The 1988 Avignon Triathlon
I’ve already looked at Avignon in 1985, 1986 and 1987. I only read-up on these races recently. But I’ve been obsessed by the 1988 race for quite a while. The race report appeared in the August 1988 issue of Tri-Athlete (UK). The 3rd triathlon magazine I ever bought.
The author is Richard Graham. Who seemd to travel quite a lot for stories back then. Later he got into Roller Hockey journalism. And is still active on a few Vintage Triatholn Facebook groups.
The races were won by Mark Allen and Julie Moss. Three wins out of four at Avignon for both of them. Note. Sarah Coope in second. Who convincingly beat Moss in 1987. Unlike the previous editions, the top French women were also in town. Poncelet, Delemer, Rouchon and Malherbe.
Molina and Dave Scott made the trip this time. As did the American-Enigma, Tom Gallagher. I really need to speak to him. He was often in France.
Of course, I read and re-read the article. But I was more into the photos. There’s to behold. Allen’s 1988 cap-sleeved Nike kit. Moss’s Sock Racers and shorts over swimming costume. The gravel section. More of this needed! Caroline Heins’s Bell V1 Pro. And the number trimming.
Mark Allen also gave a speech in French when he accepted his prize.
Here’s a grainy video.
