Tough day for Barbadian pair at Junior World Triathlon Championships

Alexis Lashley battled bravely but finished down the field, while Luke McIntyre was injured during a racing incident and did not finish, as the pair competed in the Junior World Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, on Thursday.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY from Spain, Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes President, Dr Garth McIntyre, said the pair had performed creditably amid world class competition.

“This would have to be chalked up as a learning experience for us as a federation and for both athletes. Alexis had a solid race, competing well in the swim, staying with her group in the bike, and then finishing off with a good run. 

“Her position may not have been as high as she would have liked, and she finished 61st, but she has two more years in this age group. This was really an exposure to this high level of racing and to the European competitors who are usually very strong in triathlon,” said Dr McIntyre.

Competing in the boys’ race Luke McIntyre was unfortunately trampled and kicked in the head during the transition after the swimming leg. While he attempted to continue the bike ride, a bad headache followed by dizziness resulted in his withdrawing after one lap of the course.

Following medical attention, he was released and is recovering well.

“A disappointing result for Luke,” said Dr McIntyre, “but he also has another year here, so he’s had some exposure, and both athletes are already making plans for next year and are hoping to improve on their performances from this year.”

The pair’s competition in Spain has ruled them out of this Sunday’s National Championships in Barbados, but Dr McIntyre expects them to return to action very soon.

“We have our CARIFTA triathlon coming up in just about four weeks on October 23 and 24 in Bermuda, so the athletes will take a short rest after this and then resume training for those races.”

Dr McIntyre continued, “About two weeks after Bermuda, Alexis will also be competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.”

(KH)