University sports lecturer fulfils world duathlon dream
A University of Gloucestershire sports lecturer has achieved success representing Great Britain at the Duathlon World Championships in Aviles, Spain.
Jordan Wintle, who is an Academic Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Physical Education at the university, completed the punishing sprint duathlon course which consists of a 5km run, then 20km bike leg followed by a final 2.5km run in a time of 1 hour 6 minutes 30 seconds.
Out of 433 age group athletes who took part from across the globe, Jordan, age 34, from Cheltenham finished in an impressive 25th place for his age group (30 – 34) and was the 8th placed British athlete.
Jordan, who was also awarded the title of most inspiring lecturer at the university’s staff awards whilst he was in Spain, qualified for the World Championships by gaining the fifth automatic qualifying spot at the Bedford Autodrome Duathlon in March, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder in January this year following a bike crash in training.
Jordan’s training partners Ross Mahoney and Lloyd Dobson from Mad Cow Duathletes also represented Great Britain. Ross finished 21st and Lloyd in 24th place for their age group.
Jordan describes the race experience: “Standing on the start line of only your fourth duathlon surrounded by some of the best age group athletes in the world is both inspiring and somewhat intimidating. The pace of the first run was a little slower than I had expected, but the draft legal bike leg was technical and fast paced with several attacks coming from the Mexican and Spanish teams. The final run is always brutal but I was pleased to be overtaking other competitors right to the line.”
Commenting on the event Jordan added: “Representing your country in a sport you love is an experience I will never forget and will always be proud of. The event and Great Britain squad were brilliantly organised and this has only enhanced my motivation to compete at this level in the future. I hope to transfer some of the lessons learned throughout this process into my role at the university developing PE teachers of the future.”
“Massive thank you to my family and friends for all their support, especially Sophie (my wife) who has supported me throughout a hectic training schedule and a few tougher moments. My team mates Ross and Lloyd have driven me on for the past seven months; to achieve something like this with two of your best friends has been fantastic. A final thanks to the University of Gloucestershire, whose sponsorship has turned this dream into a reality.”
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