A Guernsey athlete won gold in an international aquabike competition – more than 20 minutes ahead of second place.
Andrea Nightingale picked up the prestigious medal at the international European Middle Distance Age Group Aquabike Championships in Spain
Mrs Nightingale returned to the race – which sees competitors tackle a 50 mile swimming and cycling challenge – after breaking her collarbone in training before last year’s race.
After twelve months of consistent training, Mrs Nightingale – who was sponsored by Ravencroft – was determined to make it to the start line.
21 minutes ahead
Mrs Nightingale secured gold in her age group, completing the 1.9km swim and 84.5km cycle in 3.36.09 finishing 21 minutes ahead of second place.
Mrs Nightingale said: “One bike had gone by the time I got back into transition but I had no idea how far ahead she was. The race was pretty brutal.
“The water temperature was nearly 30°C, it was like swimming in soup, and by the time we got to the bike course the air temperature had crept up to 40°C. “
“Many competitors struggled, but luckily I love the heat so it wasn’t too much of a problem. The course had everything; steep climbs, long sweeping descents, four tight dead turns, and long straight sections with no wind so the TT bike performed brilliantly.”
The World Cycling Age Group Championships in Japan this August is next in Mrs Nightingales plans.
She said: “This is the one I really want – I had third place in Glasgow in the time trial, but I’ve yet to win a medal in the road race.
“Hopefully I’ll rectify that, but you never know who’s going to turn up, and I have no idea how good the Japanese riders are.”
