and Stephen Royes were second and third, respectively. Tamiko Butler of Antigua defeated Jamaica's Lisa Lindo and Katy Downs for the women's sprints title.

Jamaicans took the top three positions in the sprint relays with the team of Dominic Walters, Tinga Turner and Andrew Gutzmore taking first place ahead of Leighton Anderson, Jermaine Raine and Stephen Deer.

The triathlon was the stellar event in the The Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival, which also featured a wellness festival, a 5km novelty run and a halloween party at the Rose Hall Great House.