TRIATHLON Aileen Morrison 6th in First Race of the Season

Aileen Morrison put in an excellent performance last Sunday, 5 April. In the first race of the season Aileen showed what a difference can be made with a hard winter of work and the support of a high performance programme. Aileen opened her ITU racing account with a strong sixth place in Portugal, racing in a quality field with names such as Fernandes, Vodickova, and Charayron, Aileen showed that she could race hard with the best of them, finishing a solid sixth place.

As a member of Triathlon Ireland's development squad Aileen Morrison has been putting in a solid winter's training under the guidance of Head Coach, Chris Jones. This hard work has already paid a first dividend with Aileen being crowned Northern Ireland senior cross-country champion.

Last week Aileen headed started her Triathlon Season with a trip over to Portugal, with assistant coach Mark Dempsey. The race had a good depth of talent, with World Champion Vanessa Fernandes making a come-back after a fractured clavicle, and many other strong European athletes using this race to sharpen up before the new ITU World Championship Series kicks off. The conditions were a big change from Aileen's normal Belfast weather, with very hot weather greeting our team.

Aileen started with a great swim leg, exiting the water with Vanessa Fernandes and the rest of the lead pack. Aileen and the other leader set-off on the tough bike course, with increasing heat, and a large chase pack in pursuit.

Aileen biked well on a tough and technical bike leg, coming into transition at the front of the lead pack. The sight of an Irish Triathlete leading a race is a new, but very welcome event. Running strongly and consistently, in tough conditions, Aileen held an even pace throughout the race, holding onto sixth place to the line. An emotional Aileen crossed the line, and chalked up another top-ten finish for herself and Irish Triathlon.

The race was won by Vodickova (CZE), Vanessa Fernandes came in 16th in her first race since a mountain biking injury in January resulted in a fractured clavicle. Full results are available from the ITU website.

Aileen next races in the 'Small Nations Championship' in Malta in May, where she will be joined by fellow development squad member David O'Toole.

Triathlon Ireland would like to thank coaches Chris Jones, and Mark Dempsey for their continued pursuit to enable Irish athletes to compete at the highest levels. We are proud to support Aileen as she develops in her Triathlon career and keeps raising her bar.