IRELAND’S GAVIN NOBLE put in terrific display to clinch 23rd in the men’s triathlon around Hyde Park today.
The country’s first ever male triathlete to compete at the Olympics, 31-year-old Noble produced a strong 1.5km swim before taking action during the 43km bike ride to power ahead in the chasing pack and catch the leading group.
Noble, who missed a number of months training due to a recurring knee injury, was within three seconds of the lead during the final changeover and, although he was passed by several competitors during a tired run, Noble came home in a time of 1:49:47, 3:22 behind winner Alistair Brownlee.
“You’re in the lead pack and you’re just swapping turns so you’re not really leading until you cross the line,” he told Will Downing. “I’m happy enough. It’s nice to give people something to shout about and be interested in.
“It hasn’t been for anyone to get here and you don’t want to make excuses. You just do your best on the day.
There’s been so many people here supporting me, hopefully they’ve had a good day and I look forward to catching up with them later on.”
The British favourite Alistair Brownlee won the race as his younger brother, Jonny, finished third. Brownlee timed 1hr 45min 25 secs, finishing 11 seconds ahead of Javier Gomez Noya of Spain.
Jonny took bronze despite serving a time penalty for mounting his bike too early.
