After a frustrating 2019 trying to qualify for the team whilst battling various injuries, Kendall was determined to make his first international appearance as he took part in the sprint distance (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run).
Despite not having run for three weeks, Kendall pushed hard from the gun and settled into the chasing group at a good pace, even slowing slightly to make sure he held enough in reserve.
He said: “Support around the course was great and I even managed some banter with some of the crowd. Before I knew it, I was approaching transition.”
Kendall clocked 18min 41sec for the first run, and with 2km to go on the bike he and a fellow competitor broke away from the group and made a dash for the final transition, Kendall completed the segment in 34.34.
Despite suffering with cramp, he put his foot down with 500 metres to go on the second run and managed an all-out sprint at the end for a time of 11.06.
He finished 18th out of 32 in a time of 1hr 06.52 and said: “When I started Tri four years ago I was somewhat in awe of those in their GB suits.
“So to everyone who fancies representing their country I would definitely say ‘go for it’. Tunbridge Wells is a great club, with so much friendly advice and support. Draw on that, and it’s within reach of everyone.”
Thomson was competing in the standard distance (10km run, 40km bike, 5km run). With strong support from the locals, Thomson completed his four laps of the town in 38.13.
On the pan flat bike course with pristine roads, Thomson cycled strongly with the wind to make up time, and completed it in 1:03.54.
He put up a strong finish in the final two laps of the run, clocking 22.13 and finished 26th out of 39 in a total time of 2:06.50.
