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James Edgar and Jonathan Oakey claimed silver and bronze in China this weekend. The Olympic Distance Asia Triathlon Cup race took place in Taizhou in wet and humid conditions. 

The two Irish athletes exited the water in the main chase pack, with a single swimmer leading the way into T1 with almost a 20 second gap. Reeling the sole leader back quickly, a pack of ten athletes, including Edgar and Oakey, were able to put almost 90 seconds between themselves and the next group of chasers. 

The bike course, which was largely out and back, with a small number of sharp turns, produced some fast splits, with the lead group riding at a blistering pace of over 45 kmph through the six lap course.

Edgar, who post race mentioned having battle stomach problems throughout the run, produced a 32 minute and 23 second run split to secure silver. He was closely followed by Irish team mate, Jonathan Oakey 30 seconds later to claim bronze. 

The bronze medal performance for Oakey is his first senior international podium. He later said it was a “Great experience stepping onto a podium for the first time in Taizhou, in a Triathlon Ireland suit.” 

Oakey will now remain in China to focus on the 2024 Asia Triathlon Cup Lianyungang on the 18th of May. Meanwhile Edgar will travel to Uzbekistan to the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Samarkand next weekend where he will be joined by Russell White and Elizabeth Carr.

New Flag Journey

The silver medal performance sees Edgar climb six places in the World Triathlon Rankings to 71st overall. With Duchampt in 59th position he currently holds the European New Flag position. Azerbajans’ Pevstov climbs to 68th, bringing the race for the New Flag slot at the Olympic Games between all three athletes as close as 150 World Ranking points. 

Edgar will race Pevstov in Samarkand next weekend, while Duchampt will take to the start line at the 2024 World Triathlon Cup Huatulco in Mexico.