Jul 05

Steve Grocock Becomes an IRONMAN in Austria

Well, for almost a year now I’ve been training for my first Ironman and the day of reckoning had finally arrived.

The training (which I thank the Lincsquad members for) was done and although you always feel you need to do more I was glad for the couple of days respite before the race. Training along with pasta was becoming a little tedious. Four of us from my work (and two more locals) had travelled with Nirvana to the scenic lakeside resort of Klagenfurt.

Austria, as expected was a place of beauty and the whole Ironman vibe didn’t disappoint. I’d recommend Nirvana too, sure, they’re not cheap but they do take a lot of the pressure of you so you can focus on the 140.6 miles. We racked the bikes and 3 different transition bags in transition the day before but still had the opportunity to pump up the tubs and add all the extra gear I’d forgotten from the previous day before the race started.

The cannon fired the start of the 2.4 mile swim as the 2500 swimmers fought for clear water in the beautiful turquoise lake. Despite its postcard appearance the lake was soon host to a mass, no holds barred, washing machine scramble. The swim, on this occasion wasn’t to my liking. I’ve done a few open water swims before but had never experienced this amount of people in a mass start before. The lake actually funnels into a canal for the last 850m and here you were at the mercy of the swimmers in front, I just couldn’t get past them! By the time I exited the water I was down almost 5 minutes on my predicted swim time. Swim time…1-01- 37 secs …………3-4 mins behind schedule!!

Position at this time of race….34th out of 554 males in my age group…223rd overall.

Transition 1 was a bit of a belt and braces job as I shoe-horned out of my wet-suit before putting on cycling shirt, socks, suntan cream, talc, Vaseline, energy gel belt, a spare tub, tub gel…..I think I took ‘being comfortable for the ride’ to the extreme. T1 was slow at 8 minutes considering the winner’s combined transitions were less than 5 minutes.

The 112 mile bike ride (2 laps) was always going to be the making or breaking of any hope of a decent time. The scenery was straight from the Von-Trapps photo album and I really did feel privileged to be a part of it. There were two big hills per lap, the second, the Rupertberg was quite a climb but more so the second time around when I knew what to expect. This said, the course was still fast, due mainly to its smooth roads and the fact you didn’t have to worry about oncoming traffic as the roads were shut to the public. The long rides in training had paid off for me as I didn’t really suffer at any point and I was enjoying the fact I’d got almost 30 minutes under my predicted time of 05:30. Energy gels every half an hour along with bananas and flap-jacks kept me fuelled enough to ride at a decent pace whilst avoiding meltdown. Strong winds and heavy rain came for my last 10 mile making conditions a little hairy. If I ever do another Ironman I’ll remember not to get too carried away with the nutrition side of things. I had 2 x 750mls of water stowed in my bottle holders for the duration which I didn’t drink as I just grabbed it at aid stations and re-filled my front bottle holder. I had a cheese & ham bun, mini cheddars, a whole pack of jelly beans, peanuts, 2 X energy bars and 3 gels still in my possession at the end. All that extra weight!!! Like I said, I got a bit carried away!!!

Predicted time 5:30…actual time 5:02 ish Position at this time of race….41st out of 554 males in my age group…284th overall.

Transition 2 was also slow at 07:35 but I was pleased I’d packed a spare pair of running socks as my bike socks were sodden.

The marathon run has given me nightmares leading up to the Ironman. Running (and transitions) are definitely my weakest disciplines and the aches and pains I’d get when attempting brick sessions were a concern. I have to say the pain wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I’d expected as I actually ran a 7:38 for my first mile out of transition. The rain had now stopped and the temperature was nearing 30 degrees so the wet sponges (I’d always wondered what these were for in races in the UK) were a god send. Inevitably my mile splits slowed to 8 and then 9 minute miles. I seemed to get passed by everyone including the race leaders who were on their final lap.

A couple of toilet breaks were necessary on the run due to the amount of fluid I’d been drinking but apart from that I didn’t really stop on the run and although I was almost going at a snail’s pace I did start to pick a few people off toward the end mainly people were having major problems, Bella Bayliss being one of these. It looked at one point that I’d go sub 4 hrs when towards the end I put in a few 8.5 min/miles. My calves were killing but I knew I was within touching distance of the finish so I didn’t need to nurse them home. I was slightly demoralized when my Garmin bleeped at 26 miles and the finish line still seemed a long way off. I thought I’d gone sub 4 hrs but it wasn’t until my Garmin indicated 27.6 miles did I run under the timing clock. I must have cocked it up and not reset it properly before I set off!!! It’s not a very nice feeling though when you think you’ve done and you have to do another mile and half!! Needless to say the sub 4hrs was never really on!!!

Predicted time 4:15 hrs…..actual time 4:04 something. Position at end of race….76th out of 554 males in my age group…397th overall.

Finishing time 10:24:04 As soon as I finished I was handed my medal and was escorted into the finishing enclosure by a lady marshal. She didn’t believe me when I kept telling her I was ok, maybe my drunken stumbling was giving me away.

There was no time to reflect and get emotional as I headed to the beer tent and ordered a pint. I’d visualized this moment a hundred times during training…..How I’d grin to myself as I reflected on the race that has taken a year’s worth of training to achieve……how the cold lager would slip down! It wasn’t how I’d imagined!! I felt terrible I had to lay down quick. I found a little spot on my own outside and adopted the fetal position whilst feeling sorry for myself. I lay there for half an hour before going back inside to join a mate who was greedily tucking into some pizza. I forced some soup down and as if by magic I perked up. 4 bowls in total had me back in the land of the living as we spent another 5 hours watching the rest of the competitors crossing the line. Only then could I enjoy that pint.

The whole occasion was brilliant and something I’ll look back on with fond memories, even a sense of pride. Yes there were times when I was struggling but no more so than in other races when you’ve pushed yourself. Will I do another? Yes, probably, but I need a year off at least to catch up on jobs I’ve been putting off first. Good luck to you guys doing the Outlaw in a couple of weeks I hope you put enough into your race you can be proud of your time but more importantly try to enjoy it,  All the best Steve Grocock

Read more at my blog http://steveironmanaustria.blogspot.com/

Mar 09

Clumber Park Duathlon

Last sunday saw the Lincsquad massive turn out, competitors and supporters, for the first big race of the season, the Clumber Park Classic & Sprint Duathlon.

In 2011, the Classic distance race has been selected by British Triathlon to be the British Duathlon Championships for age group competitors, as well as a qualifier for the World & European Championships.

The Classic distance race was 10k run/ 40k bike/ 5k run and the Sprint distance race was 5k run/ 20k bike/ 2.5k run.

A great big well done to all who took part, the weather conditions were cold, wet & rainy, but that said there were strong early season performances from all.

CLASSIC DISTANCE DUATHLON RESULTS

66    Jo Walker     2:05:48 (4th female)
138  Mark York     2:13:52
147  Andy Veitch   2:14:27
177  Chris Spavin  2:17:42
239  Tony Yeats     2:24:10
256  Jeff Chappill   2:26:51
279  Steve Dolby    2:30:04
329  Kate Lahart     2:43:06
334  Emma Phillips  2:44:33

SPRINT DISTANCE RACE RESULTS

150  Lisa Purcell 1:26:59
179 Jack Garner 1:38:12

May 20

Kayak Blaggers Guide

(inspiration taken from Richmond Canoe Club)

Blagging, know your boats & equipment

  • K1 = 1 person Kayak
  • K2 = 2 Person Kayak
  • K3 = 3 person (tho very rare)
  • K4 = 4 person kayak…..
  • K5 = K4 + two juniors wedged in at number 4
  • Wings = paddles
  • Flats = ironed wings
  • Regina,Whisper, Stilleto = Racing K2s
  • Jag = Jaguar, racing K1, old shape
  • Cougar = Lo vol K1 for the Ladeeez
  • C1, C2 = 1 and 2 man canoes, including Hi Kneeling kamikazee things
  • “Skinny” = New shape boats

Races

  • 10K = Weds time trial race, 3 laps of torture
  • 200M, 500M, 1000M = Sprint distances, raced at regattas
  • A to D = sprint divisions (A – C for women…who do things with fewer letters)
  • Vets = Animal doctors (and older paddlers, 35+)
  • Divisions = 1 – 9 covering marathon distances (4Km upwards), 1 = v good 9 = mostly juniors and medal hunters
  • Descent = as in “River Descent”, Liffey, Exe, Conway (ascent!) and lots of others in parts foreign; Douzie, Sella
  • DW = 125 mile Devizes to Westminster
  • Thameside = warm-up races for the DW, held on the Thames
  • Waterside = warm-up races for the DW, held on the…er….water
  • Hare and Hounds = Staggerd start to try get everyone to finish at the same time

Canoeing Technique

  • Big Plan = Sort of plan that is more statement of “desirable outcome” than “intent” but certainly involves a top three place in Mens B final at the Nationals next year tho might have to downgrade that to “Top three finish in anything”
  • Circuits = Tuesday nite torture run by Trish “Training for success” Davey
  • Power Circles = Sort of satanic rite thing, 5 pointed star and all that
  • Stroke Phase = Bit rude but can be helpful to analyse it
  • Hydodynamic lift = The buzz you get from falling in
  • Catch = as in “…I can’t catch those damn juniors…”
  • Winging = making it up
  • Rotation = Something to do with crops?
  • Draw stroke = Possibly illegal
  • Bow rudder = I thought the steering bit was at the other end?
  • Support stroke = Applause heard when someone falls in
  • High brace = A bit like High Tea without scones
  • Low brace = Back support for veterans
  • Slap support = Firm, open handed blow applied to hysterical paddler
  • Interval training = Tiring stuff, best avoided

Racing Terms

  • Le Mans Start = Have to run to your boat at the start. Sounds daft and probably is.
  • Monte Carlo starts = Bit like Le Mans start but more of a lottery
  • Wash hanging = considered cheating by those who can’t do it. Arrestable offence when sprint racing
  • Cheating = see “Wash Hanging”
  • Burn = Setting fire to competitors boats or, more accurately, “Burning” past them.
  • Regatta = Sprint racing, often in Nottingham, with a party on the Saturday nite
  • Marathon = Long distance stuff, generally no party

Feb 10

Brandy Wharf Quad Race 3

Sunshine and Mud

A great fresh morning with plenty of sunshine welcomed the competitors of the 3rd Brandy Wharf Winter Warmer Series.

The first run saw Andy Rowlinson return first closely followed by Andy Grimwood and Andy Veitch. Andy Grimwood soon took the lead with his fast Kayak leg and then kept a comfortable lead to the end.

Dan Broughton rode an impressive bike leg to move him up into 2nd place with Andy Coultas chasing hard but had to settle for 3rd place.

Steve Bullivant had a puncture on his second bike lap and ran the final bike part dropping a couple of places.

Check out the gallery for latest photos.

Place Name CAT Total
1 Andy Grimwood M 01:29:05
2 Dan Broughton M 01:34:44
3 Andy Coultas M 01:35:15
4 Andy Rowlinson M 01:38:44
5 John Pettinger M 01:40:48
6 Sandy Walster F 01:41:42
7 Andy Veitch M 01:42:44
8 Steve Bullivant M 01:43:41
DNF Peter Chappill M 01:38:05

Feb 06

Wadenhoe 3, Race Report

Windy, swimming and bare foot warriors.

You just know you that you want to read more. Yes it is Wadenhoe 3. We managed to escape the high water and floods from race 2, however we did not escape the strong, bitterly cold wind. I guess it is not called a winter series for nothing.

At 10.30 ish, 10 athletes for the Quad and 25 in the duathlon started their battle against the wind, too many beans maybe? The ground had dried out remarkably since the last race and the going was good to soft, but very soft in the swamp. The swamp had retained a lot of the floodwaters in its deep bottomless holes. Not to disappoint the swamp spat out everyone all covered in mud even before they had completed the first run lap.

Ryan Henry, the winner from Race 2 took an early lead in the duathlon and left everyone in his wake. There was a shock for a couple of competitors in the Quad as they arrived at the riverbank to find no kayaks for them; in fact they were still on the trailer up in the field. Obviously a miss understanding at registration, luckily we had another 2 boats available at the river and only a few moments were lost. I must point out that if you hire a kayak, that it is your responsibility to get them to and from the river [my poor old legs are not what they used to be]

The Kayak stage proved to be a little problematic for a few people as the strong icy wind made paddling in a straight line quite difficult, it tends to blow straight down the rivers course.
Luckily all returned safely from the river, well almost. Unfortunately young Ryan Hunt [you remember our youngest ever competitor] capsized while trying to portage at the end of the kayak stage. Sudden cold immersion can be a shocker to anyone [jokes about Brass Monkey’s spring to mind] Not to de deterred, a few layers of clothing later and he was on his way again. In fact he finished the whole course again, a great effort.

Meanwhile back on the bike leg of the duathlon the athletes were making the most of the dry surface conditions and storming around the course. Not as much fun for the spectators as the icy wind made standing around decidedly chilly. They did not even have the fun of watching the crashes on the hill section, it just was not wet enough [we will have to fix that for next time] Even though I did not witness it I an sure that the up hill would have been conquered by a few hardy soles. Unfortunately poor old Emily Boldy, the first lady in the last race, could only look on in despair as an injury prevented her from competing.

At this stage I should mention your bold timekeeper stuck up on the top of the hill with no let up from that furious wind. They do a sterling job every race, keeping everyone on the right track. It is dedication like theirs that keep our races running – well done you fine chaps.

At various times everyone completed the bike laps and started to run again. I would just like to mention a rather sporting gesture made by one of our athletes as he lent his bike to a fellow competitor who’s bike had given up the ghost, good one mate. Just what we like to see at our races.

Back in the swamp it was not going to let go without a fight. Young Tristan Gingalis was sucked into the depths of the quagmire only to escape by the skin of his teeth but minus his shoes.  From that point on he will be know as the bare foot warrior as he completed a lap and a half in bare feet, rather you then me [brave or stupid, I will let you decide] Another fine example of true grit and fighting spirit, however he did send his mum in to fetch his shoes 

After all that excitement I know you want the results. In the duathlon the winner of race 2, Ryan Henry, triumphed again and crossed the line in 0:53:57 with second place going to the Wadenhoe veteran, Patrick Schalbetter, in a time of 0:59:35. The first lady to cross the line was Claire Scanlon in a time of 1:19:02 and the bare foot warrior, Tristan Gingalis, was the first under 23 male in a time of 1:09:33
In the Quad the first person across the line was Michael Krajewski in a time of 1:29:24 and Tom Watt closely followed him in a time of 1:30:51. Octavia chambers was the first lady to finish in a time of 2:02:30

Quadrathlon Results  
Position Name Cat Time
1st Michael Krajewski 6 – Adult Male 1:29:24
2nd Tom Watt 2 – Over 40 Male 1:30:51
3rd Richard Stagg 2 – Over 40 Male 1:37:42
4th Richard Ewels 6 – Adult Male 1:43:40
5th Patrick Moore 3 – Over 50 Male 1:47:28
6th Lucy Otto 5 – Adult Female 1:49:37
7th Jonathan Jack 6 – Adult Male 1:55:05
8th Octavia Chambers 5 – Adult Female 2:02:30
9th Ryan Hunt 1 – Under 23 Male 2:22:20
10th Julie Hunt 2 – Over 40 Female 2:22:32

 

Duathlon Results
Position Name Cat Time
1st Ryan Henry 6 – Adult Male 0:53:57
2nd Patrick Schalbetter 6 – Adult Male 0:59:35
3rd Michael Kelly 6 – Adult Male 1:01:31
4th Gregor Sedlmeier 6 – Adult Male 1:03:39
5th Mick Revill 2 – Over 40 Male 1:04:14
6th Nick Richards 6 – Adult Male 1:07:33
7th Tristan Gingalis 1 – Under 23 Male 1:09:33
8th Paul Hannah 3 – Over 50 Male 1:11:37
9th Ian Dick 3 – Over 50 Male 1:11:50
10th Will Stockton 1 – Under 23 Male 1:12:51
11th Edward Griffin 2 – Over 40 Male 1:15:30
12th Claire Scanlon 1 – Under 23 Female 1:19:02
13th Simon Taylor 2 – Over 40 Male 1:20:52
14th David Avery 6 – Adult Male 1:22:12
15th Matt Deavin 6 – Adult Male 1:23:15
16th Dan Simmons 6 – Adult Male 1:23:15
17th David McCarthy 2 – Over 40 Male 1:23:52
18th Megan Harris 5 – Adult Female 1:25:24
19th Matt Wade 2 – Over 40 Male 1:27:06
20th Nick Pykett 6 – Adult Male 1:30:08
21st Michael Courtney 6 – Adult Male 1:33:52
22nd Tony Barber 2 – Over 40 Male 1:33:52

Jan 27

Brandy Wharf Duathlon

Tough Off Road 12 Miles tests all!!

Well the 2nd Brandy Wharf race had to be run as a Duathlon because of advice from the Enviroment Agency not to run the Kayak leg.

This also attracted a few competitors who would not normally attend, and made for a good morning racing. The off road bike was upped from 8 miles to 12 miles and certainly took its toll on many of the competitors. Peter Connolly took an early lead only to be thwarted in the 3rd lap of the bike with a puncture.

Paul Edgar took the honours coming home first with a strong performance throughout. Andy Grimwood came in 2nd with an impressive performance and certainly would have romped home had there still been the kayak leg. Andy Coultas came home in 3rd place with an impressive bike leg seeing him gain a good advantage.

First lady home was Sandy Walster with a very strong performance against the guys. Sarah Pike who completed her first Duathlon came home 2nd lady and showed true grit to finish a very demanding course.

Thanks to Sandra Curry for been timekeeper.

Results as follows…

Place No. Name CAT Start Actual Total
Run Cycle Run
1st 13 Paul Edgar M 10:30:00 00:15:17 01:18:00 01:34:15 01:34:15
2nd 4 Andy Grimwood M 10:30:00 00:16:18 01:17:46 01:35:36 01:35:36
3rd 14 Andrew Coultas M 10:30:00 00:15:55 01:20:32 01:37:26 01:37:26
4th 17 Martin Seaton M 10:30:00 00:17:36 01:21:11 01:39:34 01:39:34
5th 33 Dan Broughton M 10:30:00 00:15:54 01:21:46 01:41:25 01:41:25
6th 12 John Pettinger M 10:30:00 00:16:42 01:20:48 01:41:36 01:41:36
7th 5 Paul Carvill M 10:30:00 00:15:53 01:24:45 01:45:04 01:45:04
8th 15 Sandy Walster F 10:30:00 00:17:08 01:28:22 01:46:23 01:46:23
9th 9 Andy Rowlinson M 10:30:00 00:15:02 01:31:25 01:46:38 01:46:38
10th 1 Pete Chappill M 10:30:00 00:17:20 01:30:47 01:50:35 01:50:35
11th 10 Andrew Veitch M 10:30:00 00:15:52 01:34:02 01:51:01 01:51:01
12th 11 Sarah Pike F 10:30:00 00:23:22 01:58:27 02:25:19 02:25:19
                 
  2 Steve Bullivant M 10:30:00 00:15:54 DNF DNF DNF
  6 Peter Stockdale M 10:30:00 DNS DNS DNS DNS
  7 Mark Mason M 10:30:00 DNS DNS DNS DNS
  8 Andrew Pedley M 10:30:00 DNS DNS DNS DNS
  16 Peter Connolly M 10:30:00 00:14:45 DNF DNF DNF
01:48:05   Steve Wathall (no run) M     01:32:08 01:48:05 01:48:05

Sarah Pike grabs a well deservced drink

Jan 22

Wadenhoe Race 2

High flood waters KO Kayak!!

Well, a wet start to the 2008 race season with plenty of rain. It seems the plague of flood waters from the 2007 race season is not going to let go without a fight. Unfortunately the high water levels in the River Nene meant that we had to cancel the kayak stage and therefore the Quad race, for safety reasons. When we arrived on the Saturday we were wading through thigh high water while setting up the run course. Luckily the water levels dropped over night but there was still a large amount of flood water around the lower swamp area.

On the start line 34 brave souls started the first of the initial 2 run laps. All was plain sailing until reaching the infamous swamp section and the edge of the river. Today the swamp certainly was going to live up to its reputation. The flood water of the Nene made the going extremely tough work. Running [I mean wading] through deep water is hard work. The competitors were not to be deterred by a little water and all emerged from the swamp with a smile on their faces, well for the first lap anyway.

In our previous race we had our youngest ever competitor, Ryan, and in this race the clocks of time turned back a few years and we probably had our oldest recorded competitor in the form of 75-year old Tom Wildman. Age was no barrier for Tom as he sprinted around the course as well as his spritely 75 years would allow. I hope that I am half as fit at his age, a fantastic effort. It only goes to show all this government hype about obesity and lazy kids is not always true, perhaps they should come and have a look at our Wadenhoe races.

Back to the race, after the first two run laps all the athletes seemed quite pleased to get out of the muddy waters and climb onto their MTB’s. The wet conditions soon took their toll as the bikes started to slip and slide their way around the bike leg. The steep downhill section took a good number of competitors down a peg or too. It was frills and spills all over the place. I believe one lady came off six times during the bike section! Was she bothered? No, I think she was the first lady home. I believe that the uphill in this race was UNconquered, I did not see anyone make it to the top.

After the eight laps on the bike it was back to a further two laps of the dreaded run course. The first person across the line was Ryan Henry in a time of 0:58:34, with second place going to Steve Giles in a time of 1:02:15. The first lady to finish was Emily Boldy in a time of 1:13:12, she was storming round the course.

I would like to thank everyone who braved the floods and made the hard work of setting up the course worthwhile. Thanks also to the Quadrac team and Paddy for sparing time to run the event for you.

Pos Name Category 20th Jan 2007
1 Ryan Edward Henry 6 – Adult Male 0:58:34
2 Steve Giles 6 – Adult Male 1:02:15
3 Patrick Schalbetter 6 – Adult Male 1:04:25
4 Michael Kelly 6 – Adult Male 1:05:27
5 Michael Krajewski 6 – Adult Male 1:07:12
6 Tom Watt 2 – Over 40 Male 1:07:28
7 Stuart McKellar 3 – Over 50 Male 1:07:43
8 Gregor Sedlmeier 6 – Adult Male 1:09:42
9 Richard Ewels 6 – Adult Male 1:10:09
10 Mick Revill 2 – Over 40 Male 1:10:34
11 Tristan Gingalis 1 – Under 23 Male 1:11:47
12 Nick Richards 6 – Adult Male 1:12:56
13 Emily Boldy 5 – Adult Female 1:13:22
14 Nick Herlihy 1 – Under 23 Male 1:14:05
15 Paul Hannah 3 – Over 50 Male 1:19:15
16 Keith Ritchie 2 – Over 40 Male 1:19:49
17 Patrick Moore 2 – Over 40 Male 1:20:59
18 Andy Kemp 6 – Adult Male 1:24:35
19 Willie Carr   1:26:02
20 Julie Tapley 2 – Over 40 Female 1:26:22
21 Roz Kemp 5 – Adult Female 1:28:05
22 David Bedford 6 – Adult Male 1:28:31
23 Steve Eggington 6 – Adult Male 1:30:10
24 David McCarthy 2 – Over 40 Male 1:30:32
25 Simon Taylor 2 – Over 40 Male 1:31:28
26 Simon Hodson 6 – Adult Male 1:32:55
27 Janet Watt 2 – Over 40 Female 1:38:04
28 Tom Wildman 4 – Over 60 Male 1:41:35
29 Charles King 4 – Over 60 Male 1:42:23
30 Sheona Revill 2 – Over 40 Female 1:43:41
31 Michael Courtney 6 – Adult Male 1:45:39
32 Tony Barber 2 – Over 40 Male 1:45:39
33 Brendan Farrer 6 – Adult Male 1:45:39

Jan 14

Sherwood & Notts Forest Trailquest

Sherwood & Notts Forest Trailquest
Maiden Voyage into Trailquests proves a success.

A number of the Lincsquad crew headed of to have a go at the Trailquest organised by Dark and White.

Andy Coultas teamed up with Paul Carvill, Dan Broughton teamed up with John Pettinger and Michael Ogle teamed up with Dave Allen (Scunny Poly CC). John Pettinger and Dan Broughton set of first after clocking in and waiting for a few minutes for Andy and Paul to join them. They decided to head off as a group for some of the further checkpoints and progressed well. As a group though, we lost a lot of time at each checkpoint while each member “dibbed” in.

Dave Allen recovers with a cup of tea - leftMichael and Dave were making good progress until Dave had a small fall which resulted in a bit of a battered forehead and Michael thinking Dave was still in tow (unbeknown to Michael it was another Trailquester) headed for the next checkpoint only to discover Dave was still somewhere near the old one. Precious time was lost re-uniting and Dave still looked dazed and confused at the finish. Michael

Andy, Paul, John and Dan finished their quest by looking for the closer checkpoints near HQ and we slowly ran out of time and had to make a dash for the finsih as we were running out of time. Our finale saw us take a wrong turn and we both ended up getting a couple of time penalties. Andy and Paul came home with 236 Points and Dan and John with 231 although they really did the same as Paul and Andy.

Andy Shaw takes in that he only lost by one point! Andy Shaw from Adwick Tri also made an appearance and completed the quest solo and got an impressive 235 points.

The event was well organised and it was amazing how people decided on different routes and you would be at a junction and see people coming from all directions. I definately think this will not be the last trailquest we do!!!

A (45 Men under 40 (45) 180:00 min 27 C 320 Pts 1 1366 Killian Lomas 2:53:28 320  320
2 210 Ian Nixon 2410 2:57:29 320 320
3 40 Andrew Douglas 1654 3:04:29 320 -5 315
4 60 Andy Shorney 21002 3:04:31 300 -5 295
5 430 William Barraclough 1650 3:01:44 295 -2 293
6 370 Stephen Dunn 20555 2:58:19 285 285
7 1355 Gareth Hobson 21416 3:01:01 280 -2 278
8 70 Angus Shedden 2094 2:59:13 275 275
9 390 Tim Palmer 20046 2:59:41 275 275
10 30 Andrew Cross 21760 3:03:01 265 -4 261
11 410 Tyrone Braithwaite 20045 3:03:28 265 -4 261
12 90 Brian Reynolds 1940 3:04:19 255 -5 250
13 380 Tim Mcdowell 20601 2:55:10 240 240
14 100 Colin Bolton 21758 3:04:46 245 -5 240
15 1357 Andy Coultas / Paul Carvill 3:03:29 240 -4 236
16 1356 Andrew Shaw 2:56:39 235 235
17 120 Dan Broughton / John Pett 21767 21768 3:06:26 240 -9 231
18 130 David Hodkinson 21761 3:09:30 240 -15 225
19 260 Karl Webster 21746 3:01:15 215 -2 213
20 320 Richard Murray 20796 3:05:08 205 -7 198
21 400 Tom Wilkins 21583 3:20:33 265 -75 190
22 180 Guy Lowndes 2140 2:55:33 185 185
23 230 Jon Gregory 2183 2:52:42 175 175
24 50 Andrew Howard 21764 2:57:40 175 175
25 1359 Andrew Bolton 2:59:35 165 165
26 280 Mark Bradshaw 1054 3:01:00 155 -1 154
27 220 Jeremy Gamble 1832 3:05:10 160 -7 153
28 170 Gareth Shepherd 21600 3:03:36 155 -4 151
29 150 David White 94 2:48:24 150 150
30 290 Mark Nuttall 20810 2:53:04 150 150
31 300 Michael Ogle / Dave Allen 20788 20797 2:52:40 145 145
32 420 Wayne Pickering 21731 2:27:13 130 130
33 250 Karl Holmes 21757 2:27:32 130 130
34 350 Robert Dormer 21754 2:51:10 130 130
35 160 Dean Perry 2112 2:53:17 130 130
36 330 Richard Pickering 21379 2:54:50 115 115
37 240 Jonathan Partridge 21446 2:53:47 100 100
38 10 Adam Wilson 21721 3:03:06 85 -4 81
39 1310 Richard Draper / Christop 21739 21740 3:03:08 85 -4 81
Full results here

Jan 01

Cleethorpes 10K

New Years Day Hangover Cure!

Well there was a few blurry eyes about in the morning with the event seeing over 380 people turnout.

Steve Clark, Paul Carvill, Andy Coultas, Sandy Walster and Andy Veitch all sacraficed their New Years Eve to take part in the Cleethorpes 10K NYD Race.

Results

  • 27th Steve Clark 37:59
  • 75th Andy Veich 42:10
  • 78th Paul Carvill 42:22
  • 117th Sandy Walster 44:46
  • 118th Andy Coultas 44:48 …

Total finishers: 313

Winner was Mick Jagger with 33:26

Aug 27

Saddleworth Tri

Steve Clark won his age group and came 11th overall in the Saddleworth Tri. He also bagged the team prize for the Greater Manchester Central Fire Service.

The event starts with a 400m swim in a 4-lane, 25m indoor pool at the Saddleworth Pool. This is followed by a cycle across the Saddleworth Moor area of the Peak District, with stunning views. The run is around the Saddleworth and Uppermill area.
A racked transition will be used and pre- and post massage will be available.
During and after the event there will be a market place of triathlon related exhibitors for all those goodies you never even knew you needed to help make you a better triathlete!
This event is part of the XME North West Sprint Tri Series, but competitors are welcome to take part in just this event.
After the event there will be a prize giving, celebrating all those making great achievements in this race!