2012 BQA Annual Report

CHAIRMANS REPORT 2012 by Mark Pryor
2012 gave us a great feel good factor, with the likes of the Olympics and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, with numerous GB athletes leading their field winning medals and World Titles . However, the UK Quadrathlon scene had highs and lows, ranging from the prestige of hosting two World Cup races, to some disappointing low turn outs at other races.
The Deeside Race was the first race of the season [and the National trophy Series] but only a few hardy athletes braved the Scottish elements. Mick Weir was to win the race with Colin Calder coming second. Unfortunately no Ladies took up the challenge this year.
The Adventure Challenge [organised by Lincsquad] was the second race in the
National Trophy Series and was hampered by bad weather, but the athletes were not to be phased. Matt Foulger was the first male to cross the line with Ian Smith coming a respectable second. In the Ladies event the infamous “Jean Ashley” was first with Alison Deykin taking second.
Unfortunately the Extreme 5 Quad was not able to be run this year. However, we
were lucky to have a new Quad over on the Isle of Wight which, unfortunately, was subject to high winds [the weather seems have played a big factor in most races this year] and the proposed paddle route around the Needles had to be changed. The southerly location and bad weather seemed to reduce entry levels. However, we received some good reports about this being a worth while quality race Ian Smith was the overall winner. It will be joining us in the Trophy Series next year. It is fantastic to see a new race on the south coast.
In June Russell Breyer travelled over to Germany to take part in the Oberpfalzer
Seenland Quad. This was only Russell’s third ever Quad and he came away with
third place in the MV50 class. He thoroughly enjoyed the race and definitely
recommends it.  June also saw the Norfolk Superhero Challenge take place. This team Quad challenge [its not open to individuals] was well attended and raised some well deserved money for charity.

July saw our third National Trophy Race, in the form of the “Brigg Bomber” which also doubled up as the National & European Championships, as well as being a world cup series race. Yet again the British weather showed its ugly head and high water levels on the Ancholme meant that the race format had to be changed. Some may say it was an even better race. This was to be a hard fought race with some high quality athletes from abroad pushing up the standards and giving our guys a run for their money., Matt Stephenson showed his racing colours and came away with the National & European Championship trophies, with the World Quadrathlon President, Stefan Teichent, coming second. In the ladies class, Becky Schofield became both the National and European Champion, with Kathryn King coming second. We also had some age group winners in the form of: Nigel Crowe [Vet50 M]; Tom Stead [U23 M] and Jean Ashley [Vet50 Ladies]. It has been recently announced that the “Brigg Bomber” will again both host the National & European Championships next year.
At last we had a race without any weather related problems [unfortunately it did clash with the Olympics], the Box End Sprint Quad. This enclosed X/C course saw a closely contested race with Matt Stephenson crossing the line first a mere 27 seconds ahead of Adam Norfolk. Roz Giles was the first lady home. Tom Stead, now an incredibly old 16, was improving with every race and was fourth overall.
Unfortunately we did not have an organised G/B Team to represent us at the World Quadrathlon Championships over in the Czech Republic. However, a few enthusiastic individuals took up the challenge and put on a good showing for the UK. Matt Stephenson was our highest place athlete coming in 5th place. We did pick up Silver in the men’s team event. Hopefully, next year we will be able to field a bigger team.
In early September we saw the first ever Shrewsbury Quad. This brand new sprint saw a full entry and, possibly the fastest swim on the race circuit, in the fast flowing waters of the River Seven. This was the 5th race in the Trophy Series and showed excellent potential and pedigree. Matt came first yet again [he really has dominated the UK race scene this year] with Sharon Colley taking the first ladies slot. We look forward to seeing this new race again next year.
On the same weekend as the Shrewsbury Quad, a few G/B athletes travelled over to Germany to take part in the World Sprint Quadrathlon Championships. The UK’s own “Tom Stead” became the World Junior Champion, to add to his growing list of achievements.
Mid September saw the 6th and final Trophy Race in the Bude Awesome Foursome, a truly fitting and challenging setting for the last race. Bude was also
designated a World Cup Series race. Unusually Bude was blessed with calm weather and flat seas, this is unheard off! This was to be another strongly contested race where Matt’s skill in the swim and speed on the bike could not hold of Stefan’s supremacy in the kayak that lead to Stefan’s eventual win. Yet another hard fought and excellent race, this again will have World Cup status in 2013. At the end of the trophy series, Matt Stephenson and Jean Ashley both respectively won overall, with Phil Binch, Alison Deykin and Tom Stead picking up age group wins. Tom Stead was also awarded the Eric Hatliff trophy for Endeavour for his success at National, European and World levels.
Bude was the last Trophy race but not the last race of the year.

This was the Fabian 4 race which turned out to be the hardest race of the year in extreme weather. With gale force winds, gusting up to 55mph, and torrential rain the race was interesting to say the least. The Estuary paddle, fell run and MTB ride in the hills of North Wales turned out to be an epic adventure which everyone enjoyed. The team at “Map 7” put on an extremely hard race in harsh conditions. This race will be joining us as part of the trophy series next year.
It has been an interesting year with the UK holding two World Cup races and holding the European Championships.

Some challenging weather at a lot of races and the ever so present economic down turn hampering the racing scene. I would like to thank all the race organisations who throughout the year put on some excellent races and I look forward to next year.
Also a big thanks to everyone who helped out with the running of the BQA, especially Jean Ashley, whose constant hard work is the back bone of our organisation. Looking ahead to next year I hope to see increased numbers at all events to make them worth running. You can all support the BQA by joining us, details can be found on the membership page: Membership and affiliation fees remain the same for 2013.
Next year will be my last year as Chairman and I hope that it is a successful one for the sport of Quadrathlon. A big thanks to everyone who organised and took part in Quads this year and I look forward to seeing you all at a race next season.

Election of officers- the following have been elected for 2013
Chairman – Mark Pryor (standing for 1 more year)
Membership Secretary – Jean Ashley
Secretary/Treasurer – Jean Ashley
Event Co-ordinator – Mat Stephenson
GB Team Manager – Steve Hook
Team Captains
Men – Mat Stephenson
Ladies – Alison Deykin
Kit sales – Steve Dolby
Website – Paul Carvill

Trophy Races 2013
1. The 6 Races for our Trophy Series are –
Brigg Bomber, West Wight, Box End, Shrewsbury, Fabian 4,
Awesome Foursome.
2. National Championships awarded to Brigg Bomber for 2013, to be
selected yearly.
3. Trophy Prizes and Rules to remain the same
Perpetual trophies for Overall National Trophy Winners (plus Thule
vouchers, if they continue to sponsor the BQA in 2013).
T-shirts for Senior, Vet 40, Vet 50, under 23.
Eric Hatliff Endeavour Prize” (plus Thule vouchers in sponsorship
continues).
4. Only give prizes to winners who’ve done 3 races and are BQA
Members.
5. Only British Athletes will get allocated Trophy points for 2013.
6. Juniors will only get Overall Trophy points if they do a full Trophy Race,
(less laps do not count). However we do have a separate Junior league
to cover the junior/sprint races for the junior prize.
Race Affiliation in 2012

GB Team Leader/manager – Steve Hook
Hi all, as many of you know I had a slightly rough year, well now that things
are settling, and even though I am very busy, I want to work with as many as
possible towards getting a competitive team for the Worlds, the Europeans
(now at Brigg), and to see if we can get the numbers ramped up in our home
events. We want to spread the word amongst the triathlon events and
kayaking events, that the true sporting challenge is in Quadrathlon. I do want
to have a training weekend in the spring, all details will be sent out to BQA
members and put on our BQA website and facebook page, so please contact
me if you’re interested and would like to attend.
regards
Steve Hook
BQA Kit
Race Kit – we have 3 (small) Tri suits in stock, there is a minimum order of
10, I have 3 orders on a waiting list, as we are hosting the European
Championships and if we have a team for the World Championships we hope
to be able to get an order together for 2013. It’s great to see athletes racing in
GB Tri suits, please let Jean Know if you are interested. The new suits will
have a rear zip now and will cost about £65 but payment will be needed
upfront.
Leisure Kit – Steve Dolby
Steve has set up this on the website, and is going to continue this service for
us. Athletes can order ‘one-offs’ and pay direct to the company -Tech T-shirts,
Hoodys are available, maybe look at doing a fleece in 2013.
Matching Team Kit does help raise the profile of the BQA, the new Hoodies
and Tech T-shirts look really good.
Website and monthly Newsletter, and facebook page – Jean Ashley
They are all up and running very well, though we would like to encourage
more members to send us race reports, photographs or articles linked to
quadrathlon or Multi-sports, its always good to share your news, reports and
race experiences with us …… please email to Jean.
A.O.B.
AGM dates to be confirmed, if we have a training weekend in the Spring we
could review this Annual Report then. Hopefully the AGM for 2013 can be held
at the last race of the season, Bude or Chester if it takes place.
Membership forms attached to this email, all fees remain the same please
support us in 2013.
Results of 2012 Trophy Series
Congratulations to all our 2012 Athletes, and prize winners.
Numbers racing in the Trophy Series were down on last year –
Matt Stephenson – Overall Ladies – Jean Ashley Overall
Phil Binch – Vet 40 Alison Deykin – Vet 40
Peter Chappil – Vet 50
Endevor Trophy Tom Stead

2013 SEASON
05/5/2013 DEESIDE Scotland – Approved by BQA
26/5/2013 BRIGG BOMBER Brigg – BQA Trophy 1 National Champs
Europeans & World Cup BQA
30/6/13 WEST WIGHT I of W – BQA Trophy 2
29/6/2013 NORFOLK SUPERHEROS Norfolk Charity Race – Approved by BQA
4/8/2013 BOX END Bedford – BQA Trophy 3
1/9/2013 SHREWSBURY QUAD Shrews – BQA Trophy 4
8/9/2013 FABIAN 4 Conwy – BQA Trophy 5
14/9/2013 AWESOME FOURSOME Bude – BQA Trophy 6
World Cup

Please download BQA Events poster and put up in your club, to help us spread the Quadrathlon Events Thank-you BQA Trophy Events 2013

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital”
Happy and Safe Training over the winter … We look forward to seeing you Racing in 2013 … see you in the spring!