When Viv Pountney began her triathlon journey her aim was to avoid coming last, but over a quarter century later she was literally on top of the world competing internationally against the best.
“At first I just didn’t want to be on the last page of the results”, the veteran of four world championships said. “Gradually I got better and ended up qualifying for the ITU World Championships in Mexico in 2002.”
In her first race, Viv competed on a shopping bike but her friends encouraged her to progress to a road bike. From there she started riding with her local clubs in High Wycombe and then with Thame CC.
Now, after finishing her triathlon career back in Mexico last year, cycling is taking over from triathlon as her first love. “I feel I have achieved all I can in the world of swim, bike, run so now want to focus on riding and enjoying myself with less emphasis on training”, Viv says.
Her decision means spending more time wearing her beloved Sasha Cycling shorts too. “When Alex told me she couldn’t find shorts to fit I really understood where she was coming from. Once she made Sasha shorts I bought a couple of pairs for those long training miles and straight away loved the fit which covered my back whilst the pad is just fantastic”, Viv said.
After 26 years racing to the top of her sport, Viv is now going to concentrate on cycling sportives and endurance rides. We will follow her progress and check back with her next year.
