Convincing victories for Galpin and Chapple out west

Galpin was the top Sarnian in the recent Jersey Triathlon and the especially proficient runner entered the clash against fellow Island Games triathlete Bob Guilbert knowing that he could always close faster if it came down to it.

In stark contrast to the previous year’s roaring waves, the still waters looked very inviting as competitors embarked upon the opening 750m swim.

Young Tom Stapley just about led Guilbert out of the water as Galpin followed in third, but Guilbert made a characteristically quick transition to take the lead into the 20km cycle.

As Guilbert reappeared at Vazon to transition from the cycle into the undulating 5km run, Stapley had dropped back and Galpin had picked up impetus on his less-favoured discipline to whittle the leader’s gap to 10 seconds.

Guilbert unfortunately stumbled over an obstruction near the run start and retired shortly after, leaving Galpin to cruise through to a 57min. 6sec. victory.

‘I’m happy to take the win, I was looking forward to racing Bob on the run but he pulled up about 200m in,’ he said.

‘I probably had my best-ever bike to keep up with Bob.

‘On the swim, I knew it would be Bob and Tom and they gained a little bit on me running into the water so I made sure to push really hard just to get onto their feet.

‘I was careful on that [run] course because it’s quite a rocky one and I did not want to ruin my ankle or anything like that, so I tried to enjoy it and just get to the finish line really.’

Recent Guernsey Athletics Club recruit Dave Mosley picked up several places on the run to clock 59-56 for second, while Jon Osborn and top veteran Ian Scholes also moved up on the run for third and fourth respectively.

Fast-improving Megan Chapple has been a regular on the local scene and the prospective Island Games debutante finished first woman in 1-07-43, following the absence of some established top triathletes.

Chapple enjoyed a convincing victory and was particularly happy with her run and swim as the next two women, Claire Smit and Adele Perrot, finished in close succession seven minutes back.

‘It was good – the conditions were pretty perfect and Emily [Bookless], Amy [Critchlow] and Magda [Puzio] weren’t here, so obviously that helped me win,’ she said.

‘I enjoyed the swim, I think my swim has come on a lot this season – and coming to the running sessions is really helping.’

Ryan Martel won the concurrent aqua-bike race in 44-21 as lead woman Katie McPherson took second in 50-32.

Next up is the Amarreurs Uber Sprint on 29 July, which is slightly longer than a traditional sprint and features a 4.75-mile Full Course run circling L’Ancresse common.