It’s been a busy few weeks for Team Ireland, with lots of action across two European Cup races in Poland. Looking ahead, this weekend a team of paratriathletes are in Italy for the next round of the World Triathlon Para Series.
A team of five triathletes travelled to Europe Triathlon Cup Olsztyn on May 24th. Hollie Elliott and Erin McConnell opened their individual seasons, both were a part of Ireland’s best ever finish in a World Series Mixed Team Relay in Abu Dhabi in February.
In a closely fought women’s race, it came down to the 5k run to decide the podium. Both Erin McConnell and Hollie Elliott were in the mix throughout, with Erin having the fastest swim split of the field. Both McConnell and Elliott came off the bike in the large main pack and exited T2 just seconds apart.
Putting down 16:55 on the run course Elliott moved through the field, crossing the line for 5th and just 16 seconds off a podium slot. Erin McConnell finished in 22nd in a time of 1:01:22.
Saoirse O’Brien was also in action, making her senior debut at the level, crossing the line for 44th.
In the men’s event both Jonny Oakey and Luke McCarron were having their season openers at this distance, finishing in 30th and 41st respectively.
Full results can be found HERE.
Speaking about her race; Hollie Elliott said, “I’m satisfied with fifth and my performance across all three disciplines. I came out of the water around six seconds down on the front, the bike was a bit of a roll around with a big group on a pretty tight course, but I ran well to finish it off so it was nice to be back at the front of a race again. I have two key areas of improvement off the back of this race that I’ll look to focus on in my next one in two weeks time, to see if I can rectify some mistakes.
“I’ve taken some risks and made some big changes over the last six months, but I’m happy with where I’m at and excited to continue into the rest of the season.”
One week, two races, and two solid results for Erin McConnell at just the start of her individual international season.
Racing the heats across super sprint distance, McConnell qualified comfortably for the women’s final. Lining up for the final in the field of 30, Erin was well positioned coming out of the swim in third and onto the bike course with the main pack. Out of T2, things were fast and furious on the run course with just seconds separating the front of the field. Erin McConnell crossed the line for 11th place, just 35 seconds behind winner, Austria’s Carina Reicht.
Luke McCarron had his second race in as many week’s in the men’s event. Unfortunately there was no final this time for McCarron, his focus now on his next outing in a few weeks time.
Full results can be found HERE.
This weekend, Tom Williamson, Judith MacCombe and Eimear Nicholls; and Donnacha McCarthy and Sean Husband are in Taranto, Italy for the next round of the World Triathlon Para Series.
Donnacha McCarthy and Sean Husband (PTVI) make their international season opener this weekend, following a strong 2024 season.
Paris Paralympians Judith MacCombe and Eimear Nicholls (PTVI) make their 2025 season debut this weekend in Italy.
Tom Williamson (PTS5) continues his international season, following up his Top Five last month in Yokohama.
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