ENNISKILLEN'S OLYMPIC HOPEFUL GAVIN NOBLE WINS THE WATERWAYS IRELAND TRIATHLONE 2007

For the second year, Athlone, Co Westmeath has played host to the largest triathlon in Ireland. The "Waterways Ireland triAthlone" saw over 1,500 athletes including RTÉ presenter Kathryn Thomas, and BBC's Grandstand host Craig Doyle take to the 750m swim in the River Shannon, cycling the 20km bike route and running 5km through the streets of the town.

The event was also the host of the Irish Elite Championships for 2007, and saw Ireland's top 40 elite male athletes battle the River Shannon to start the country's premier race. Gavin Noble from Fermanagh was the overall winner - smashing the course record - coming home in a time of 54 mins. 39 secs., 26 seconds ahead of Brian Campbell in 2nd with 3rd placed James Lock a further 1 min. 21 secs. back.

Such has been the success of the event that, after just 2 years, Athlone was recently announced as the host of the European Triathlon Championships 2010, a first for Ireland. The midlands town promises to provide a magnificent arena for this unique sporting event in three years time when in excess of 2,500 participants will take part in what will be one of Europe's biggest ever triathlon showcases.

At the prize-giving ceremony on Saturday evening (14th July), John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland spoke of the significance of the event.

He said, "Waterways Ireland is very proud to be associated with the triAthlone for a second year which has seen the event grow rapidly to a future host of the European Triathlon Championships; a truly remarkable achievement and one which may be credited to the energy and commitment of the organising committee, the hundreds of volunteers and of course the competitors. This evening is a time for celebration for everyone associated with the event and the people of Athlone".

Further information on the Waterways Ireland triAthlone 2007 is available from
info@triathlone.com or from the event website, www.triathlone.com.

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Further info from:

Karen Cunningham, Waterways Ireland triAthlone, 00 353 87 217 4112, karen@triathlone.com, or
Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 965 0787 or 00 353 87 991 8412.

Date: 19.07.07
PR07012

John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland, presenting first prize for the Waterways Ireland triAthlone to Gavin Nobel.

Competitors preparing to dive start the Elite Race swim of 750m on the River Shannon as part of the Waterways Ireland triAthlone.