The boys and girls from Transition to Year 5 brought their bikes, helmets and enthusiasm and gained practical skills, assisted by staff and triathletes from Senior School.

Safe braking, jumps, obstacles, road rules, emergency stopping and riding over ‘bridges’ across Black Gully that runs through the TAS campus, were popular activities.

After lunch, all students took part in a triathlon, either in teams (from Kindergarten) or individually (from Year 2).

Distances ranged from 25m swim, 200m ride and 200m run for the youngest competitors, to 75m/400m/400m for Years 4 and 5, the swim section being held in the TAS pool and the cycle and run legs, on adjacent Wakefield.

Year 5 student Miller Harwood was awarded the Sarah Heagney Memorial Shield for winning the senior individual triathlon.

Head of Junior School Mr Ian Lloyd said the focus of the day was fun, safety, and trying new things, more than about competition.

“By its very nature there were students whose skills ranged from absolute beginners, to those who are skilled cyclists. The common factor though was that everyone took part and had fun, with many also feeling a sense of accomplishment for having a go and succeeding at something they may not have at first been comfortable with the thought of doing,” he said.