Five members of the Midland Triathlon Club, based in Mullingar, competed for Ireland in the European Duathlon Championships in Horst in Holland last weekend. Pictured with Carrick-on-Suir's Ger O'Loughlin, second from left, are from left, Mickey 'Dan' Murtagh, Stephen Naughton, David Fagan and James

Duathlon team aim to go one better in Holland next year

The dream of European glory was within his grasp for moments before it was snatched away from Midland Triathlon club member Mark McCann at Horst in Holland on Sunday.

Mark was one of five Midland Tri club members on the 15-strong Irish team who travelled to the European Duathlon Championships in Horst.

Of the quintet, Mark had the best run, closing in on a bronze medal in the short course event in the 35-39 age group.

Starting with a 5k run, followed by 20k on the bike and finishing with a 2.5k run, Mark put in a great performance to place him in contention for a podium finish.

There was elation within the small Irish contingent, when Mark was initially announced as having finished third in category.

But joy turned to disappointment when the team made their way to the presentation ceremony only to discover that due to an administrative error, Mark had been wrongly classified ahead of a Dutch athlete, Bas Van Beek, who had completed the distance in just under a minute quicker.

However, to come fourth in Europe is no mean feat and given that it was his first taste of international competition, future ventures could well prove more profitable.

The remaining Midland Tri members led the Irish challenge in their age groups. David Fagan, who competed in the same championships last year, finished sixth in the 45-49 age group and Stephen Naughton was 11th.

The former Clonkill and The Downs stalwart, Mickey 'Dan’ Murtagh was the first Irishman home in the 40-44 age category with neighbour James Cribbin not far behind.

Speaking to the Examiner on his return to Mullingar, Stephen Naughton was still rejoicing: “It was such a fantastic experience and one I would love to savour again.

It was overwhelming and to hear people shouting 'come on Ireland’ in a little town in Holland was incredible. It just gave you a huge lift,” said Stephen.

“The lads and team worked together and were a huge help. I will try my utmost to qualify again for next year’s event, it was that good an experience,” continued Stephen who spoke of the great camaraderie among all the participants.”