THE Wivenhoe Corsairs were victorious in the Triple Colne Challenge Triathlon at Rowhedge Coastal Rowing Club.

It was a race with a difference, with the challenge made up of a Cycle, Run and Row.

The four crews entered were from either side of the river, giving the race a derby flavour.

There were mixed crews from Wivgigs (Audacity) and Wivenhoe Corsairs (Defiance), along with a men's crew from Rowhedge (Tyrant) and a ladies crew from Rowhedge (Aquiline).

The crews cycled off at five-minute intervals along the River Colne for a four-mile chase to Wivenhoe Train Station.

There was then a swift change over for the two-mile run along the Wivenhoe trail taking them to Whitehouse Beach, where their gigs were awaiting them.

The last leg of the race was a three-mile row taking them out to sea and returning to Rowhedge.

The Wivenhoe Corsairs went off first and set a tremendous pace on the bikes, maintaining their lead throughout.

They came home triumphant to win ahead of runners-up Tyrant, who made a good comeback.

Audacity were third ahead of the ladies crew, who were held up by injury but came into almighty applause from the quayside from supporters and visitors.