Sword ‘blown away’ after securing women’s honours

But the Jerseyman and Guernsey woman eventually emerged triumphant in an epic race based around the Peninsula Hotel, which did fall slightly short of its intended distance after an unforeseen bout of lightning just after competitors had started the swim at Port Grat.

With the rain also coming down hard and foghorn blaring, dramatic scenes ensued as triathletes and support crews left the troubled waters en masse – as ordered by officials for safety reasons – and sought shelter within the cosier confines of the hotel.

There was no further lightning and, about 20 minutes later, competitors were being shepherded back into the bay, albeit for a single-lap swim of nearer 1km.

From clearer waters soon emerged a seven-strong lead group, with Jersey’s Johnny Forbes and Guernsey teenager Thierry Le Cheminant at the forefront, plus Sword an impressive third overall.

Their fortunes would vary significantly over the wet and primarily coastal 80km bike leg.

It was around the 15km mark that Jersey Island Games man Quenault took his decisive lead.

Le Cheminant had dropped out early on after a puncture and James Tipper, who placed second to Quenault at the Jersey Triathlon, was very much holding his own before suffering a similar fate.

Ultimately, Quenault hit transition nearly 5min. ahead of another strong cyclist, Ove Svejstrup, with 2021 winner Chris Norman poised 15sec. behind.

A tough run awaited, a largely off-road 18km featuring not one but two trips into a newly deepened Les Vardes Quarry – now dipping 82m below sea level.

Quenault remained unshakeable as he strode to victory in 3hrs 50min. 23sec.

However, this was merely one step towards his shot at the 9hr barrier at Ironman Barcelona next month.

‘This is a “little test” to see how it goes before I do that,’ he said.

‘I hate racing in the rain, but living in Jersey or Guernsey, it’s the same kind of weather. You get used to it.

‘It changes the dynamic of the race for everybody.

‘If you can ride well in the dry, you can ride in the rain, but it makes it a bit more character-building.’

Quenault, who considers the swim his weakness but loves cycling, added: ‘It was a really good experience, really well organised.

‘It’s challenging for the officials in races like this with these conditions.’

Norman had moved into second in the early stages of the run and ultimately claimed domestic honours in 3-57-31.

Meanwhile, Ethan Woodhead was not even in the top 10 at transition but forced his way onto the podium with a storming run, posting 4-00-28.

Jon Osborn followed within 1-25, while Jersey’s Mike Norbury completed the top five with his own close finish with Svejstrup.

The women’s race had ultimately come down to a finer margin.

Sword’s strong swim earned her an early lead, but Games cyclist Jade Packham’s presence made for an intriguing dynamic on the bike as she worked up roughly 6min. on the eventual winner at transition.

However, Guernsey Marathon women’s champion Sword made light work of Packham on the run, with veteran Claire Smit instead proving her main threat.

Sword eventually took the crown in 4-38-57, giving her a 1-52 victory margin on Smit.

It was an impressive achievement for this relatively new face to Guernsey triathlon.

‘I’m a wee bit blown away by it all,’ the Scot-turned-Sarnian said.

‘I just wanted to finish, as it’s the longest race I’ve ever done.

‘To come away with the win is quite overwhelming.’

She thanked the organisers for providing a ‘really good’ event, even if she admitted to finding the quarry tough.

‘I found the atmosphere great. When you get into the quarry, the music is playing and everybody is cheering you on.

‘That’s what I think Guernsey’s great for – the community.’

Dana Ujhazyova completed the women’s podium in 4-46-03.