‘Granite Man’s’ hard approach on entries

Guernsey’s flagship half-Ironman triathlon looks set to be a solely or almost entirely local affair this year, for organisers have, until travel restrictions ease at least, limited entries to only island residents.

But a quality local field has already taken shape and only a small portion of the 160 entries are still up for grabs.

With the Guernsey 2021 Island Games shifted to 2023, Triathlon Club president Mark Naftel feels the 1,900m swim, 90km bike and half-marathon run event could take elevated importance.

‘It’s looking less and less likely that anything off-island is going to happen,’ Naftel said of the precarious situation threatening normal highlights such as the Jersey Triathlon or Ironman events abroad.

‘The feeling is that 2021 is going to be a remake of 2020 and from looking at the entry list, there’s every chance that people are going to be doing Granite Man as the big “A race” of the year.’

Uncertainty still hangs in the air due to Covid, but if it goes ahead, accompanying sprint and kids’ events will complete a weekend-long festival.

Paul ‘Digger’ de Garis is heading up the organisation this year and said he is not surprised at the high local take-up.

‘The Granite Man provides a great opportunity for people to get a good solid race in late season, gives them some sort of focus,’ de Garis said.

‘It’s the biggest event the Guernsey Triathlon Club hold and it will be a great weekend of racing.’

The Triathlon Club calendar begins in March with the first duathlon, and Naftel has been eyeing up virtual options in case restrictions prevent this.

The Granite Man is set for Sunday 5 September.