The mammoth task of hauling themselves out of the water and shifting into gear on the bike can prove a test for the most hardened competitor. No less than seven riders tumbled hard onto the ground in the transition area between 7.30am and 8am.

But the biggest scare of the morning came from the crowd, when a spectator had a fall and required medical attention.

About 8am race caller Pete Murray called for medical assistance for a woman who was prone on Park St. The response from the crowd was immense.

The woman’s location was pinpointed by those around her who all raised their hands en masse to alert emergency personnel.

Within minutes those with medical, nursing and emergency training ran to her side, while the crowd parted to give them space.

The woman was treated at the scene, a St John’s Ambulance spokesman said.