Australian Peter Kerr wins AJ Bell London Triathlon
Elite triathletes, keen amateurs, celebrities, fundraisers and triathlon first-timers came together to swim, bike and run across London this weekend. With participants aged from 18-74, spanning 50 countries, the past 48 hours has seen 13,000 competitors cross the finish line of the AJ Bell London Tr
Elite triathletes, keen amateurs, celebrities, fundraisers and triathlon first-timers came together to swim, bike and run across London this weekend. With participants aged from 18-74, spanning 50 countries, the past 48 hours has seen 13,000 competitors cross the finish line of the AJ Bell London Triathlon.
Today, Sunday 9th August, the elites went head-to-head in two exhilarating races that ultimately saw Olympian and twice World Champion Helen Jenkins and Australian triathlete Peter Kerr prevail as champions on the day. With an 88-strong senior elite field, that included Charlotte McShane, Gillian Sanders and Emma Pallant in the female race and Liam Lloyd, David Bishop and Brendan Sexton in the male elite category.
Following her withdrawal from a test event in Rio last week, female elite winner Helen Jenkins was back on fighting form, racing her way to victory in an impressive time of 1hours56mins32secs, a full minute and seven seconds ahead of Australian Charlotte McShane and almost five minutes ahead of 2014 winner Emma Pallant.
Speaking of her victory, Helen Jenkins commented: “It’s been a tough few months and I had a bad result in Rio last weekend so it’s fantastic to be back and to have had such a great race. I had a bit of aggression to let out but me and Charlotte worked really well together; we played to our strengths, kept our heads down and it paid off. I didn’t feel great in the swim, but pulled through on the bike and run and it felt amazing to finish how I did.”
Providing another gripping race, the men’s elite title was taken by Australian Peter Kerr who was on Welsh triathlete Liam Lloyd’s tail for much of the race. Eventually passing Lloyd on the final lap of the run, Kerr finished with a time of 1hours48mins27secs, followed closely behind by David Bishop.
Peter Kerr enthused: “It’s my first time here, but I’ve absolutely loved the event! The crowd were spectacular and there were loads of Aussie chants as I went round the course so the whole experience has been great for my confidence. I was really happy with how the race went; I was hoping to be in the front pack in the swim and was in second for a long portion, but played cat and mouse with Lloyd and managed to catch back up.”
Today’s proceedings also saw the British Super Series come to a conclusion with Sophie Coldwell and Morgan Davies being crowned as overall champions, following strong rounds earlier in the season.
James Robinson, Managing Director of event organisers IMG added: “It’s been another great year for the event and we’ve been treated to an exceptional elite display here today. With competitors spanning 50 countries, from first-timers right up to our seasoned triathletes it’s been fantastic to witness so many people achieving their goals and getting stuck into the spirit of triathlon here this weekend.”
The AJ Bell London Triathlon sees participants swim, bike and run around London’s iconic Docklands. The world’s largest triathlon with its 13,000 participants, caters for all levels and abilities, and features Super-Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Olympic Plus distances as well as the option to participate as part of a Team-Relay.
