8:55am Thursday 24th September 2009
By Echo Reporter
WEYMOUTH duathlete Ian Cardy is enjoying a successful preparation ahead of the World Age Group Duathlon Championships this weekend.
The Weymouth Cycling Club and Bustinskin Triathlon club athlete racked up one of his most impressive performances to date, winning the Challenge Distance race at the London Duathlon in Richmond Park, ahead of the world event in North Carolina, USA.
With around 5,000 competitors, the event was billed by the organisers as the ‘World’s Biggest Duathlon’, and due to the organisers releasing the duathletes in waves over the course of three hours, Cardy was unaware that he had beaten his rivals by almost a minute until he arrived home.
He said: “I wasn’t released with duathletes of similar ability so the whole race was a time trial – me versus the clock.
“An excellent way of making sure my pacing was spot on, but I had no idea of the result until I was back home checking the results on the internet.”
Although still struggling after dislocating a finger at a recent duathlon at Castle Combe, a clear head ensured a solid race in London.
He said: “It was a boost to my confidence to know my running legs are back again and that consistent pacing in both runs is there.
“The crash at Castle Combe knocked my confidence but the conditions of pouring rain and howling wind were bound to cause a hiccup at some point.”
Not content to simply look on as her dad ran and cycled his way to victory, four-year-old Alyssia competed in her first ever duathlon as part of the Kids Zone at the London Duathlon, cheered on by her proud parents.
Cardy senior added: “I’ve never seen so many children beaming with smiles as they ran, cycled, then ran once more as there were in the Kids Zone Duathlon.
“A fantastically well organised event, it was a proud moment for Clare and I to see Alyssia ‘competing’ for the first time and enjoying it so much she wants to do another.”
Cardy is now focused on his bid in Concord, North Carolina where he will be part of Great Britain's highly successful duathlon team.
He added: “We’ve got a European and former world champion in our team so I’m hoping some of their success rubs off on me and my silver medal at the European Championships in Budapest is reflected in what I can achieve in Concord.
“While I’m being well supported by Mud, Sweat ‘n’ Gears with equipment and cycle servicing, Formotion Physiotherapy with regular massages and JBST with constant coaching, such a trip and the rare opportunity to compete with the world’s best duathletes isn’t coming cheap and I’m having to dig deep personally to fund the trip as the BTF aren’t able to financially support me this time around.
“However, further support from local businesses would always be welcome.”
There will be no break for Cardy on his return home either.
The Dorset County Council architect will be back at work straight away before setting off to Oulton Park for the last ranking duathlon event of the year to cement an impressive debut season.
If any businesses would like to support Cardy’s duathlon adventures call 07967274740.
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