Granite Man title attracts entries from across Europe

THE Guernsey Triathlon Club will once again play host to elite athletes this summer as competitors from across Europe contest the title of Granite Man.

Taking place on Sunday 6 September, it is the main event of the year for the GTC comprising a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike race and a 21km run.

Mark Naftel, president of the club, said large scale triathlon events such as this, which is equivalent to half an Ironman, are becoming very popular.

'Ironman events across the world are selling out within days of opening.

'We have already had plenty of entries for this year's event and are hoping it will be another successful triathlon following last year's.

'We look forward to putting on the event and hope to attract many competitors,' he said.

Last year more than 120 triathletes took part with the title of Granite Man going to Sarnian Alan Rowe and the women's title being won by British national aquathlon champion Joanna Swallow.

The GTC has also designed a shorter sprint distance Granite Man course, which includes a 750m swim, followed by a 20km bike race and a 5km run.

'The full Granite Man is extremely demanding and is not for everyone, but we want to make sure the sport is accessible and open for all who wish to take part, so have measured out a shorter option,' said Naftel.