Curious as to the importance of the Nepean Triathlon (26-27 Oct) to the Panthers Tri Club in Penrith? Just ask them.
“Nepean Tri is very important to PTC,” said Fiona Thomas, on behalf of PTC Committee. “It’s our ‘home’ race and is affectionately known as ‘Nepean Worlds’.
“Nepean Tri is an event that our athletes look forward to each year,” she continued. “It gives them a chance to race against their mates for bragging rights. It gives athletes a chance to experience a ‘bigger’ race on home turf.
“They’ve raced at the venue during our club races, and now it’s time to use all that training for a bigger event. It’s a fantastic event where all ages and abilities are catered for.”
The near-Olympic distance flagship event to be held on Sunday, 27th October, consists of a 1km swim, 30km bike and 10km run, and also features an Enticer (250m/10km/2.5km) for ages 13 and over, Tweens (150m/5km/1.25km) for ages 10-12 and a Kids Tri (50m/2km/500m) for ages 7-9 to be held a day earlier.
The race also marks the third round for the three Sydney leagues in Interclub 02, including PTC’s Sydney Premier League.
“We are currently sitting fourth on the ladder and only half a point behind third,” explained Thomas, referring to the Panthers (11) trailing Macarthur (11.5) in the Premier League standings currently topped by Hills Tri Club (27.5) and followed by Balmoral (19.5). “Our athletes are quietly going about their tri business – stay tuned.”
When asked which club members could shine come the start of the 38th start of Australia’s oldest triathlon, which began in 1982, Thomas was quick with a sweeping response.
“You should keep your eye on ALL Panthers Tri Club member,” she said emphatically. “PTC has such a varied membership base and for Nepean Tri, we have athletes from eight years all the way up to 72 years competing.
“If I had to narrow it down a bit, Aimee Carlin (21) and Melissa Fanning (47) have just returned from ITU World Age Group Championships in Switzerland, and their form is fantastic.
“Adam Footit (37) has been racing strongly at our club races, as has James Sweeney (49), so those two would be up on the list as well.
“From our Juniors, Jackson Connell (14) and Olivia Fawns (16) are definitely ones to watch. We’ve also got Greg Chapman (53) and Gordon Bell (57) — two legends of our club competing.
“PTC should never be underestimated.
For more information the Panthers Tri Club, please visit the PTC’s official website here: https://www.pantherstriclub.com.au
Or for more information on registering for the Nepean Triathlon, please visit the event’s official website here: https://nepeantriathlon.com.au
For more information on Interclub 02 or the Sydney Premier League, click here: https://nswtriathlonclubseries.com
Or for more information on joining or renewing your Triathlon Australia membership, please click here: http://www.triathlon.org.au/Membership/Annual_Membership.htm
