Speechly makes triumphant return

The best of friends, Sam Speechly (center) winner of the Bribie Island Tri, Marcus Randle (right) second and james Trevorrow (left) third. Photo Peter Evans / Caboolture News

Peter Evans/SIN110212tri12

SAM Speechly made a triumphant return to the triathlon circuit at Bribie Island on Sunday, edging out fellow competitors Marcus Randall and James Trevorrow to win the open long course race.

Speechly, who was injured in a major accident last year, returned to the sport on a circuit he used to race as a junior, finishing in a time of 01:24:45.

Race organiser Phil Hungerford said it was great to Speechly returning to the sport.

"It's always hard coming back from serious injury and Sam admitted the race was a bit harder than he thought it was going to be - he had to put his head down a bit," Hungerford said.

Also returning from injury was female open winner Cass Percival who finished in a time of 01:35:39. Percival was the only female in the open division of the race.

Hungerford said it was a big weekend on the island with a record field of 350 contestants for the Active Kids and First Timers on Saturday.

"We had so many kids in the some of the age groups we had to break it up into smaller groups," Hungerford said.

"It's good to see so many kids getting into the sport and that we're producing an event that both kids and parents like."

The next Bribie Tri weekend will be held on March 10 and 11.

"We've already received 300 entries so I think we'll reach our quota easily," Hungerford said.

"It's good to see everyone getting behind this event and we would like to thank the Bribie residents for their ongoing support."

For further information visit www.bribietri.com or phone The Run Inn on 3356 3646.