Andrew "Tubes" Thompson on his bike leg.

TORTOLA - Andrew "Tubes" Thompson came into Sunday's BVI Cycling Federation organized sprint triathlon in Nanny Cay expecting to battle with Anthony Spenser.

While Spenser didn't show, Thompson needed a strong run to overpower Sue Tucker for a one-minute victory in 1 hour, 11.25 seconds, in the event that covered an 800-meter swim, 12-mile cycle and 3.1-mile run. "I was thinking that Tony was going to be here and I would be behind him and Sue coming out of the swim because I haven't been swimming," Thompson recalled. "My strategy was to go hard on the bike. My running, although I don't practice, I try to stretch it out for the event. I was hoping to get close to Tony and catch Sue, but Tony wasn't here so you'll never know. However, I also knew running is not the favorite part of Sue's game, so I managed to catch up with her then hold her off. "

Tucker said she was surprised to be ahead of Thompson heading into the run. "I had a bit of a lead on the run, which is my weakest link, so he slowly reeled me in and stomped me out the back door," she said. "I just wanted to keep it easy on the ride, because I like to hammer the ride, but I wanted some fuel left for the run. All things considered, I'm happy with my run, because it's not my strongest point."

12 swimmers start the 13th annual Tri BVI

St. John's Karen Brady made her triathlon debut on the urging of her friend Jude Woodcock, who was fourth. She said it was a whole new experience. "I've never even swum a half mile before," she said. "Being from St. John, the bike and the run were entirely flat, so it was wonderful for me. I'm very proud that I completed it because it was a personal goal for me. I'm 40-something and doing this for the first time. I used to bike race before and 20 years later I tried it again, so I'm proud of myself."

Final overall results

1. Andrew "Tubes" Thompson, 1 hour, 11 minutes and 25 seconds. 2. Sue Tucker, 1:12.25. 3. Simon Cook, 1:18.51. 4. Jude Woodcock, St. John, 1:20.28. 5. Sally Blackmore, 1:25.00. 6. Team 16 (Patlian Johnson, Elsa Meyers & Julia Oeseburg), 1:26.10. 7. Karen Casey, 1:37.33. 8. Karen Brady, St. John, 1:44.18.

Susan Tucker on her run leg with Tubes chasing.

Patlian Johnson did the swim leg for Team 16

© Copyright 2003 BVI Cycling Federation

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