Martin breaks the hour barrier

FINISH . . .Mike Winterburn cools down after he finishes the triathlon

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TRIATHLETES from Oldham, Rochdale and even Edinburgh conquered this year's Milltown to Moors Sprint Triathlon in Saddleworth.

A total of 222 people, including 11 relay teams, took part in the third annual triathlon event on Sunday, which involved a 400-metre swim at Saddleworth Pool, 20km cycle through the challenging hills of Saddleworth and 5km run to the finish line.

Martin Cain took home the top prize for the third time, this year recording a record time for the event of 59mins, 58 seconds, the first time the Milltown Triathlon has been completed in under an hour.

The 41-year-old, from Greenfield, said: "It is great to have won. I knew it would be close as there was a lot of great competitors here, especially Cole Drews.

"I thought it would come down to the run, and in the end it did."

Martin, a member of team Triguru, came home ahead Cole, who finished second, by just over a second.

Martin added: "It is a fantastic event and is always well organised by Kelly and the Milltown and OCL team.

"It's great for the local area and it should be supported to ensure it keeps going."

Cat Jessop, from Littleborough, was the fastest female, with a time of 1hr, 14mins and 20secs.

Cat (32), who is an East Lancs Road Cycle Club member, came second last year. She said: "It is really lovely to have won.

"I don't usually like races or competing, but my friends push me to do it.

"Without their support and telling me to enter I wouldn't be here now."

The Milltown to Moors event marked the first race since Alan Keane stepped down from his role as race director, handing the reins to Kelly Tattersall and the team.

Kelly said: "The event was fantastic and we had great weather.

"More people are getting involved from the local area and further afield. This year we had someone from Edinburgh competing.

"It is a great event for bringing people into Oldham and encouraging more residents to get involved with sport.

"We hope this is just the start of the Milltown series and that we will be able to add to it and we already have plans for a junior triathlon."

The Milltown to Moors race includes a 7k at Alexandra Park on Sunday, May 14. For details visit www.milltownraces.co.uk.

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