Mercuryman attracts international triathletes
(L-R) Race director Trevor Murphy with professional triathletes Erin Spitler, Rachel Joyce, Kim Schwabenbauer and Jenny Fletcher. Schwabenbauer, a US triathlon coach, did not compete but gave advice and tips to competitors
(CNS): The fourth annual Generali Mercuryman, the Cayman Islands’ only half-iron distance triathlon, attracted both local and overseas professional athletes competing in the various events at the 17 January races. The overall winner for the professional triathletes division was British racer Rachel Joyce.
She completed the 1.2-mile swim in a time of 31:03, 56-mile cycle in 2:25:33 and 13.1-mile run in 1:35:13, for an overall time of 4:34:13.7. Local triathlete Marius Acker took first place in the men’s age group division with a time of 4:41:47.7. Rebecca Wall placed first in the women’s division in 6:19:07.9.
Another local entrant, Sean Day, placed first in the men’s aquabike category with a total finishing time of 3:19:09.6, while Ashley Naelon, from North Carolina, finished first in the women’s race, clocking 3:23:14.7.
Race directors Trevor Murphy, Justine Plenkiewicz and Claire Griffin thanked race-day volunteers, the event sponsors and timing experts Race Caribbean.
“We were very pleased to have professional athletes of the calibre of Rachel Joyce, who finished second in the World Championships in Kona in last year, take part in this year’s event and have received some great feedback from visiting athletes who we hope to see back in Cayman next year for our fifth annual Mercuryman,” Murphy said.
Plenkiewicz added that the support from volunteers and the local community had been stronger than ever for this year’s event.
“It was great to see everyone getting involved in what was another successful year for the Generali Mercuryman. Supporters of the Stroke Warriors of Cayman as well as children from East End Primary School did their bit to cheer on athletes and offer water at the various water stations,” she said.
Karen Ebanks, marketing coordinator at Generali Worldwide, said the company was proud to be a part of the event for a second year.
“We are honoured to once again be involved in such a challenging world-class event, showcasing the Cayman Islands and giving our local triathletes the opportunity to complete against professionals who are among the best in the world,” she said.
Full race results are available at the Race Caribbean website
