Hopes high hosts can be golden girls again
Amy Critchlow is hopeful the Guernsey women can defend their triathlon team title and secure one of the first golds on offer at the home Island Games.
The Olympic distance triathlon races begin either side of noon on Sunday, bringing strong team and individual medal hopes for the host island.
Guernsey had secured women’s team gold at Gibraltar 2019, spearheaded by Megan Chapple’s individual silver.
Triathlon veteran Critchlow – who sees this as her Games swansong – has witnessed Chapple’s huge improvement since then, plus the ascent of newcomer Chloe Truffitt to GB age-group level. The returning Emily Squire lends further experience.
‘I’m really hopeful,’ Critchlow said after winning the sprint distance race at Sunday’s Pembroke Triathlon.
‘I think we’ve got a really strong team of four.'
‘To defend our gold medal under a home crowd will be awesome and I’ve got high hopes again for getting gold in the team.’
Chapple spearheads the Guernsey team and can be considered individual favourite, especially in the absence of 2019 winner Susanna Sykylv Sorensen, but Jersey once again pack considerable strength-in-depth.
‘I know that there’s going to be a strong team from Jersey and I’ve had quick looks at the other teams – there’s a good one from the Isle of Man – but a lot of it’s a bit of the unknown,’ Critchlow added.
‘We’re definitely looking forward to defending our title in the home Games.’
The men claimed silver in Gibraltar under the heading of an individual victory from Josh Lewis.
Lewis returns as one of three professionals in the field, alongside fellow ‘Gib’ medallists Will Draper and Ollie Turner.
Teenage talent Thierry Le Cheminant joins James Travers, Chris Norman, Dave Mosley and Ove Svejstrup in a men’s team that blends both experienced and up-and-coming triathletes.
The Olympic distance triathlon takes place on a fairly well-rehearsed route based at Rocquaine.
Competitors will have to factor in the mid-day heat, with men starting at 11.50am and women at 12.10pm.
