Gold for Saints Triathlete at Scottish National Championships
Saints Triathlete, Csoban Balogh, bags Gold at Scottish National Standard Distance Triathlon Championships
To kickstart the year before it’s even begun, 4th year Computer Science student and Triathlon Club secretary Csoban Balogh has won Gold at the Standard Distance Scottish National Triathlon Championship for his age category (20-24). The win brings an end to a Summer of dedicated training in St Andrews as well as an exciting start to the semester for both Csoban as an individual athlete, and for the Triathlon club as a whole. We spoke to both Csoban and Triathlon coach Ross Whittaker, to find out more.
Hosted at Knockburn Loch, the race began with an open water 1500m swim in what Csoban politely described as ‘comfy’ September water temperatures. After 2 laps round the loch, competitors ran up the bank and into the transition zone where wetsuits, swim caps and goggles were swiftly replaced with bike helmets and clip-in cycling shoes. With smooth transitions being crucial to Triathlon success, Csoban completed a speedy transition and was clipped in for the 40km cycle which followed.
Consisting of 3 laps, the cycle component of the race flowed through scenic and undulating country lanes, with a total elevation of 520m. Yet despite the odd punchy hill and challenging climb, with the sun shining and the wind conditions favourable, Csoban described the cycle as his favourite segment- so much so that he even completed an extra lap of the course before transitioning to the final segment of the race.
Fuelled by a selection of tried-and-tested energy gels eaten on the move, Csoban described the final 10km run as a challenging and hilly final push on the back of the swim and cycle. Amongst a strong field of competitors however, Csoban completed the race in 2 hours and 42 minutes to take an impressive 40-minute lead win for the 20-24 men’s age group.
Coach Ross Whitaker describes Csoban as a dedicated and extremely hard-working member of the club, who’s win reflects hours of dedication to training across the three disciplines throughout both the summer and the previous academic year. As such, Ross celebrates the win as a highlight for Csoban as well as the Triathlon Club as a whole, and it kickstarts what is hoped to be another exciting year of successes for the Triathlon Club members.