A flurry of club racing marked the end of the year for many clubs across Victoria, with Riviera, Western Surburbs, Ballarat and Eltham Triathlon Clubs all holding events. 

A festive atmosphere greeted a sellout field in Altona for the annual Christmas race at Western Suburbs Triathlon Club. There was great crowd support for all the competitors and especially those who dressed up, with some fantastic costumes presented on the day.

While in the Riviera, there was a race card to suit everybody from Olympic distance to Sprint, and right down to races to suit all the kids. Riviera has been running weekly triathlon events for over ten years, and is seeing a growth in membership across both Bairnsdale and Sale, and as a result had plenty of club members turn out to racing. 

In the new year, Riviera present the Marlo Triathlon on January 6 and WSTC host their Australia Day Race, which forms Race 3 of their Summer Series. 

Ballarat Triathlon Club presented its first triathlon in many years last Sunday, with the triathlon community giving the club an emphatic YES after racing returned to the area in spectacular style and conditions. Over 40+ competitors entered and competed from across Greater Victoria, supporting Ballarat’s return to club racing. Their next race will be held on January 28. 

The Golden Flipper race on Friday 15th December marked Eltham Triathlon Club’s first ever triathlon, held at the Diamond Creek pool and surrounding parkland. 

16 competitors took to the field, with superb communication between marshals making for a great race. The only obstacles encountered on the run leg were the ducks at the finish line waiting for pizza. The event doubled as the club’s Christmas get together, with the evening concluding with pizzas and a visit from Santa. 

Club racing and the club community is the heart and soul of triathlon, and without their very important contribution, triathlon in Victoria would not look as exciting as it does. Give club racing a try and consider joining a club if you haven’t already. You can find out more information about Victorian clubs and upcoming races here.