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 seemed to travel quite a lot for stories back then. Later he got into Roller Hockey journalism. And is still active on a few Vintage Triathlon Facebook groups.
The races were won by Mark Allen and Julie Moss. Three wins out of four at Avignon for both. Note. Sarah Coope in 2nd. Who convincingly beat Moss in 1987. Unlike the previous editions, the top French women were also in town. Poncelet, Delemer, Rouchon and Malherbe.
Scott 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. Had he signed for a French club?
Of course, I read and re-read the article. But I was more into the photos. There’s lots to behold. Allen’s cap-sleeved Nike kit. The gravel section. More of this needed! Caroline Heins’s Bell V1 Pro. The number trimming. And Moss’s Sock Racers.
Mark Allen also gave a speech in French when he accepted his prize. His French is pretty solid. Here’s a grainy video.
