The opening event of ‘FastFWD Sport’’s Race series kicked off at Grantham this Sunday. In previous years this event has experienced more than its fair share of miserable weather. Yesterday’s event however, (and well overdue) was ideal racing conditions for the 20 plus Lincsquadders making that trip south of the county.
This event had a great family feel to it due to so many familiar faces racing and helping to organise the event. Adding to the atmosphere and not to be out shone, local team Belvoir (Beaver)Tri Club were also out in their numbers lending support. Particularly of note, their football-stylee dancing squirrel/muskrat mascot stealing the show…..;-).
Lincsquad’s highest finisher 18 yr old Ben Baugh proves you only get out of this sport what you put in. Some hard work and discipline has seen Ben joining the elite of our club and his second place overall couldn’t be more deserved. Only a superb performance by race winner James Fearn in a new course record denied Ben of the top spot.
Ben Baugh & Aiden Grocock, 2nd & 3rd overall.
Joining his Lincsquad team mate on the podium with a gutsy third place overall was Aiden Grocock another member of the speedy youth brigade.
Thankfully middle-aged Richard Newell & maturing Paul Mcewan did their very best to offset the abundant balance of youth with a great little scrap for 11th and 12th.
Paul Mcewan receiving his AG trophy from Steve Dolby.
3rd Lincsquadder Richard Newell
On this occasion, Paul’s hulk like quads weren’t quite enough to annul Richard’s swimming ability. An age group trophy and a 3 minute improvement from last year put a smile on Paul’s face.
Amy Grocock 14th, was not only first lady Squadder home but first female overall improving on her second place finish from last year. The GB age grouper enjoyed a titanic battle on the run before just edging out her Belvoir Tri rival.
Amy Grocock. First female overall.
Husband Stuart Grocock’s creditable 24th place saw him knock a massive 4 minutes off his time from 2014.
Mark Gollings 26th, a regular at the Burringham Duathlons was testing the water for his maiden voyage. Mark, to put it bluntly would have drowned 6 weeks ago. An admirable 10 minute swim shows you what you can achieve with a bit of determination, welcome to Triathlon Mark.
Making up half of another Husband & Wife team, Chris Jackson’s 32nd place saw him finish comfortably inside the top third of the field.
Quiz champ Jane Taylor, can add yet another Age Group trophy to the swelling collection. A 35th placing saw the Hibaldstow belle elevated 25 positions, and a whopping 5 minutes faster than last year’s effort.
Jane Taylor collecting her Age Group prize
‘JC’ Jon Conroy 38th, found himself 4 minutes to the good as he was another gauging his efforts on the previous year’s race.
Jake Davies
Jon Conroy
Freshman Jake Davies 45th has adopted the… ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ attitude. Jake has joined family members Stuart (Dad), Amy & cousin Aiden along with Uncles and Aunties into the world of multisport. A second triathlon in a fortnight saw the youngster make some solid improvements.
Man of the Match Dan Ellis’ eleven minute improvement on last years’ time must be the biggest gain of the day. Over 40 positions higher up the leader board was enough to see Dan nestled in the top half of the field.
Ex-body-builder Kev Lovett (51st) is enjoying his new sport and by entering TT’s and Duathlons is finding it easier each week. Without realising it due to the staggered swim starts he’s unwittingly found a close rival in Ashley Evans (52nd). Ashley’s favoured run closing the gap to less than 20 seconds.
A minute was all that separated the next three Squadders. Matt Austin (54th) just edging out runner Rachel Jackson(66th) & Darren Scutt (67th).
Darren Scutt
Rachel Jackson
Sue Couch (76th) has started where she finished off last year. 2015 suggests an even better year for Sue and with some fine adjustments to her transitions should find herself climbing that leader board.
Another relative newbie Christine Kirkby 83rd was the epitome of enthusiasm and managed to keep the charging Dave Milton 85th at bay. To be fair to Dave he was that immersed ‘in the zone’ he managed to lose his bearings a little during the bike…….and the run……and the Transitions. Not getting lost during the swim was one of Dave’s high points of the race.
Chris Kirkby in action
Kev’s better half, Tracey Lovett 89th in her first Triathlon was determined to soak up the atmosphere, her permanent smile said it all. The Gainsborough girl put in a consistent effort and still found time to thank the supporters.
Big thanks to all Marshalls, supporters and organisers from the FastFwd sports team.
Apologies if I’ve missed people. Unfortunately I can only go off the result list that names their club as Lincsquad.
I am aware that some people aren’t necessarily down as Lincsquad despite being a member.
But likewise, some athletes are donning the Lincsquad kit but have let their membership lapse.
Please let me know if I’ve accidentally overlooked you.
Knowing every Lincsquad member is becoming an almost impossible task.