epm:technology Lays Down Team Challenge Gauntlet - Jenson Button Trust Triathlon Team Challenge
A three-man team from Derby advanced composite materials specialists epm:technology are throwing down the gauntlet to fellow businesses to join them in the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon at Derby’s Markeaton Park on Sunday July 17.
The Team Challenge competition, sponsored by Midlands based business advisors and accountants Smith Cooper, is open to teams of three people.
Each team member tackles one of the triathlon components – starting with a 200m swim in Markeaton Lake, followed by a 10km cycle on a closed-road circular route into the city centre and then back to the park for a 2.5km run.
epm:technology designed and made the medals and trophies for last year’s Jenson Button Trust Triathlon and have decided, as well as providing this service again for this summer’s event and for the ‘Be More Bailey’ mini family triathlon – that they would enter themselves. Their team is hopeful of lifting one of the trophies made in their own manufacturing centre in Derby.
Swimmer Alex Chapman will start the race in the water, followed by cyclist Harry Harvey and then runner Matt Cotton. All three started at the company as trainees and have worked their way up into more senior roles. Alex (20) from Long Eaton started swimming when he was four-years-old and joined Trident Swimming Club – competing at a county championship level. He has also trained with the East Midlands squad and has competed in triathlons and Iron Man competitions. Harry Harvey (27) from Whatstandwell has raced mountain bikes in the Gravity Enduro for several years and has sinced developed his skills on road cycling - entering several Sportive events and races. And Matt Cotton (26) from Huthwaite has been running since he was 12 when he also competed in English schools cross country events. He has also competed in several triathlons including events in Austria and Canada.
epm:technology’s Mark Gould said: “As active members of the Derby business company – we are now throwing down the gauntlet to other groups of friends and work colleagues to follow our lead and sign up for the Team Challenge. “Alex, Harry and Matt are all very fit and competitive and I know they are stepping up their training to do the triathlon in the best possible time that they can. “They perfectly reflect the workforce here at epm:technology – starting as trainees and working their way up through hard work and dedication. “I am sure that this focus will hold them in good stead as they tackle the course at the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon Team Challenge. “It would be great if our guys won the trophy that we are designing and making but let’s see who the best team is on the day!”
Last year’s Team Challenge was won by Derby-based construction company MBS who also provided all the infrastructure for the event. Managing Director Adam Stevenson said: “The epm:technology team sound impressive but we are up for the challenge to retain the trophy!”
David Nelson, Partner at Smith Cooper continued: “The great thing about the Team Challenge is that it is the ideal way for friends and colleagues to combine their individual strengths and work together to achieve the coveted Team Challenge title.
Each team will receive prizes including a medal and goody bag. An exclusive Team Challenge tent will also be erected in the event village in Markeaton Park where team members can relax, enjoy a post-race massage and soak in the atmosphere with food, drink, live music and prizes to be presented by Jenson Button himself.
Dean Jackson from event organisers, Derby-based HUUB Events, concluded: “The excitement is certainly building for the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon on July 17. “We are attracting a wide range of entries from complete novices to seasoned and professional triathletes and I think the Smith Cooper Team Challenge will be a particularly close and exciting race to the finish. “With the confirmation of the Team Challenge and the introduction of the ‘Be More Bailey’ family challenge headed by the inspirational young lad Bailey Matthews – this is now truly an event for everyone to enjoy regardless of their age or experience in the growing sport of triathlon.”
Individuals and teams will get the chance to race twice on July 17. The preliminary individual event will consist of a 200m swim in Markeaton Lake; 10km cycle from the park and into the city centre before returning to the park to complete a 2.5km run.
In the individual event, the top male and female performers will then go on to the finals – completing a 400m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, with the runners up entering the wooden spoon race. The Team Challenge participants will race again in the afternoon over the Super Sprint distance and the team with the fastest average time will emerge victorious.
During the lunchtime break – the ‘Be More Bailey’ family challenge will start with a 50m swim in the lake then head out onto the closed roads for a 2.5km cycle before a 750m run – crossing the same finishing line as the JBTT triathletes.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.jensonbuttontri.com and, for latest news and training tips, please follow on Twitter @JBTrustTri