Laois Trilogy triathlon races into Portlaoise for 15th year

The hugely popular Irish TriLaois triathlon is racing into Portlaoise on Saturday morning, April 12, with participants from all over Ireland coming to town to compete.

The first in the Irish calendar of triathlons, TriLaois will see some 270 competitors of all levels swim in Portlaoise Leisure Centre pool, dash to their racing bikes for a spin around the countryside and back for a final run to the finish line, all egged on by cheering crowds and by each other.

The TriLaois race director this year is Portarlington triathlete Mick Cullen. He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live at one of their swim training sessions.

"It's Trilogy's 21st anniversary as well so it's a big year for us. We are asking the public to come out and support it, they are always great, and our local sponsors are great as well. 

"One of the most important things is safety, we want Portlaoise aware that it's on on Saturday, especially on the cycle route, which goes from the leisure centre out the Borris Road, Ballydavis, as far as New Inn roundabout and back in. There'll be extra cyclists on the road. The run will go out the Ridge Road, so if motorists can be aware of that," he said.

The TriLaois director thanked local Gardaí for their ongoing support.

"We've had huge support as well from Laois County Council this year, they are sponsoring the drinking water. Our main sponsor is Joe Mallon Motors who will drive the lead car. The club itself is so supportive, with all the members helping on the day," he said.

The only Trilogy members actually taking part in TriLaois are the brand new members who will be undertaking their first triathlon. They have been training hard for several months, coached by the senior club members.

Trilogy members at a swim training session in Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Richard Meaney, Geraldine Cullen, Fiachra Kavanagh, Aisling Duff, Rachel Cross and Alan Buckley. Photo: Leinster Express

"They have done brilliantly. Five of them had entered for the Tri-a-Tri but they have changed up to sprints so they've improved so much in swimming and the bike as well. They are all working hard," he said.

Triathlons are for everyone of varying strengths, Mick said.

"There's options. I'm a poor swimmer myself, but you can do it. With TriLaois there's a lot of new people come every year, with the spectators, the swim marshalls are super, they get everyone over the line in the pool. They have the relay as well so you can pick a discipline and do it as a team. It's a great day for Portlaoise and a great day for Laois," 

The race lineup offers: Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Try-a-Tri (400m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Relay races (400m/750m swim, 20km bike and 5km). There are t-shirts and medals for all participants on the day. Entrants must be registered and insured. 

Entries close on Sunday, April 6, click here to register. 

The race event begins at 8.30am on Saturday morning, April 12.