Gary Kurth in Eilat, Israel, for the European Championships.
TRIATHLONIW TRIATHLETE Gary Kurth made a huge impact for the Great Britain team at the European Championships, held in Eilat, Israel, last month.
The TRIUK team member was the second British athlete to finish the event, and came fifth in his age group (30 to 34 years) and 19th overall.
The warm water and perfect road surfaces in Eilat made for fast racing, but the 40 degree heat took its toll and some athletes had to withdraw.
However, Gary was made of tougher stuff and showed his intent in the 1,500m swim, leaving the water in a group of three who were a minute ahead of the rest of the field.
On the 40km bike leg, the desert winds and heat began to take their toll, as Kurth slipped back some four minutes heading into the second transition.
Heading out onto the run, again the heat and winds were building as the morning progressed, and this resulted in some slower than expected times with only a dozen athletes managing to dip under the 40-minute mark for the six-mile run.
Nevertheless, Kurth managed to cross the line in 2.09.12 and as the second British male to finish has automatically qualified to represent Great Britain again at next year’s championships, which take place in Turkey.
Before that, Kurth must defend his National Aquathlon title, comprising a 750m swim and 5km run, in Birmingham this month.