GUERNSEY’S Sam Herridge gained a top-10 finish in a strong elite field in what is classed as the biggest triathlon in the world. With a former world champion and Commonwealth and World Championship medallist, together with a host of Great Britain team members lining up at the start, the race was one of the biggest in the Sarnian’s triathlon career.

The event is based at the ExCel Centre in London Docklands and consists of a 1.5km swim in the Royal Docks followed by a 40km cycle ride through London taking in Big Ben and the London Eye en route. The event finishes with a 10km run around the docks.

With the water temperature at around 21 degrees and a hot day forecast, it was decided the swim would be non-wetsuit, benefiting the stronger swimmers.

Herridge quickly surprised a number of the elite field by taking the initiative on the swim, leading from start to finish. Completing it in the fastest time, she was followed into transition by former world champion Leanda Cave and Liz Blatchford, a Great Britain team member.

‘I had a fantastic swim and think I will have surprised quite a few people who don’t really know my name,’ said Herridge.

‘A non-wetsuit swim really suits me as it emphasises the gap between the stronger and weaker swimmers.

‘Leading out of the water was a huge boost and having the Guernsey flag on my suit will have hopefully been noticed by the BBC,’ she added with a chuckle.

Following a quick transition, Herridge made it into the lead bike group of nine athletes, including Commonwealth silver medallist Sam Warriner and eventual winner of the race Andrea Whitcombe.

‘The pace was really quick on the bike and the group worked fairly well together,’ said Herridge.

‘Taking my turn on the front of the pack was a daunting but enjoyable experience and something to build on for the future.’

Herridge recorded a fast split of 1hr 1min. 52sec. for the 40km, before heading out onto the run.

With the faster and more experienced runners making their move on the final section of the race, Herridge concentrated on her own pace and position, with a top-10 finish in mind.

Quickly overtaking Emma Davies on the first lap, Herridge found herself in eighth place.

However, Swedish international, Lisa Norden and English international Rosie Clarke pushed the Sarnian into 10th place on the second.

Crossing the finish line in a time of 2-03-08 ahead of Vanessa Raw, runner-up in the National Elite Championships, was one of the highlights of Herridge’s triathlon career so far.

‘I had a fantastic race, but the good thing is that there is still so much to improve on,’ she said.

‘At the moment I’m competing on a level with experienced competitors who are professional triathletes training full-time. To be so close to them already in only my second season of triathlon, is really great.

‘A lot of that has to be down to the help of Alan Rowe, who coaches me, CMC for financial and massage support and the backing and support of so many friends and family.’

Herridge will be moving to the Kelly Academy of Sport next month to concentrate on training full-time under the direction of Robin Brew, world class performance coach.

However, representing the island will remain close to her heart.

‘I’m really hoping to get back to the island on Sunday 10 September to represent Guernsey in the inter-insular against Jersey.

‘We have a really good chance of beating them this year with a strong team both in the male and female categories.’

n BBC Grandstand will be showing coverage of the London Triathlon either on Saturday or on 19 August between 1.05 and 2.15pm on BBC1.