My First Sprint Tri of the Season in Camida Clonmel triathlon
The 2026 triathlon season is officially underway.
Last Sunday I lined up in Clonmel for my first sprint triathlon of the year — my second season racing with Piranha Triathlon Club — and what a way to start. A stunning course, over 50 clubmates, and a finish line that reminded me exactly why I signed up for this sport.
The Preparation — Slightly Questionable
Most sensible people travelled down the night before. I set the alarm for 4am!
By 5.10am I was on the road, driving through a silent Ireland while the rest of the country slept. Coffee, petrol, and something vaguely resembling breakfast somewhere near Kilkenny, then straight on to Clonmel.
Ideal race prep? Probably not.
Adventure? Most definitely.
There’s something strangely calming about driving through the country before sunrise with a triathlon ahead of you. By the time I arrived, I was awake, focused, and ready to go.
The Swim — Settling In Early
The swim felt strong from the start. I found a rhythm quickly and stayed controlled throughout. It’s still the discipline where I feel most comfortable, and getting out of the water feeling good set the tone for the day.
The Bike — Beautiful and Brutal
The bike leg reminded me that triathlon is still teaching me plenty.
As a runner moving into triathlon, the bike has a habit of humbling you. Tough climbs, technical sections, and full concentration needed on the descent towards the footbridge — but the scenery around Clonmel almost distracted from the suffering.
The volunteers around the course were outstanding. Their encouragement and guidance through the tougher sections genuinely helped settle the nerves and keep things flowing.
Second season or not, I’m still learning the art of transitions and bike handling. That’s all part of it.
The Run — Back on Familiar
Once the bike was racked, things started to click again.
Running still feels like home territory, and there’s a special satisfaction in running strongly after emptying the legs on the bike. It feels earned in a way a standalone 5k never quite does.
That’s what I’m beginning to love about triathlon: three disciplines, three separate battles, one finish line.
The Piranha Factor
What made the day truly special was sharing it with over 50 fellow Piranha Triathlon Club members.
In a sport that can sometimes feel individual and lonely, seeing so many familiar faces around transition areas and hearing clubmates shouting encouragement out on course made a massive difference.
That sense of community is hard to beat.
The Finish
Coming into the final stretch, I spotted a fellow Piranha athlete just ahead after an incredible run that secured her 2nd place finish. That was all the motivation I needed.
The legs found one last gear and I sprinted home in the Clonmel sunshine with clubmates cheering from the finish line.
That moment alone made the 4am alarm worth it.
Finish time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Not a perfect race. Not meant to be.
But I finished strong, under the sun, surrounded by good people. That sounds like a successful season opener to me.
Recovery Fuel
And finally — the real reward: hot dogs, granola pots, and enough fluids to bring me back to life.
After a dawn start, a long drive south, and 75 minutes racing across three disciplines, I don’t think food has ever tasted better.
The post-race chats, swapping stories with clubmates, replaying moments from the course — that’s part of the magic too.
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