Knott ties up national title (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Knott ties up national title

7:00am Friday 19th March 2010

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HARWICH Runner Elspeth Knott has been crowned national duathlon champion.

And by winning her age category, the 60-year-old has booked her spot at this year’s European and World Championships.

She achieved the all-important qualifying time after finishing first in the 60 to 64s group, in addition to coming 54th overall.

Knott, of Paynes Lane, Little Bromley, clocked 47 minutes and 45 seconds over the first ten-kilometre run, managed 71m 38s in the 40km bike circuit and 25m 55s in the last 5km.

It now means she will take part in the European Duathlon Championships in Nancy, France, in May, and the World Duathlon Championships, in Edinburgh, in September.

“I was really pleased to win my age category, although a little disappointed with my time,” she told the Standard.

“Last year I did it about three minutes quicker but this time the wet, windy conditions didn’t help and may have been a factor.

“At least it gives me something to build on. I wasn’t at my best in the running.

“I had a few problems and training has been difficult during the winter, due to the snow and bad conditions.

“I did quite well on the bike, especially considering it was the first time I’ve been on my time-trial bike since October.

“But overall I was a little bit rusty, which is to be expected in the first competition of the year.

“My transitions weren’t very good and when I got off the bike for my last run my hands were so cold I couldn’t undo the strap on my helmet.

“I was all fingers and thumbs and it’s amazing how much time that can cost you. I’ll try and get quicker.”

Last year, Knott, 59, competed in the 55 to 59 age group but now she is part of the 60 to 64s.

And she hopes that being one of the younger competitors in her category will stand her in good stead during an exciting 2010.

“To secure my place in both competitions is a relief and a very good feeling,” said Knott, who won silver medals at last year’s European and World Championships.

“I’ll be up against the best, so it’s exciting but also very nerve-wracking. Gold has to be my aim, given that I got silver medals in both competitions last year.

“You never know what’s going to happen or who’s going to come into your age category.

“The organisers take your age from how old you will be in the December.

“Last time I was one of the oldest in my category but this time I’ll be one of the youngest. Hopefully I can use that to my advantage. That’s the plan.”

Knott will be joined at both competitions by Kate Hodgkiss, her son’s partner, who clocked times of 41m 50s (ten-kilometre run), 70m 36s (40km bike circuit) and 21m 21s (five-kilometre run) in Nottinghamshire.

She was the 13th woman overall and came fifth in her age group, the 30 to 34s.

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