Bermuda’s young triathletes put in strong performances on the final day of the Clermont Draft Legal in Florida.

Madison Schindel celebrated her 16th birthday by finishing 55th of 72 in the Under-25 Elite Development Races for the 16-25 age group. She went up against young adult athletes trying to break into the professional ranks, along with talented college athletes and a number from the United States armed forces.

After an encouraging swim in which she experienced how ruthless other swimmers can be, Schindel managed to hold her own in a fast pack of riders for the first half of the bike course, before losing her position and having to finish the bike on her own.

Undeterred, she pushed on and finished strongly on the run to complete a highly positive first showing at this level.

Next up were the youth athletes in the super sprint distance.

In the girls, Riana Robinson went one better than Saturday to finish fifth after battling for the podium for much of the race. Zara Bule followed in eighth place, while Isla Cooze came in fourteenth.

Madeleine Friend improved two places to eighteenth from the previous day. She was nearly two minutes quicker as well, capping off a brilliant weekend.

In the boys, Ethan Smith again led the charge with tenth place, coming in behind some faster older athletes. Smith consolidated another excellent swim by staying with a strong pack on the bike and toughing out the run.

Spencer Haldeman suffered in the slightly chaotic start to the race, which saw him drop back in his swim, before recovering on the bike and his run to finish sixteenth.

Maxwell Williams and Ronan Davidge came in one behind the other in 24th and 25th of 33 starters, with improved times from Saturday.

Alec Shepherd, who coached the 12-member team together with Alex Waldauer, felt that the young athletes performed exceptionally well over the two days.

“As a coach, these weekends of racing are always rewarding,” Shepherd said.

“Our athletes rose to the occasion and gave everything to produce their best when it mattered. The races are intense and competitive, being a test of nerve and resilience as much as pure ability.

“All of them should be proud of their achievements. They have gained valuable experience representing Bermuda in international competition.”