HERRIDGE FINISHES SEASON WITH TOP TEN IN TURKEY, AND IMPROVES HER ITU AND EUROPEAN RANKING (1st November 2008)

 Sam Herridge has finished her race season off in style. Victory at the Perranporth Surf Triathlon was soon followed by a 9th place at the prestigious Alanya International Triathlon European Cup Final in Turkey this weekend.

Completing a successful and solid season, the Vets 4 Pets and La Grande Mare Hotel sponsored athlete is now focused on achieving a World Cup start for Great Britain next year. “I’ve now achieved the criteria that British Triathlon set for this year to gain a World Cup start, and am really looking forward to getting my head down this winter to get some decent training hours in the bank”. Despite only taking part in three European Cup triathlons this year, Herridge has already managed to achieve a European Triathlon Union ranking of 54th, and hopes with this latest result to achieve a top 200 World ITU ranking.

The Perranporth Triathlon saw Herridge cross the line in first place in a time of 2:05:06. A tough course, including a surf swim, hilly bike course and beach/cliff run, she led from the start, improving her bike and run splits from last year by over two minutes each.

“Perranporth is a really good fun race to do, but is also really challenging. Because there wasn’t too much surf this year, they decided to extend the swim, which did play into my hands a little!” Finishing 12th overall, Herridge was 14 places up on her 2007 performance, and over three minutes ahead of the second placed female, Helen Parkinson.

It was then a tough four week training block for Herridge, before travelling over to Turkey for the 2008 European Cup Final in Alanya. “This was my last race of the season, and I really wanted to end on a high. Conditions were certainly hotter than in Cornwall this time of year, and it was nice to swim without a wetsuit for a change,” said Herridge.

The 1500metre swim began from a beach start, and saw Herridge take an early lead. Pushing the pace early on, she was first to exit the water, only to be overtaken in transition by the Portugeuse athlete, Marie Areosa. Close behind were a group of athletes who had managed to keep with the pace. A large group then formed on the bike, which proved difficult to co-ordinate, with few of the athletes wanting to take their turn at the front. “The bike was interesting to say the least! I was conscious of the fact that I wanted to perform well on the run in this race, and so was reluctant to do too much work on the front of the pack as usual. However, on the third lap, myself and the other British athlete Rhian Roxborough had had enough - we tried to split the pack by attacking and doing 30second stints on the front, but the pack just sat with us – so we ended up saving our energies along with the rest of the athletes for the run!”

A swift transition finally saw Herridge produce a run that she had been promising in training. Although not a quick 10Km course, she managed to overtake the few athletes immediately ahead of her, and eventually crossed the finishing line in 9th place in a time of 2.08.58. “I was so pleased with another top 10 placing, a really good end to a season which started off so badly with injury. The great thing is that I’m going into my end of season break injury free this year, which should mean a really good winters training ahead of me. It’s the first time since 2006 that I have not been suffering with chronic pain at the end of the season – and that’s such a relief and gives me real motivation and drive for next year.”

Herridge will now be taking a two week break from training before commencing training again for the 2009 triathlon season, which will include a selection of demanding Cornish Cross Country run races. “I’m just so grateful for all the support I’ve had this year from my sponsors La Grande Mare and Vets 4 Pets, all my friends and family back home in Guernsey, and also to the Guernsey Sports Commission – without this support my season may have had a very different ending. I really appreciate any help I can get and will continue to wear the Guernsey flag with pride on my suit.”

The Perranporth Triathlon results

2008 European Cup Final in Alanya results

 

 

HERRIDGE THIRD IN TRIATHLON BRITISH GRAND PRIX ELITE RANKING SERIES AND SETS HER SIGHTS

ON VIENNA (4th October 2008)

 Sam Herridge has made the podium in the British Grand Prix Series, and continues to set her sights on international representation, competing at the Vienna European Cup last weekend.  Both races come off the back of a month of racing, which should have seen Vets 4 Pets and La Grande Mare Hotel sponsored athlete compete in the Inter-Insular in Jersey. “Unfortunately I managed to get stuck on a slip road trying to get onto the A30 on my way to Plymouth Airport as a lorry had jack-knifed on the dual carriageway, effectively stopping the traffic for around two hours. Therefore I missed my flight and with no other flights near me going to Jersey at that time, missed the chance to join the Guernsey team. I was really disappointed, as I was looking forward to catching up with old friends and racing hard” said Herridge.

However, she put her disappointment behind her to finish a creditable 8th in the Supersprint Eliminator race in Strathclyde, giving her 3rd place in the British Grand Prix series; and 13th amongst a strong international field in Vienna last weekend.

In the Strathclyde Supersprint Eliminator, both the men's and women's races were contested over two heats, with the top 10 from each preliminary round plus the 5 fastest losers entering the final showdown. The 300m swim started in the Strathclyde Country park lake and was followed by a 7km bike leg, consisting of two 3.5km laps of the Park. The final 2.2km run loop followed the edge of the Serpentine, finishing in front of the watersports centre.

“It was the second time that British Triathlon had tried this format of event, and it is a really different experience, although a lot colder than last years event!” saidHerridge.  After an easy heat in which she placed fourth, Herridge led out the swim with Scotlands Kerry Lang in the final. With a lead pack of five on the bike, including World Championship bronze medallist, Sam Warriner from New Zealand, the race was on. Herridge was 4th coming into transition, but didn’t have the turnover in her legs for the short run. She was overtaken by Andrea Whitcombe, Emma Davies, and Jodie Swallow in the last 800m to eventually finish in 8th place, placing her overall joint third in the British Grand Prix Series.

Herridge was then back travelling again, this time to Vienna, Austria, for her second European Cup Race. With a large field of 32 athletes, including World Cup athletes from Germany, Austria, New Zealand and France, Herridge was up against tough opposition.

The swim went all her way, leading from the start and exiting the water first into transition one with around a 45 second lead on the rest of the athletes. As a lone cyclist, the first two laps of the four lap course were hard. “Although I had a really good swim, in retrospect I really needed a couple of athletes with me to work the bike hard and put some time into the chase pack. As it was, a group of about 16 athletes caught me at the end of lap 2, and then continued to sit on my wheel, whilst myself and two others did most of the work!”

Herridge was around 6th coming into the second transition, but the runners who had sat back in the group on the bike finally reaped the benefits of their race strategy, and stormed ahead. Herridge had a solid run given her recent form, and eventually finished in 13th place.

“I really enjoyed the race. The fact that it was so tactical, although frustrating for me, is one of the reasons I love this sport, you never get the same race twice!” Herridge now has a five week training block before competing in her last race of the season in Turkey at the end of October. The Strathclyde Supersprint race will be shown on Channel 4 this Sunday at 8.20am.

 

 

TRIATHLON SEASON KICKS OFF WELL FOR HERRIDGE (28th August)

Wales - Turkey - London

 Following a two week pre-Olympic training camp in Montpellier, France with her old training partner Flora Duffy from Bermuda; Sam Herridge, the Vets 4 Pets and La Grande Mare sponsored triathlete has been busy on the racing circuit.

The first race was the elite national championships in Wales, followed by her first European Cup race in Egirdir, Turkey. The following weekend saw her competing in the London Triathlon, and this coming weekend sees her returning to the Channel Islands to represent Guernsey in the Jersey inter-insular triathlon.

“It’s been a busy few weeks, and I’ve been on the go constantly – at the moment I am looking forward to a couple of weekends where I can just enjoy a lie in!” said Herridge, who placed a creditable 5th in the Turkey European Cup, and recorded her best run performance in the London Triathlon to finish 8th in a strong field.

Herridge suffered at the Bryn Bach National Championships, having just driven for over 5 hours returning from France. “It was a combination of trying out a new race strategy – which included trying to draft on the swim, and just not having the race legs for the bike or the run. I just fell into one pace and couldn’t get myself out of it again!” She recorded a disappointing finish of 13th place, although could take some comfort from the fact the time was 10seconds quicker than last year.

Herridge was then back at work for four days before flying to Turkey for the Egirdir European Cup. The race was being used by numerous European Olympic Athletes as a final tune up before heading to Bejing. “Despite the travelling, the race was really enjoyable, and I had a really good result.” Leading out the swim with Czeckoslovakian athlete Radka Vodickova (the eventual winner), the pair worked well on the bike together to build up over a two minute lead on the chase athletes including Carolyn Murray from Canada, and Diniz Dimaki from Greece. However, racing in temperatures of over 35 degrees soon took its toll, and Herridge eventually took 5th place in an overall time of 2.06.48 – a credible performance for her first European outing.

“The travel back to the UK from Turkey really took it out of me – and driving home at 3.30am and then having to get up for work on the Tuesday at 7.30am doesn’t readily form part of my training regime!” said Herridge. Travel to London was an easier affair, with a flight from Newquay.

The London Triathlon claims to be the largest triathlon in the world, with over 10,000 age group and elite competitors taking part over the weekend. Completing in her eyes “an average swim”, Herridge found herself in the chase pack on the bike. “The past two years in London, the water has been warm enough for a non-wetsuit swim which really suits me, as it emphasises the difference between the good and weak swimmers. Unfortunately with the horrendous weather we’ve been having, it was a wetsuit swim, which helps other weaker swimmers a lot more than it helps me!”

Working with Andrea Whitcombe, Jodie Stimpson, Kirsty McWIlliam, Vicky Holland and Kathrin Muller from Germany on the bike, the group failed to bridge the gap to the pack in front. “I really wanted to attack the run this time, as my run splits haven’t been reflecting the times I’ve been doing in training. So although I did some work on the first half of the bike, the second half I did stay at the back of the pack to reserve some energy to really attack off the bike.”

And attack she did, with an impressive run split of 38.23, a personal best by nearly a minute. Overhauling two athletes in front of her on the run, Herridge eventually finished in 8th place, in a time of 2.04.52 - her best placing so far at the London event.

Herridge will be competing in Jersey this weekend to hopefully help her Guernsey colleagues to Inter-Insular victory, before a three week training block with no competitions to prepare for the back end of the season. “I’m really looking forward to competing back in the Channel Islands again, and am hopeful of a Guernsey Inter-insular victory!”

Meanwhile, Herridge will be looking to focus on the remaining races in her season, including the British Grand Prix Strathclyde Supersprint Eliminator; the Vienna ITU European Cup in Austria, the La Baule French Triathlon for her French team, and hopefully the Alanya Continental Cup in Turkey. Coverage of the London Triathlon should be on Channel 4 in a couple of weeks time, on a Sunday morning.

For results of the above races please see the following:

Bryn Bach National Championships - http://www.tri247.com/results_5101.html
Turkey European Cup - see attached spreadsheet
London Triathlon - http://www.triathlonresults.co.uk/lt08/ResultEliteFemale.html

 

HERRIDGE MAKES GOOD PROGRESS ON THE
GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT (16th June 2008)

Competing two weekends in a row in her first main events of 2008, Sam Herridge has managed to gain valuable points on the Grand Prix Circuit, finishing fourth at the Blenheim Sprint Triathlon, and third at the prestigious Windsor Triathlon. Racing for her local club in Cornwall, Cycle Logic; the Vets4Pets and La Grande Mare sponsored athlete is slowly progressing up the ranks, and is thoroughly enjoying racing again. However, with the Blenheim Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 19.8Km bike, 5.4Km run) being the first major race of the season, and her first race of the National Grand Prix Series, Herridge’s race didn’t go quite to plan.

“The intention was to lead out the swim and to really put the pressure on during the bike section. However, some bad tactical decisions at the start of the swim made sure I got boxed in by other swimmers, and I didn’t have the speed to go past them. It was basically the wrong starting position. Then to compound things my wetsuit got stuck on my foot, ensuring a slow transition and lots of hard work on the bike to try and catch the leaders,” said Herridge.

Herridge recovered well and made her way through the rest of the athletes on the bike, with her hill training in Cornwall starting to show in her strength. Going onto the run she was in 4th place, and retained that to finish in an overall time of 1.13.09 – in her own admission disappointing. “I should have been up with the leader, Jodie Swallow in the swim, and then could have worked with her on the bike – but it’s these kinds of races that make the sport so exciting!” said Herridge.

Competing against the Athens Olympian again the following weekend at Windsor, and Herridge had some scores to settle. “I was determined to lead out the swim at Windsor to make up for my errors the previous weekend. Windsor is a difficult swim as you have to swim against the tide on the way out to the buoy.” Herridge did as she had promised, and led out the swim with Swallow on her feet.

Completing a good transition, the only issue she had was trying to get her feet into her bike shoes, but once that was sorted, her and Swallow set the pace on the bike. They were soon joined by three others, including World Cup medal winner, Andrea Whitcombe and Under 23 British team member, Jodie Stimpson. Rosie Clarke, (4th place in the 2007 under 23 World Championships), was unable to bike her way up to the lead pack. Working mostly off the front of the pack, the pace was fast, and she managed to complete the 42Km ride in 1:05:36.

On the run, Whitcombe and Swallow soon showed their running prowess, extending their lead fighting for the gold and silver medals. However, Herridge had her own race to settle with Stimpson. The two of them were running together for most of the first and second laps, until Herridge decided to try and break. With Stimpson unable to respond, Herridge extended her lead to secure the bronze medal in a time of 2:08:50, over 3minutes quicker than last year when she won the race.

“To me, a third Windsor this year was just as sweet as the victory last year as the field was so much more competitive. It also established that I am one of the quickest triathlon swimmers in Britain, and my biking is certainly up there with the best. If my run continues to improve then it looks like hopefully another good year.”

The Blenheim Triathlon will be shown on Channel 4 this Sunday 22 June at 7.55am. The Windsor Triathlon has been provisionally scheduled to be broadcast on Channel 4, on Sunday 29 June at 7.30am. Herridge will next be in action for her French Team (Toc Cesson Sevigne) on 6 July, before hopefully heading off to Italy, to join Bermudian, Flora Duffy, on her pre-Olympic training camp.

 

HELSTON TRIATHLON 2008 - VICTORY FOR HERRIDGE (2nd June 2008)

Competing in her first “warm-up” event of the season in Helston, where she is currently based, Sam Herridge managed to test the water with a sprint triathlon, ending up with a resounding female victory and 10th overall in a field of over 250 competitors.

With a 400m pool swim in the sports centre she currently runs, followed by a 16.5mile cycle and a 3.5mile hilly run, Herridge was never really challenged. She completed the race in an overall time of 1:12:11, over eight minutes ahead of her nearest rival and only 6 minutes behind her coach, Rich Brady from www.tri-monkey.co.uk who took the overall honours. She also posted the fastest split times for all three disciplines in the female category.

“This was my first event of the season after a fairly heavy period of training, and I was just really pleased to be getting out there and racing again. It’s been a long winter with plenty of rehabilitation training – but everything just felt really smooth and strong – a great confidence booster that everything, fingers crossed, seems to be going in the right direction and is working properly!” said Herridge.

Herridge, sponsored by Vets4Pets and La Grande Mare Hotel, had her traditional strong swim, exiting the pool in around 5minutes, before having a smooth transition onto the undulating bike course.

“I did have the advantage of knowing the bike route pretty well as I use it in training quite a lot. There are a fair few hills and twisty narrow turns, but I felt really strong – the best bit, as ever, is passing a few male athletes all with aero helmets and kitted up to the full!!” 

Completing the bike in a split of 44:12 ensured she had the 10th fastest bike time overall and fastest in the female category by over 5 minutes.

Exiting transition onto the hilly run, Herridge continued to feel strong and extended her lead yet again.

“This was a real test for the foot problem I’ve had for the past couple of years, and touch wood everything felt great, smooth and strong. There were quite a few cheeky hills within the run, including a really steep run into the last 200metres. A great race that shows I’m more or less ready for the rest of the season.”

Thanks to a new, generous two-year sponsorship deal with Vets4Pets, and with some good training in her legs from a training camp paid for by La Grande Mare Hotel, Herridge will be competing in all of the remaining races of the UK Grand Prix series, the next one being at Blenheim Palace this coming weekend. Some European Cup races and French Grand Prix races are also pencilled in, making this a very busy season for the Guernsey Girl.

Full results of the Helston Triathlon can be found at http://www.kerrier.gov.uk/media/adobe/i/h/Full_Results_2008.pdf.

 

 

Update for 28th March 2008

“Well, a topsy turvey couple of weeks for me that makes me realize that it takes a lot to balance training, work and family! Training is going well, apart from an unexpected blip last week and the week before last when I had to return to Guernsey unexpectedly. However, it did give me a chance to meet up with some new sponsors – joining 2XU, the Grande Mare and Cycle Logic; are Vets4Pets, who have very kindly agreed to support me over the next two years! Just need to get my race suits marked up now – hopefully in time for Blenheim and Windsor! Will have to talk to www.nameonkit.com nicely!

Still managed to get training in – just not as much as I had wanted – and there’s only so many hours you can spend on a spinning bike without getting bored!! Thanks Gail for the help! Returned to Helston last Thursday to find a picture of me just about to mount my bike from the Helston Sprint Triathlon the week before – and pictures of me in lycra I really don’t like! Helston was a good event with around 250 people entered in what was largely a local event. The course had a few cheeky hills, and my strength on the bike was a relief after all the months of continuous hill climbing. What was even more of a relief was that I can run again! Eventually came in 10th overall (only 7 minutes behind my coach!), 1st local lady and 1st lady overall by over 12 minutes. All in all a good days work!

 Training is easing off a bit this week with just some maintenance work before the Blenheim Sprint Triathlon in two weeks time, which I’m using as a warm up event for Windsor. Had a good weekends training, with a “nice” three hour hilly bike in the wind on my own, as I wasn’t able to join the group on the long Sunday ride. Then it’s some fast work at the end of the week – with maybe a ten mile TT on Thursday with one of the guys I work with in Leedstown. And before you ask – no, of course it isn’t a flat course!!! At least I’m finally enjoying running again – it’s taken two years but (don’t faint in shock) I actually now look forward to my hours run at the weekend – wonders will never cease!

 Hope I wasn’t the only one cheering the GB triathletes on in Madrid at the weekend – Avil and Tucker proved that age and injury shouldn’t stop anyone!

 Have no excuse but to concentrate on training and work now, as after my boyfriend, Nathan, returned with a gold medal in the 25-29 year age group at the European Age Group Champs yesterday evening; he was off again this morning to the Gulf, where he now has a posting with the Navy for two months! I think my training may be more interesting than his which will consist of running around the ship and on a treadmill, and biking on one of the gym bikes – but then again, if Graeme Obree can do it, anyone can!

 Will catch up with you all at the end of the week – when hopefully I will have completed a solid weeks training!"

 Sam

 

Update for 9th March 2008

And I’m back!!!! Sorry it’s been so long folks….kind of got occupied with moving house and gradually getting back into training – although still haven’t unpacked some of the boxes yet!

Well the big news is that I can finally welcome on board some new sponsors for 2008 and 2009 – Vets4Pets have agreed to provide me with substantial support over the next two years. This should really help me with travelling to races, training camps and also some regular massage and therapy sessions to help keep on top of the injury that I’ve been suffering from over the past two years. Thanks also to La Grande Mare Hotel (a great place to stay for those fellow triathletes travelling to Guernsey for the Guernsey Granite Man!) who are sponsoring my Italy training camp this year, and to the Triathlon Consultants (www.2xushop.co.uk) who are providing me with kit for this year – hopefully the 2XU wetsuit will be seen coming out first from the water at numerous races!! Thanks guys for coming on board this year and believing in me.

Off at the end of the month with Flora, Rich and a few others to spend ten days in Italy training. Looking forward to it and hopefully the weather holds out. It would be nice to go out on the bike and not be battered by the wind and the rain for a change!

Finally settling down to life here in Helston – a bit of a challenge as I’m back working again at the local sports centre. Having said that I find it much more satisfying combining work with sport – and it helps that the guys at the Centre are also into their cycling…which makes those lunchtime rides that much easier.

Training is going well, and apart from a few blips, the foot and heel seems to be holding out well – thanks again to Tim Edbrooke and Simon Spooner for all their help – and yes Tim – I’m still stretching! Just being fairly careful to build up the running gradually and back off if anything starts to twinge again – body has to get used to it again. Swimming and cycling going smoothly – just needing to build up strength again after a good few months of only being allowed to do light training. Cardio is there – it’s just the muscles struggling to keep up at the moment!

First real race planned this year is based here in Cornwall as a warm up – the Helston Triathlon. Then looking forward to hopefully competing in the Corus Series, and a few other National races. Then towards the end of the season my aim is to look towards some Continental Cups to finally try and get some points on the circuit! Third year lucky I hope!

Will try and keep the site updated every month, and keep you up to date with my progress….here’s looking to a good injury free year (please keep your finger, toes, and everything else crossed for me!!)

Sam

 

General Update for the end of 2007 from Sam

"Well, nearly the end of the year, and I can safely say that it has been an interesting one! I have had a fair few good results, including a win at Windsor, a win at the Island Games and a 5th place overall in the Corus elite series, but still room for improvement.
 
I have unfortunately suffered from an on-going left leg/foot/heel problem all season which has meant minimal running - which as most people know is my big area for potential improvement. In the past two months I have been to see Dr Rod Jacques who referred me for an MRI scan on my lower back. He managed to find two dehydrated discs, evidence of a bulge pressing on my left sciatic nerve, and diagnosed quite severe tendonitis in my foot. So...on from that, I am now undergoing physio with the brilliant Tim EdBrooke in Exeter and have a new pair of orthotics from ace podiatrist Simon Spooner in Plymouth which will hopefully do the trick. Thanks very much to both of them for getting me back walking with minimal pain! Although some of Tim's physio sessions are to be dreaded - especially when he uses his elbow to good effect!
 
The down side is that during this period I have been unable to run and have only been doing high cadence sessions on the turbo to give the tendonitis chance to settle down. The good side is that I have never stretched so much in my life before!
 
The other good news is that although I am impatient to get on with training again, things are improving, and waking up in the morning and not hobbling down the stairs makes a pleasant change from two months ago. So fingers crossed with a little bit more time and rehab, I should be on the road to recovery.
 
Other than that I will soon be re-locating to Helston in Cornwall - so more hills to look forward to! And hopefully if everything goes to plan, welcoming on board a couple of new sponsors for next season. That together with an invitation to race for a French team next year makes next season all the more inviting...so watch this space.

Have a good Christmas, and remember - training on Christmas day is the best - there's no-one around!"

 

PERRANPORTH SURF TRI 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

HERRIDGE GAINS ANOTHER FIRST AT PERRANPORTH SURF TRIATHLON

 

Competing in the tough and unusual Surf Triathlon at Perranporth in Cornwall on Sunday 2 September; Sam Herridge managed another podium place in her triathlon career, picking up a new bike as prize for her efforts! With a 1000m surf sea swim at Perranporth beach, followed by a 35Km hilly ride and a 7.5Km cliff and beach run, this wasn’t your usual run-of-the-mill triathlon. But Herridge never looked challenged from the beginning, completing the race in an overall time of 2.03.18, two minutes ahead of second placed female, World Quadrathlon Champion, Helen Parkinson.

“Everyone I was speaking to was saying the sea was fairly calm. It did look it until I got in and tried to swim in it. It was probably the roughest race that I’ve competed in so far as it was a mass start of 250 people, both male and female! But it was great fun once you got used to the sensations!” said Herridge, who had to stop in the swim twice after being kicked to empty her goggles of water!

She completed the swim in a time of 15.37, establishing a lead of three minutes over her nearest rival. She continued to dominate the race on the undulating bike leg, extending her lead to over five minutes. “The bike route was actually really challenging. Exiting transition, you go directly up a steep hill heading out of Perranporth, and that’s a really hard start straight after the swim. There were also some really technical and tricky descents,” said Herridge.

With Herridge’s run training still suffering from an on-going heel injury, the run was always going to be hard on such undulating ground. “I was fairly worried about the run, but was actually pleasantly surprised, as I managed to get into a solid pace even though the ground varied from steep cliffs to sandy beach”. Completing the run in a time of 31.40, Herridge had given herself enough of a time buffer to stay in front of specialist runner Helen Parkinson to retain the lead, and claim first place.

“It was a really enjoyable and fun race, and I’d urge anyone who’s interested in triathlon to come and have a go at this one – fantastic scenery, friendly organisation and a challenging course!” Herridge will be competing on home soil this weekend at the Guernsey Triathlon Club’s Olympic Distance event to be held at Pembroke on Sunday morning as part of their Anniversary celebrations.

 

 

LONDON TRI 2007

HERRIDGE MIXES IT WITH WORLD NO 2 IN TRIATHLON

Sam Herridge, competing in what is classed as the biggest Triathlon in the World, impressed this past weekend with her performance at the Michelob London Triathlon. Exiting the water in first place on the swim, and working with the World Number 2, Annabel Luxford from Australia on the bike, it was only on the run that the other athletes finally managed to reel Herridge in. Finishing in 9th place overall, Herridge improved on her 10th place position last year, and was pleased with her performance overall.

“I had a brilliant swim and first transition, and to find myself as one of the pair in the lead was quite amazing – especially knowing the lady you’re working with has had numerous podium finishes at World Cups this year!” said Herridge.

The event is based at the Excel Centre in London Docklands, and consists of a 1.5Km swim in the Royal Docks, followed by a 40Km cycle ride through London taking in Big Ben and the London Eye en route. The event finishes with a 10Km run around the Royal Docks. With the water temperature measured at around 20 degrees, and a hot day forecast, it was decided the swim would be non-wetsuit, benefiting the stronger swimmers.

Herridge quickly established her trademark lead on the swim, leading from start to finish. Completing the swim in the lead in a time of 19.17, she was followed into transition by Luxford, and Jodie Swallow, Great Britain Olympian. “The run into transition is a bit odd, as you have to climb up the steps into the Excel Centre. There were three of us coming into transition, but Annabel and I seemed to lose Jodie in the transition area” said Herridge.

Following a quick transition, Herridge quickly put her head down to catch Luxford who exited transition just ahead of her. Working as a pair, they quickly established a lead over the chase pack of around seven athletes, and managed to hold that gap until transition two. “I kept on thinking that the group were bound to catch us, as there were more of them than us! However, we worked well together, and Annabel was really encouraging. With only two of us though, it was a hard bike, as usually you can save some energy by drafting off wheels and riding in a pack,” said Herridge. An eventual bike split of 59.39 assured a lead of around 55 seconds on the chase pack going into the final discipline.

“The run was a nightmare for me this time; I had nothing left in my legs. Just trying to keep going on this occasion was an effort, probably as a result of pounding the bike,” said Herridge. However, although Herridge suffered on the run, she managed to hold on for a credible 9th place, in an overall time of 2.05.10, one better than her 10th place in the same event last year.

Herridge will continue to work solidly on her run over the winter months. “I really need to be able to produce a solid run – and this is going to be my challenge over the winter months – hopefully remaining injury free this time! I’ve now proved I can stick it with the best in the world on two out of the three disciplines – just one to go!” she said.

Coverage of the London Triathlon will be shown on BBC Two on Sunday 12 August from 1.30pm until 3.15pm.

Full results for the London Triathlon can be found at

http://olympic.triathlonresults.co.uk/ResultODFemaleElite.htm.