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Triathlon: Plews shows mettle with 'Ironman' win
ENGLAND'S footballers were nowhere to be seen in Switzerland this year but one Calderdale sportsman did make it to the Alps and has made a big impact there in one of the world's toughest sports.
Graham Plews travelled to picturesque Rapperswil-Jona on Lake Zurich to take part in the gruelling IM 70.3 Switzerland, a 'Half Ironman' event involving running, swimming and cycling over 70.3 miles.
And he won the 55 to 60 age group by a massive eight minutes and in doing so qualified for World Championships in Clearwater, Florida in November.
The stern physical test involved a swim of 1900 metres - one lap of the lake - a 90K bike ride and a 21K half marathon, which included two laps up the 'stairway to heaven' - a flight of steps to a church in the old town.
He claimed third in the swimming in 35 mins 29 secs, first in the bike ride in 2 hrs 37 mins 7 secs and first in the run in 1 hr 41 mins 48 secs. for a combined time of 4 hrs, 58 mins 31 secs including transitions - easily enough for first spot.
"The most damage was done on that hilly two lap bike course when I gained six minutes of the eight minute winning margin," he said.
Plews said the local community embraced the event and the route was lined with spectators.
Last year, the Courier reported how he won the National Triathlon Championships over the Olympic distance at Wakefield, a feat which qualified him for the World Championships in Hamburg later in the year, where he finished 13th.
Those achievements tempted him to test himself over the longer Half Ironman distance this year.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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