After months of dedicated training, Vicki Ayriss, known to the LendingMetrics team as Cookie, has achieved an outstanding third-place finish in her age category at IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais!

Held on Saturday 17th October 2026, the event welcomed athletes from across the globe to Portugal's stunning Atlantic coastline to compete in one of the most renowned events in the sport of triathlon. Part of the globally recognised IRONMAN series, the race challenges competitors to complete an intense 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, and 42.2 km run, testing both physical and mental fortitude.

Supported every step of the way by colleagues through our five-month Road to Cascais campaign, what began as a team challenge to virtually cover the 2,100 km distance from Whiteley to Portugal grew into something much bigger, with the team collectively covering an incredible 5,500 km. The campaign brought everyone together through shared challenges, internal activities, and fundraising initiatives, including our Bike It & Bake Sale in support of The Elizabeth Foundation.

Her achievement is the culmination of an extraordinary journey, including her appearance at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice. The experience provided a valuable opportunity to put her preparation to the test on the international stage, and we couldn't be prouder of what she has achieved!

A challenging course and an exceptional performance

Race day brought mild temperatures of around 18°C, with coastal winds adding to the challenge across exposed sections of the course.
Cookie completed the sea swim in the sheltered waters of Cascais Bay in 1:13:00, before taking on her strongest discipline, the bike, in 5:28:22. The scenic route followed the Portuguese coastline, passing through stunning natural landscapes and including two laps of the famous Estoril Formula 1 circuit. The race concluded with a demanding run along the Atlantic seafront, where Cookie maintained an impressive pace over the rolling terrain to finish in 3:44:19.

Crossing the finish line in an outstanding 10:37:10, Cookie secured third place out of 37 competitors in the women's 35–39 age category, earning her a well-deserved place on the podium.

 

"Finishing on the podium means the world to me. I never imagined I'd place so highly among such an incredible group of women, and I feel so privileged to have been up there with them.

This race has been a year in the making, with two IRONMAN 70.3 events along the way. When things got difficult, I thought about everyone at LendingMetrics and all the people who have supported me throughout this journey. That support helped me keep going."

Victoria Ayriss, LendingMetrics

 
A fitting end to an incredible journey


While the Road to Cascais campaign may have reached its finish line, the memories and sense of achievement will stay with the team for a long time. The campaign has brought everyone together, creating shared experiences and inspiring colleagues to challenge themselves along the way.

Throughout the year, Cookie has shown incredible dedication and determination. We've watched her take on new challenges, push herself further and inspire those around her to do the same.

To see all that hard work rewarded on an international stage is something we're incredibly proud of.

From everyone at LendingMetrics, congratulations, Cookie! What an achievement!