Blenheim expects 3,000 triathletes (From Witney Gazette)

Blenheim expects 3,000 triathletes

9:00am Wednesday 26th April 2006 in Witney By Emma-Kate Lidbury

THE cream of the triathlon crop will be descending on Blenheim Palace next month ready for the second Blenheim Triathlon.

Oxford triathlete Sophie Whitworth, the winner of last year's women's event, is hoping history will repeat itself this year but she knows it won't be easy defending her title.

This year's event, due to be televised on Channel Four, will see at least 12 elite professional triathletes swimming, cycling, and running around the scenic grounds of the Woodstock estate.

Following the success of the first Blenheim Triathlon last year, the race will take place over two days, on May 20 and 21, and more than 3,000 competitors are expected to take part in the event.

Some of the biggest names in British triathlon will be competing, including Richard Stannard and Stuart Hayes.

In the women's race, 35-year-old Sophie, will have some tough competition.

She said: "It's going to be a far tougher race. Blenheim has become more firmly established on the racing calendar, and with the TV coverage this year, the true elite triathletes are taking an interest.

"I'm really looking forward to racing. I'm ready to get out there, and really go hard and see what happens.

"I would like to get on the podium on home soil."

After her Blenheim victory in 2005, Sophie went on to win a silver medal at the World Age Group Championships, in Hawaii. But this year, it's all about getting the gold and she wants to get her season off to a strong start at the Oxfordshire race.

She said: "I want to make a good start to my campaign of trying to go one better this year and getting the gold at the Worlds." Sophie, who balances training with her full-time job as national accounts manager for Cadburys, said: "I'm doing 30 per cent more training this year, and I'll be looking at this year's Blenheim time to see where I've made improvements."

Last year, she completed the course a 750m-swim, a 20km-cycle, and a 5km-run in a time of 1hour and 14minutes quicker than Olympic gold medal-winning rower, James Cracknell.

Organisers have not yet confirmed which celebrities will be taking part in this year's race.

There will be a women's afternoon on the Saturday, as well as a relay event, a varsity race and a children's event.

For more information visit the website www.theblenheimtriathlon.com