2:00pm Thursday 9th September 2010
CALNE’S Keith Foley will write his name into the history books when he locks horns with a host of British Olympians and Europe’s finest in Eurostar’s pioneering Tri-City-Athlon next week, writes DAVID JORDAN, Sportsbeat.
Foley, a runner by trade, is one of 150 athletes from the UK, France and Belgium who will swim, cycle and run in three cities in a day to celebrate Eurostar’s partnership with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The 27-year-old will complete a 1.5km swim in the Bassin de la Villette in Paris followed by a 40km ride on the roads around Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium and finish with a 10km run in London’s Regent’s Park.
And after being handpicked for the record breaking challenge as one of just 20 UK competition winners, Foley, who was selected by a panel of judges including double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, admits he’s counting down the days to the September 14 start.
“I ran the Berlin marathon in 2008 and the London one last year so the running part shouldn’t be a problem,” said Foley, who will line up alongside the likes of British triathlete Alistair Brownlee, plus former Olympians Mark Foster and Iwan Thomas.
“I was meant to run in the London marathon again this year but I damaged my right achilles quite badly and was advised very strongly by my physiotherapist to not do it.
“The injury is more of a mental thing than a physical thing now and I am still really looking forward to the Tri-City-Athlon even if I don’t think I will be breaking any personal bests.
“Because of the injury this event is not about the time but about enjoying it and I am sure I will because I will get to see some amazing places.”
The former John Bentley School pupil Foley needed to be capable of completing the swim in 45minutes, the bike ride in 1:40.00hours and the run in 1:10.00 to take his place on the start line.
Foley was originally on the reserve list but earned a late call-up when a competitor was forced to withdraw and the head of planning for Transport for London admitted his preparation could have been better.
“I only found out a few weeks back that I had a spot,” he added. “I was still doing my usual training but I think I might have stepped it up if I had known for sure I was doing it.
“But I am not too worried and I am going to go there and try and have a bit of fun – although I am quite a competitive person so that could all change when I get out there.”
Eurostar is the Official International Rail Services Provider to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Find out more about the world’s first ever Tri-City-Athlon or book tickets to travel on Eurostar by visiting eurostartricityathlon.com
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