Four athletes travelled to Mallorca to represent Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club at Challenge Peguera.

This popular middle distance race is renowned as one of the most picturesque venues on the triathlon circuit and attracts an International field to take on the stunning course.

The race started with a single lap 1.9km swim in the Bay of Peguera. The simple out and back course offered easy sighting of the turn buoys, the route flanked by two of the most spectacular coves along the Mallorcan coast. Calm waters were quickly churned up as over 800 athletes charged in for mass start from Torà beach.

Matt Usher (M40) excelled in the swim, exiting the water with less than half an hour on the clock. Jamie White (M50) was hot on his heels, completing the swim in just 30min. Club mates, Adam Dennis (M35) and George Woodhouse (M40), followed with the main pack just moments later, exiting the water in 33 and 34mins respectively.

The 90km bike route followed the coast through some of the attractive beach resorts on the island before leading athletes through the magnificent foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de la Tramuntana. The two lap course challenged athletes with its rolling terrain, long drags and exhilarating descents.

Matt Usher, primed for his performance of the season, was involved in a crash shortly after leaving transition. The incident marked the end of his race but thankfully both athlete and bike were ok. Positions would change out on the road with Dennis extending a commanding lead with an impressive 2hr48 bike leg. White delivered a controlled performance to complete the bike in exactly 3hrs, mindful of the half marathon still to race. Woodhouse embraced the challenge of his first time racing over this distance to finish the bike in 3hr47.

The 21km run course was mercifully flat, the four lap route following the beachfront promenade before returning to the animated crowds in the heart of the village. Dennis, on his return from a persistent foot injury, was delighted to complete the run in 1hr46, crossing the line in 5hr16, well placed in Age Group. White maintained his consistent effort to the finish line, focusing on run form and pacing to record 1hr56 run split and 5hr34 overall. Woodhouse demonstrated tenacity throughout to cross the line in 6hr20 and is already scoping out the next challenge for 2019!