Official competitions still on hold for local triathlon club
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Open-water swimming is among the activities members of Wick Triathlon Club have been taking part in recently as they try to keep up training during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Club secretary George Ewing explained that although they have run some informal events at Loch of Yarrows it is possible that no official competitions will be happening locally until next year.
It is hoped to organise a triathlon at Yarrows, near Thrumster, in the future and club members have been using the area for training, including routes for cycling and running. Previously Wick harbour was used as the swim venue for the event, but it has now become too busy.
"We decided to look at Loch of Yarrows – it seems to be quite suitable," George said. "We have been holding some training sessions out there, complying with the Scottish Triathlon Association regulations. We are using staggered starts just to keep people safe in the current environment."
There has been a good level of interest in the sessions but the club has had to limit numbers.
George said: "We have also been doing quite a lot of open-water swimming."
Some of the athletes have been swimming around the local coastline covering distances between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometres.
Swimmers use the staggered start times with five setting off at a time, with particular stretches of water requiring support back-up from suitable vessels. Those taking part use wet suits and bright swimming caps, and tow buoys in which mobile phones can be safely carried.
During lockdown the club also took delivery of the new personalised triathlon kit featuring the Caithness flag and the group logo. The new kit has gone down well with members.
The club has permission from Thrumster Estate, the landowner of the area at Yarrows, for the training sessions and future competitions.
George, who is a member of Wick Wheelers, said local cyclists had also been restricted to training runs with just five people at the moment rather than organised competitions. He said: "Unfortunately we have not had an opportunity to do any time trials at all."
