IT WAS a case of local knowledge paying dividends for Martin Cain, the winner of the inaugural Milltown to Moors Sprint Triathlon.
The 39-year-old fireman from Greenfield was victorious in the event, which took place in Saddleworth, and encompassed a 400m swim at the local pool, 20k bike ride and 5k run.
“It took place on my training ground and suited me down to the ground,” explained the father of two.
Though Martin is a seasoned triathlete and three times North West regional champion – he also holds the course record for the Helvellyn triathlon in the Lake District which he took from Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee – he was delighted with his victory.
He said: “I was not anticipating a win and it was a pleasant surprise to do so as there were some decent lads in the field.
“I have travelled all over the world doing iron man triathlons and the organisation was just as good as anything I have experienced.
“I believe it has the potential to become a well-established event.”
Martin finished in 1hr 1min and 40 seconds ahead of former professional cyclist Jake Ragan who has represented Great Britain before quitting the sport last year to continue his academic studies.
Denshaw-based Jake was delighted with his second place in the event which attracted just short of 200 competitors.
He said: “I didn’t know what to expect so I was pleased how I did. Martin was favourite because he does iron man triathlons.
“I am a Saddleworthlad who has trained in the pool and on the roads and bridlepaths for years so knew the course very well and that it had to be respected and not taken lightly.
“It was a great spectacle for Saddleworth and there were a lot of people watching. I think word will spread and it will become a really big event.”
Jake says he will definitely do the event again, though he is more likely to specialise in the duathlon – cycling and running – because his swimming is not strong enough to compete at the highest level in the triathlon.
And Denshaw’s Kyle Clegg, who is aged only 16 and a member of British triathlon’s youth squad, completed a 1-2-3 for Saddleworth athletes as he finished third.
“I train with Kyle and he has the potential to do well at national level and beyond that,” explained race winner Martin.
The first female competitor to finish was Birmingham’s Danielle Bogue in a time of 1hr 16 min.
Race organiser Alan Keane was elated how the event went saying: “We received a lot of praise and the event was well received as were the routes.
“We will definitely be repeating the event due to the demand. There were not far off 200 competitors which was good seeing as we clashed with others.
“It was the day of the London Marathon and the day after the Yorkshire Three Peaks race and also the week after the Manchester Marathon.”
Alan mentioned one entrant came from Cornwall while also praising the support from Rochdale Triathlon Club which provided over 40 entrants.
The Milltown to Mills series continues with a 7k race on Sunday, May 17 and 10k run on Sunday, June 21. Entries can be made online at www.milltownraces.co.uk while they will also be accepted on the day for both of these events.
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