Freeport, The Bahamas – On November 7, the Conchman Triathlon — now in its 34th year — will cement its reputation as the longest-running triathlon event in the country, encouraging healthy living and physical activity for athletes of all ages - even in a post-COVID-19 environment.

While many other sporting activities have been sidelined by the virus, the predominantly singular nature of triathlons has allowed competitors to continue to swim, run and bike their way to personal successes. In just a few short months, local triathlete, D’Angelo Sturrup, a resident of Freeport will hope to do the same. Sturrup has represented The Bahamas on the international stage, successfully competing in cycling events across the globe but his bike was severely damaged while in transit back to Grand Bahama in 2015 limiting his ability to compete.

Thanks to the generosity of an International Conchman participant, who came from Switzerland to compete, Sturrup will return to competition on his bike. “In the aftermath of hurricane Dorian, we were pleased to have scores of international Conchman triathletes donate financially to the recovery efforts on Grand Bahama” explained Conchman Chairman, Christopher Baker. “One of our competitors took it a step further with the donation of a Trek bike for a worthy young Grand Bahamian triathlete, D’Angelo Sturrup was selected as the recipient.”

Sturrup, who started cycling at the age of 12 in Nassau, Bahamas, has been an avid cyclist ever since, entering his first cycling event at the age of 18. He quickly began to develop and excel at the sport, eventually going on to represent The Bahamas at the CAC Games in Scotland in 2014, as well as the Elite Caribbean Championship in Puerto Rico that same year.

“I sincerely appreciate the donation given to me, I can't express how grateful I am to everyone involved in making it possible,” said Sturrup. “I value the help that I’ve received. I love the bike and I'm constantly adding components to make it an even more aerodynamic and faster bike.”

Anticipation is already building for the upcoming event with significant interest being shown both locally and abroad. Interested participants may register by visiting the Conchman website at https://www.conchmantriathlon.com, or social media links.

“Despite the current global health crisis, we are looking toward the future with hope” Baker noted. “As conditions continue to improve and safety measures relax further, we will be getting back to preparing to welcome a new crop of triathletes to the island with all the appropriate safety precautions in place.”

Since writing this article, the Committee have sadly had to cancel the running of the 34th GBPA Conchman Triathlon. We look forward to 2021.

Conchman Facilitates Bike Donation to Promising Local Triathlete