Triathlon season closes this weekend with Gerard Grant determined to complete perfect season

Anyone who’s kept an eye on the local triathlon scene will be familiar with the name Gerard Grant, such has been his dominance this year.

Grant has finished top of the pops in every race that he has entered and took out the Geraldton Tri Club’s championship series at a canter while also taking third place in his age group at the Busselton half iron man in December.

“It’s been a good year,” Grant said. “I just love racing, I did a lot of running back in England and after a break, after moving here I was looking for something different.

“There’s something I like about triathlon — it’s three challenges, three problems to solve which I just really enjoy.”

For pretty much all of this season and last Grant has been locked in a fierce but friendly battle with Byron Clarkson which is expected to come to a head this Sunday when the club hosts its Olympic-length triathlon, the longest event on their calendar.

With bragging rights on the line Grant is determined not to let this race slip having lost to Clarkson last year, his only defeat that season.

“I’m not as a known swimmer and Byron absolutely whips me in the swim leg,” he said.

“I think he lapped me on the swim last time and I could not make that up once back on the bike or running.”

“I’m determined not to let him beat me this time round and I’ve worked so hard to make sure it doesn’t happen, I will destroy myself on Sunday if I have to, it certainly won’t be easy.”

In addition to his triathlon success Grant also serves as secretary for the Geraldton Harriers Club which is launching its 2023 season on April 9.

“Harriers is a very different ethos to triathlon, we do have a championship series but its main goal is around fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

“It’s a very different community feel, everyone enjoys a coffee or tea after and we’re always looking for new members.”

“Numbers have been a bit static the past couple of years, we tend to lose a lot of young people to winter sports season and we’ve been looking at implementing games to keep them around and have seen a positive result so far.”

While winning everything may be becoming a bore for others, the 42-year-old Grant he has no plans of slowing down just yet and has some simple advice on how to beat him.

“I’m targeting the full ironman in December which will be double the length of the longest race I’ve ever done which is a huge undertaking,” he said.

“Byron’s also turning 50 next year and we’ve looked at some events in Europe to celebrate.”

“Me, Byron and Paul Burkinshaw are up training at 2 am so to beat me it’s as simple as getting up earlier and training more,” he joked.

The Geraldton Tri Club will host its Olympic triathlon at 8am on April 2 at St Georges Beach.

Anyone interested in joining the Harriers club can register here https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=46671