GE Dream Team 3 Win the Canary Wharf Corporate Challenge
28th June 2012GE Dream Team 3 were the deserved winners of the GE Canary Wharf Triathlon Corporate Challenge in a fiercely contested competition in a night to remember in the iconic shopping and financial district.
John Wood gave the team, which was recruited via the GE Facebook page the best possible start with a fantastic swim, before Chris Newman - a recent injury replacement – pushed them further in front with a commanding cycle.
Simon Jackson secured the win for GE Dream Team 3 with a majestic 2km run, finishing first ahead of runners-up LOCOG and third-placed GE Aviation.
GE Dream Team 3 swimmer Wood said: “It was brilliant and I just wish it could have gone on for longer. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was just great to get the legs moving.
“The support was fantastic and If I'm honest, it was like being in a swimming pool, the noise was that loud. It sounds so stupid but having so many people, who don’t necessarily follow triathlon, being there and urging you on was just fantastic.
“Fortunately I’ve swam in The Thames before so I wasn’t too nervous. And being a team thing made me even less nervous as it was just good fun to compete with your mates and do it for other people.
“Chris was awesome on the bike, made it look easy and Simon brought it home; he flew.”
Newman, who only joined the team during the week as an injury replacement, said: “I'm so happy. I was actually drafted in at the last minute as our previous cyclist crashed and had to pull out. I feel so sorry for him as this was an incredible atmosphere and an amazing race.
“It was tough out there and pretty windy, making it pretty shaky at times. It’s such an awesome course and was so fun being able to bomb it around the corners.”
Jackson, who crossed the finishing line for the victorious team, echoed his teammates’ words and paid tribute to the incredible support of the huge Canary Wharf crowd.
He said: “It was such hard work, but you’ve got to give your all as you don’t know who’s behind you. It was definitely worth the effort.
“The support was amazing and it was incredible to see how many people stayed after work. GE supported us hugely and it was great to get the win. My guys in front gave me such a good lead and I was glad to bring it home.”
The Corporate Challenge took place before the elite male and female athletes took to the track as they attempted to be crowned 2012 GE Canary Wharf Triathlon, the third event in the British Triathlon Super Series.