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They'll tri and tri again, but forget talk of not succeeding
It's been a terrific first year for Chichester's triathlon club as members make a big splash – locally, nationally and even internationally.
Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club (CWTC) are less than a year old but are already snowed under with members ... and with success.
The club started when a group of about a dozen local athletes decided they were frustrated at the lack of opportunities to train in a club environment in Chichester.
They now have more than 70 members, with six athletes in their elite squad just back from the European championships in Holland (see panel on the right) and two gearing up for the world championships later this year.
The club have done so well they have been praised by one of the leading national triathlon officials.
In ten events in 2009, Chichester members have achieved a terrific 34 podium places – and next up, it's the Chichester triathlon on Sunday week.
The club, who are delighted to have attracted Natures Way Foods as their headline sponsor, are not just an elite group, though.
They have attracted many members who are complete beginners.
Adrian Campbell, club chairman and head coach, said: "When we started the club it was only supposed to be a small beginning to attract people who had already shown an interest.
"All of a sudden we ended up with one hell of an elite squad. We're struggling with the number of members we've got. We're gobsmacked and can't work it out."
Campbell, 38, has played a big part in the club's success even though he suffers from two muscle diseases which have left with frequent trips to – and stays in – hospital.
He is a level two British Triathlon Federation (BTF) coach, the first disabled coach to reach this standard, and his next dream is to set up a disabled section of the club.
The scheme is being supported financially and technically by the BTF and Chichester District Council, with a view to Chichester becoming a centre of excellence for Para-triathletes.
The club are also aiming to set up a junior programme over the summer holidays for 11 to 16-year-olds.
Campbell said: "I think it's going to be very popular. If we have the same rapid growth I'm going to be in trouble!"
Kat Valk, regional programme manager of Triathlon England, said: "The Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club are a great asset to triathlon on the south coast and Triathlon England is delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking club.
"The club has a very high growth rate, showing that not only are they providing a great service, but also fulfilling a need within the community."
SIX members of the Chichester club completed the gruelling course at the European championships in Holten, Holland.
A 1,500m swim, 42km cycle and 10k run were completed in temperatures of 30C.
The club record was not expected to be beaten, but Jason Davis managed a personal best with a time of 2hr 18min, beating the club's best by two minutes.
In the ladies' field, Mary Campbell had a strong race, finishing eighth in her age group and third GB athlete.
And the outstanding effort of the day was from 17-year-old Dan Bailey, who smashed the club record in 2hr 13min, which earned him a silver medal.
Bailey and Campbell's displays qualified them for the British team travelling to the world championhips in Australia.
Club Chairman Adrian Campbell said: "We're delighted with the results, they're great for us, the club and the sport. With the experience gained, we will have so much more to offer next year."
The squad were congratulated by friend of the club James Cracknell, who they urged to take part in the Chichester triathlon.
MATT EDWARDS
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Weather for Chichester
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 5 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
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