INTER-insular action is back as Jersey’s triathletes take on Guernsey tomorrow evening, at St Catherine’s for a 6.30pm start.
This marks a momentous occasion, as this will be the first inter-insular contest “for many years”, originally coming to a halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, through much encouragement from Jersey Tri Club’s sponsors, the Ana Leaf Foundation, as well as a lot of work between the islands’ triathlon committees, the event is back on.
“The Ana Leaf Foundation have been very generous and been a great support to the club,” said Sarah Corcoran, Jersey Tri Club’s secretary.”
“This is the result of a shared effort with Guernsey, who have been very keen and massively helpful. I think it’s great that this event is back on. There’s so much history in this race.”
What’s great about this event is the accessibility. Whatever your age or ability, Jersey’s club are encouraging anyone interested to sign up and take part.
There’s still time left for 11th hour sign-ons, as registration is set to close at 12pm today.
“The Jersey Tri Club have always been inclusive, priding ourselves on welcoming everyone and anyone to compete,” Corcoran continued.
“We always strive to encourage, as that will only foster development. From a competitive standpoint, the more competitors we have, the more points we score, which would greatly help the odds.”
Competition will be had across two competitive legs, with tomorrow’s being the opening act.
Jersey’s course will be a sprint distance, consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, whereas Guernsey’s second leg will be an Olympic distance of 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run.
Results will be decided through point totals, as all competitors will score points in the events. So, the more the merrier really does ring true, especially for Jersey’s inter-island victory hopes.
Relations with Guernsey Triathlon Club have always been friendly, which may sound odd considering how intense this rivalry can get, especially with the Muratti and Siam Cup.
Such a strong bond has made way for this event, and Corcoran details their dynamic: “We have always got on well with Guernsey. There’s no need to be nasty and they’re all good people.
“I’d say we have a good rivalry in competition, more like a bit of banter than any nastiness creeping in, which I think is right for sport.”
This positive relationship will be on full display after competition is finished, as all will be invited to a social, with food and drink on offer.
A total of 21 athletes will be travelling over from Guernsey, which is a milestone in itself, considering that’s the biggest squad they’ve brought over since 2015’s Jersey Island Games.
Historically speaking, Jersey have just pipped Guernsey to the post in triathlon supremacy.
However, Guernsey have become a lot more competitive in recent years, with a host of excellent athletes coming out to try flip the script, so expect a tightly contested affair at St Catherine’s.
This was shown in Guernsey’s 2023 Island Games, where the Sarnians just pipped their Jersey rivals to the post overall.
Numbers have curtailed a bit since Covid-19 at the Jersey Tri Club, but the imminent return of the Super League Triathlon to Jersey has boosted hopes for a surge in participation, with Corcoran adding:
“Seeing the best athletes performing really does inspire, so hopefully that will boost numbers at the club, as it did the last time. Like most sports in Jersey, participation really does come in waves.”
Jersey Triathlon Club’s Junior Squad is also open for all juniors, offering a pathway to reach the top-end of the sport. Examples of this pathway are endless, including young talents challenging for Team GB selection this year in Luke Holmes and Siena Stephens, as well as Island Games athletes Peter Holmes and Tom Atkinson.
To further develop junior development, Guernsey’s junior triathletes travelled over to train with Jersey’s group in January, and the club hope that inter-island approach to training will continue in the future
All in all, with ideal conditions making way for a good race, Corcoran has a clear aim for the event, saying: “Regardless of result, I hope it’s a good, fair race and that everyone enjoys themselves.”
“Obviously, we want to do well, and with the new trophy we need to start getting names on there, but as long as everyone’s having fun, that’s all that matters.”
For those who want to sign up, you can through Jersey Tri Club’s Race Nation page, which can be found on the event calendar at jerseytriclub.com. You only have until 12pm today, so make sure you don’t miss out.