450 Athletes Monstered Ely

Monster Racing staged their fourth middle distance and their second olympic distance triathlon around Ely on Sunday, 17^th August.
These events were long sold out with a great mix of triathletes taking part. From newcomers to the sport to GB age groupers. Plus Monster Racing events are well supported with a generous prize fund from Eastern Counties Finance and PWR+.  Such support is key for ensuring that a top quality race like this on the UK calendar attracts an elite field, so amongst the lycra clad were some pro triathletes. The start list promised to be a great race to watch with an exciting battle for the podium places and the prizes!
A total of 450 athletes started the events with an iconic swim through Ely in the River Ouse. Once finished with the swim, they emerged from the river and headed for transition where they quickly changed and mounted their bikes. Once out on the bike course they benefitted from the flat fens for their long ride. If that wasn’t enough, another quick change from bike shoes to trainers and they headed out on foot for the spectacular run route around the city before heading back Cherry Hill to finish with the magnificent Ely Cathedral in the background. In total the athletes in the middle distance, took on a mile and a quarter swim, 51 mile cycle and 13 mile run. Whilst athletes in the olympic event completed just under a mile swim, 26 mile cycle and a 7 and a half mile run.  A great effort by all taking part after months of training saw many athletes achieved personal best times!
That battle for the podium did not disappoint!! Those spectating were treated to a really exciting race to watch as our leading males and females kept that finish line in mind!
The ECF Monster Middle winner in a time of 3hr 55min 50sec was Sam Baxter (Freespeed), 2^nd male was Matt Molloy, 3:59:31 (Team Freespeed Skechers Performance) and third male was Joseph Wilson, 4:07:27. The female winner was Lucy Gossage (Team Erdinger Alkoholfrei) in 4:10:08, 2^nd female was Vicky Gill, 4:15:30 (Swim For Tri) and third female was Eleanor Haresign, 4:21:15 (Torq Tri Team).
The ECF Monster Olympic winner in a time 2hr 19min 46sec was Oliver Milk (RedVenom.co.uk), 2^nd male was Tom Burkinshaw, 2:19:48 (Serpentine RC) and third male was Daniel Thorby, 2:32:02 (Cambridge Triathlon Club). The female winner was Sarah Swaney (Clapham Chasers) in 2:57:43, 2^nd female was Maxine Lane, 2:59:18 (Newmarket Cycling and Triathlon Club) and third female was Hannah Green, 3:05:45 (Cambridge University Triathlon club).
All athletes were fuelled round the course by Hammer Nutrition and Iceni Water. Once finished they all tucked into yummy 9Bars and PWR+, a natural performance drink.
Monster Racing have grown significantly this year and added many new races to their calendar. Why not finish your race season with their Run Fest or Intrepid Duathlon? Entries are open at www.monsterracing.net.
The organisers commented: “Monster Racing events are known for their excellent organisation and fast beautiful courses! Once again we received superb feedback on these races this year. Both The ECF Monster Middle and Olympic sponsored by PWR+ sold out again. If you want to race next year you better register early to avoid disappointment.  We would like to thank everyone who helped marshal, all competitors, all safety and ‘behind the scenes’ crew as well all our sponsors. Thank you also to Kings School, Ely Cathedral and City and District Council for supporting the event with access to grounds and road closures.
Images courtesy of Ian-Green Photography.