Virtual triathlons line up to beat sporting ban

After the initial success of the first 'virtual' triathlon events - the Castle series - organisers of the Jersey Triathlon are among those who have now decided to go down the same route.

To ensure that competitors can still get their racing 'fix', the Jersey event has been completely revamped, to become an online event.

It's due to take place between 1 and 19 July - the latter the date originally fixed for the 'real' race - and will welcome participants from all levels of competition and ability.

Because this means it will give those with no tri experience a chance to get a taste of what it's all about, in what the organisers claim will be a "very approachable" format, it's hoped this will encourage a few newcomers on board.

The three disciplines can be completed in any order, and at any time or location between the advertised dates.

Paul Douglas, Managing Director of event sponsor Accuro Trust, told ITV News: "In the current circumstances the organisers have made the difficult but correct decision to not go ahead with the 2020 mass participation event.

"We applaud them for having made the most of the situation by presenting the sporting community with an exciting virtual challenge.

"This opens the event to novice and seasoned athletes both on and off the island of Jersey to test themselves and enable important fund-raising."

Three charities serving the Channel Island will benefit from the funds raised, with all participants being asked to support the good causes "during a very difficult fundraising environment" by either donating at the point of entry or raising sponsorship funds over the course of the event.

The separate Castle Virtual Series has seen three separate events held over a month, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The three-race programme is usually held at venues in France, England and Ireland, and participants are gearing up to compete in the last of these events, this Friday to Sunday, 22 to 24 May.

Other virtual triathlon series are taking place, including the Outlaw Lockdown Triathlon event, which has attracted more than 300 competitors keen not to let their training efforts go to waste.

- If you're competing in one of these virtual events, we'd love to hear how it's going - and how you're finding it compared to your regular open-air racing. Send us your thoughts at contactus@mytriathlon.co.uk, and we'll let our many readers know how you've been getting on.