Author: Admin

2012 West Wight Quadrathlon

Admin

After a week of gales the weather gods smiled (well frowned) on our first Quadrathlon. 20 to 30 knot winds became 5 to 8knots and a gentle english drizzle met our intrepid competitors. A perfectly formed squad of 11 people started the great adventure. 24 lengths of a warm clean pool at 07;30 hrs was a gentle wake up for the next leg. A mountain bike course over the Tennison Downs trail. By now Mat Trautman had disappeared into the rain and by the end of the bike ride had a lead of 15mins! So as he started the kayak leg (held onthe Solent side of the Island this year) one of the safety boats had yet to lay the turning Mark! But two Honda 90 hp engines can beat even a supper fit South African. But at the end he had set a blistering time of 2:14:41(obviously the course record). BQA GB Team member and 1st Vet Ian Smith came home in 2nd place 2:30:38.

Everybody completed the course the tailenders taking 3:37:06 after a slightly shortened paddle. Prize giving took place as soon as everybody had recovered;each competitor received a small porcelain mug suitably engraved as a momento of the day.

Will we do it again next year? …… you bet we will! So watch the West Wight Sports Centre, IOW Adventure Activities and BQA web sites for next year.

A Big thank-you to Mike Raydon and his Crew for putting on this excellent Race, Ive had some great feedback and this very positive comment from BQA member Philip Nye ‘We had a great race yesterday, with weather much better than the forecast predicted a few days before. The cycle route up the downs afforded spectacular views (for those with the time to look) and although the paddle was changed from the original plan due to forecast gales (which in the end had died before Sunday), it was still a high point with a moderate easterly blowing down the Solent into a gathering tidal flow which made the later paddlers work quite hard. It was a shame not to see some more of the regular faces there – you all need to man up and face some water which isn’t mirror flat! Many thanks to Mike Rayden for a very friendly and well organized event.’

RESULTS

1st Matt Trautman  2:14:41
2nd Ian Smith        2:30:38
3rd Simon Baxter   2:48:14
4th Adam Younger  2:57:32
5th Cathy Allen        3:04:31
6th Phillip Nye         3:27:32
7th Natalie Bee        3:27:30
8th George Huston Roberts   3:32:55
9th  Nigel Selly        3:37:06
10th Sally Pulvertoft    3:31:10 (after a shortened Kayak)
11th Sarah Edminds  3:31:10  (after a shortened Kayak)

2012 Double IronMan – Our Quadrathlete Superstar!

Admin

Double IronMan Gorilla Unleashed

Congratulations to Quadrathlete Phil Binch who has completed the Double Enduroman in 29 hours and 49 minutes, the race consisted of a 4.8m swim, 232 miles in the saddle for the cycle ride and then finishing with a 52 mile run. Finishing in an amazing 7th place out of 40 athletes! Phil has the support of his family (Sarah & Georgie) and Lincsquadders (Dobber Family & Steve Clark). These are a few photos of his amazing journey, taken by his support crew via twitter

6:00am – Winds gone, breakfast here we come!  from @offthatcouch

6:30am – More food…. @philbinch (aka @mrsbinchy)

8:22am – Final preparation and wetsuit on, soon be time!!! from @D088ER

8:53am – Soon be time to unleash the Gorilla…. from @D088ER

9:04am – Start….. they are off, 39 competitors start the double!! (@se7enuk presumes!)

9:18am – Lap 4 done!! @D088ER
9:20am – Phil Binch is in 5th spot after 20 minutes of swimming, Deke Thompson (GrimsbyTri) is current leading. from @offthatcouch

9:46am – Lap 9 done 41:30, still at 4:40 pace and looking good. via @D088ER

10:15am – Second Stop, 12 laps done and 14 to go. via @D088ER

10:53am – Deke Thompson 1st out of water in 1hr 51m from @offthatcouch

11:26am – Phil Binch out of the water and on schedule in 8th place – via @D088ER

11:49am – Phil Binch now out on leg 2 in 2hrs 45m – via @D088ER

12:29pm – 1st lap on bike done in 38 mins, only another 19 laps to go. – via @offthatcouch

12:53pm – Pit Stop!!!

3:29pm – Out on course with Phil Binch.

5:41pm – Looks like he’s enjoying himself… Keep it going mate. Looking good! – via @D088ER

6:13pm – Support Crew – via @mrsdobber

7:14pm – Half way on the bike done (ironman distance) total race time of 10 hours 12 minutes currently in 10th – via @mrsbinchy

8:14pm – Feed time for support crew.

10:22pm – It’s getting dark…

10:39pm – Phil Binch has now been going 13.37 hours and its time for the mini support crew to get some shut eye!!

10:53pm – Support crew keep fluids topped up.

11:41pm – 170 miles done on the bike and a rice pudding stop.

2:56am – Last lap for @philbinch on his little enduroman!!! Only a quick 52 mile run next!

3:54am – The Gorilla has started his run.

5:40am – Aproaching 21 hours racing is in 9th position Still going strong

7:41am – 20miles into the run.

9:04am – 24 hours of racing and still another marathon to run.

9:23am – Time for a change of clothes – via @mrsdobber

10:01am – Lap 26 of 48 and still going strong – via @d088er

11:28am – Looking awesome…

12:17pm – 12 laps top go, only a half marathon left to do. – via D088ER

12:34pm – @philbinch and Ian Tosh battling for 7th and 8th position Phil has him at the moment by 50 metres come on Phil #DIM #Lincsquad 11 laps to go – @offthatcouch

12:51pm – @philbinch puts another 100 metres into Ian Tosh now 150m lead.

1:03pm – We are officially into single figures! 8 plus one glory lap to go

2:50pm – Only a few hundred metres to go………

2:59pm – Phil comes across the finish line in 29 hours and 49 minutes. He is the Gorilla of all Gorillas and now will be known as King Kong. Well done Phil.

2012 North Lincs Adventure Challenge

Admin

Sunday 3rd June 2012 saw the 11th running of the North Lincs Adventure Challenge organised Lincsquad.

Even the infamous Adventure Challenge race day weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 32 competitors bravely taking the start line in the early morning rain, ahead of them a cold and wet 36km cycle, 10km kayak and 10km river bank run.

The Sprint race competitors decided to compete in the full distance race at the last minute and looked like they enjoyed every minute, well done Tom Stead, Alan Cardy & birthday girl Denise Smith.

The Challenge race is different to many other races as competitors set off at 1 minute intervals so know one really knows for sure where they stand during the race, you just go as hard as you can to the end. However technically, the lead changed hands numerous times throughout the race.

Lincsquad’s Steve Dolby started off strong, putting in the fastest bike split of 54:45, followed closely by Lincsquad’s, Matt Stevenson (55:51). Matt Foulger and Ian Smith then put in blistering kayak splits of 45:44 and 47:14 to take 1st & 2nd on the road, followed in 3rd overall by Matt Stevenson (54:27).

The 10km run is no ordinary 10km run, two thirds of the run are uneven grass tracks along the river bank, which make it especially tough, the fastest run split of the day was Matt Stevenson (40:11), closley followed by Lincsquad newcomer Kev Fish (41:46), then Ian Smith (42:09) and Matt Foulger (43:07).

Matt Stevenson’s fast run however was not enough to close the gap on the leaders and meant he came in 3rd overall. Ian Smith overtook Matt Foulger towards the end of the run, but Matt kept Ian in his sights, with the knowledge that he started 1 minute behind Ian, so all he had to do was cross the finsh line less than a minute behind to have a chance of victory.

Matt Foulger – Overall Winner

In the end, just 33 seconds separated the two which meant that the new North Lincs Adventure Challenge Champion was Matt Foulger (Nottingham) in a time of 2:28:58, from Ian Smith (Ross on Wye) 2:29:31.

The ladies title was just as closely fought through the bike & kayak section with only a couple of minutes separating Jean Ashley & Alison Deykin, however Jean pulled away on the run to win the ladies title in a time of 3:01:14. Alison in 2nd  in 3.16.45.

The team race was won by David Durham (bike), David Ashley (kayak) & Chris Spavin (run) in a cracking time of 2:42:31, solo entry next year guys?

The award for the fastest “first-timer” went to up and coming youngster Tom Stead, who stepped up to the full distance at short notice and ranked well in each of the three discipline’s.

The 1st veteran trophies were awarded to Nigel Crowe (4th overall) & Alison Deykin on rolldown.

The local council award for the first local was presented by Carl Sherwood, Mayor of Brigg and was awarded to Adam Moorhouse.

The award for most improved (after some detailed calcualtions) went to David Finch, who knocked nearly 20 minutes off last years time, a massive improvement.

A special well done to Andrew Yeadon and Pete Chappill who are the only 2 competitors remaining who have competed in each of the 11 North Lincs Adventure Challenges, a tremendous effort.

Congratulations to all competitors today, the conditions were poor, but you all gave it everything, most of the time with a huge smile on your face, I’m sure you have inspired and encouraged others to follow you into the wonderful world of multi-sport. Hope to see you all at the Brigg Bomber in July.

Finally, a huge thank you to the many Lincsquad members, family & friends who have helped organise, set up, marshall, time keep and pack away. You have all helped make this event very special and should be extremely proud of yourselves for putting on such a great show, well done.

Final thoughts ….. can I urge everyone who played a part in today’s race whether you competed, marshalled or spectated to help us make sure that events such as these (North Lincs Adventure Challenge & Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon) continue, we need more people to enter these races, you can enter the full distance race as a solo or team competitor, or the shorter sprint version, but we need you, your family, your friends to enter and keep them alive. I guarantee you have a great time.

2012 New Trophy Race Shrewsbury Quad!

Admin

Shrewsbury Triathlon 2nd September 2012

Due to the cancellation of the eXtreme5 Quad the BQA have added this Sprint Distance Quad to our National Trophy Series it is Race no 5, the week before the final Race in Bude.

The majestic town of Shrewsbury welcomes you to the staging of its Triathlon and Quadrathlon. The Triathlon now in its second year, has adapted to your needs and will include family events as well. In collaboration with SYTri and  Shrewsbury Masters , the event provides a unique river swim, then Kayak, followed by fast stretches of cycling on country lanes and a lovely run taking in the River Severn.

The event is held at the Shropshire and West Midlands Showground and offers plenty of parking, toilets and other facilities. Full information – Race Pack

Event Information – Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon and Quadrathlon
Sunday 2nd September 2012
Venue: West Mids Show Ground, Berwick Rd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

The event is an Open Water Sprint Triathlon and a Quadrathon event both being held on the same day.

The distances are; Triathlon: 500m Swim/23km Cycle (undulating)/5km Run.
Cost: £30 BTF Members £33 Non BTF Members
(300 entries, closing date 8th August)

Quadrathlon: 500m Swim/5km Kayak/23km Cycle (undulating) / 5km Run
Cost: £35 all participants
(50 entries, closing date 26th August)

 

 

2012 Devizes to Westminster Race

Admin
Quadrathlete Jean Ashley, along with K2 partner Tamsin Phipps has just completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, the longest non-stop canoe marathon in the world – 125 miles with 76 portages! Her story …….
Ive just about got all the kit clean, sleep deprivation back, and finally feel like eating food again … after a bit of an epic DW …..a journey I had planned and visualised for ages, but didn’t quite go as expected!
Our trip was certainly an adventure, all started very well good weather conditions no wind and drizzle, and going to schedule until…….. a hold up at the long tunnel a slow moving barge took 21mins to clear the 1 mile tunnel …… we got a bit cold but carried on no problems at all. Everyone has dark times and I had mine at about 50 miles, I went through a sick stage…… but just drank and drank and soon pulled out of it. We pulled back all our lost tunnel time by Marlow (70 miles), and moved back into the lead in Vet female catagory (3rd in ladies overall and 3rd in century caagory … ages adding up to a 100, not really sure if I should own up to that one!) … so feeling great and both moving into the night strong and positive! The night was warm and dry but the lack of flow made the Thames feel like paddling through mud, especially building the momentum back up after each portage, the portages were very high so getting in and out was rather tough too, but we were still going to hit the tide 2hrs in so all was fine we were ‘on schedule’. I was getting very excited about the tideway and had already started visualising famous bridges and the Westminster steps …… How wrong was I?
Then going down from Molesy to Teddington (107miles), completely out of the blue Tamsin started to have back pain and stomach cramps. We were just pulling into ‘Royals canoe club’ (400mbeforeTeddington Rollers) for our spraydecks and camel backs and Tamsin cramped up and capsized the boat, we got ourselves together and got back in thinking she was fine ……. anyway pulled out ofTeddington and same happened again….. we went for another swim!
We gave her some food and liquid and a good talking too and she decided she was fine to carry on …….. I don’t know how I kept her going for 10 miles but by the time we got to Hammersmith Bridge she was just leaning on the back of the boat not able to sit up and paddle …… I was struggling to keep the boat going but with only 7 miles to go ….. and being two very ‘stubborn old birds’ ….neither wanted to give up. We pulled over to the side and we lifted her out of the boat thinking she would be ok after a breather …… our support crew said it was too dangerous for us to get back in ….. not finishing the race was never an option so I had to get to the finish somehow ….. so we walked to the finish carrying the K2!
It took us 3hrs to walk 8 miles in, we made a sling to carry the boat out of roof rack straps, Tamsin had to be supported both sides by our support crew, she showed true grit to keep going ….. we even stoped at Costa next to Harrods for a latte … anything to keep her walking!
It was very emotional and I felt so disappointed seeing our vet ladies lead slip away ……… but when you start on the DW journey you never know what’s going to happen, I didn’t expect 119 mile paddle, 7 mile hike and a bit of swimming!!! But we did it ……. and had a wonderful reception at Westminster their were plenty of tears when we got our medals!
It wasTamsins 25th Anniversay since she did her first DW, so I had NO OPTION to get her to the finish line …… she’s just got one more DW to do and she’ll become a member of the 1000 mile club (thats 8DW’s or more)……… so looks like she’ll be out their again …….. and Ive only got another 6 to do!!!!
Our time was 27h 25m 49s we came 5th/12 ladies teams 2nd/6 vet ladies …. and 5th/12 century catagory.

The DW always brings up memorable stories of achievement and sometimes of epic failure, but that is the challenge of the DW Marathon. It made me realise to get to the finish no mater what absolutely epitomises the spirit of the event, that’s everyones dream ‘to be added to that finishers list and to be part of the DW Folklore!

‘

2012 Race Callender

Admin

I hope Quadrathletes, and like minded athletes are out there, are getting back into training, and thinking about the 2012 Season. We’ve never had so many races on offer, which is great news for our sport lets hope there’s plenty of entries for our race organisers this year, who do a Stirling job in promoting Quadrathlons!

However the British Quadrathlon Association [BQA], who works hard on your behalf, needs your help. You can support us by signing up to the BQA for a mere £15.00. We need the funds to keep the BQA well oiled machine [some may say] working. The funds raised from the BQA Membership ensure that we can continue to run and organise the National Trophy Series and represent the interest of the sport in the UK and on the World stage. Membership forms for 2012 available on our website now.

It would also be very helpful if as many people as possible could sign up to our newsletter and Facebook page [both links from BQA website]. In this modern, busy, high tech world, Facebook and the internet are readily available and is an ideal way to keep in touch with fellow athletes and find out all the up to date information about Quadrathlon. Along side our website you should find all the up to date information.

Hear’s just a quick reminder of BQA sanctioned Races for 2012.

2012 National Trophy Series

27th May 2012  The Deeside Triathlon – N.T. Round 1
Starts at Highland Games Arena, Braemar, Scotland. Point to Point race.
35 mile bike, 10 mile run, 14 mile river kayak.

3rd June 2012  North Lincs Adventure Challenge – N.T.Round 2
Ancholme Leisure Centre, Brigg, North Lincolnshire
STANDARD 36km road bike, 10km flat river kayak, 10km trail run.

SPRINT 20km road bike, 5km flat river kayak, 5km trail run.

7th July  2012 Extreme 5 Challenge – N.T. Round 3
Thames Young Mariners, Waterside Drive, Ham, Richmond, Surrey                  STANDARD 1.5 km swim, 10km kayak, 40km bike, 10km run.

SPRINT 750km swim, 5km kayak, 20km bike, 5km run.

15th July 2012  Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon – N.T. Round 4 British Championships
Ancholme Leisure Centre, Brigg, North Lincolnshire
STANDARD 1.5 km river swim, 8km river kayak, 40km road bike, 10km road run.

SPRINT 750km river swim, 3.5km river kayak, 20km road bike, 5km road run.

5th August  2012 The Boxend Sprint Quadrathlon – N.T. Round 5
Box End Park, near Bedford, Bedfordshire
750m lake swim, 4.4km lake kayak, 13.2km mountain bike, 5 km x-c run.

8th September 2012 The Awesome Foursome – N.T.Round 6
Bude, Cornwall
800m sea swim, 30km road bike, 10km canal kayak,10k run.

Quad Races Affiliated to BQA but not Trophy Races for 2012

10 June 2012 West Wight Sprint Quadrathlon
Isle of Wight – 600m pool swim, 12m MT Bike, 6nm Sea Kayak, 6km Run

23 June 2012 Norfolk Superhero Challenge
Burnham Overy, Staith – 1 mile swim, 4 mile kayak, 38mile bike, 7 mile run.

2nd September 2012 Shrewsbury Sprint Quadrathlon (to be confirmed)

30 September 2012 The Fabian 4 Dyffryn Conway Mountain Triathlon
Conway N. Wales -13 km esturay kayak, 10km fell run, 15km MTBike.

For more information on race details visit our events page.
Along with the National Trophy Series and the European World Cup Races, the future of Quadrathlon has never looked so good in the UK. News of GB Team Selection, and World Championship details will follow soon, also BQA clothing, embroidered Hoodys and Technical T shirts will be available to purchase soon, so keep posted lots going on this season!

World Cup Races and News can be found on the WQF website World Quadrathlon Federation

Hear’s wishing everyone involved in our diverse multi-sport a successful year, Year of the Olympics so plenty of motivation for training, great racing and lots of fun along the way …… The Journey is as important as the result … Never Stop the Adventure!

BQA

2012 Newport Olympic Torch Festival

Admin

Newport has in the past been a great little multi- sports weekend, comprising of Kayaking MT Biking, Cycle sportif and 10 km Run race. Plus fantastic training runs along the coastal paths and an excellent venue for Sea Kayaking. This year the Olympic Torch will run through Newport so they have changed the format for the weekend its now called ‘The Olympic Torch Festival’ lots of fun events going on all weekend, the format is as follows.

Saturday 26th May will be the sporty day its a Quadrathlon, albeit a very short one comprising- 5Km MTBike Race, 1000 meter Kayak Race, 8Km Road Cycling Time Trial, 4Km Run. These will be spread thoughout the day and be individual or combined/team events.
The evening will include a 4Km Torch Walk around Newport and then
evening activities including fireworks.

Sunday 27th May we will have our Mini Olympics with all sorts of fun mass participation races –  Egg-N-Spoon, Wheelbarrow, sack races  etc etc.  The offical Olympic torch will pass through mid afternoon. We will also have a combined 10Km Run and a 4Km & 10Km walking Race on a multilap course in the town either before or after the torch passes through (advertised as fancy dress!). There will be other activities i.e. tennis, badminton, table tennis, golf and an Olympic Quiz etc.  It is not as out-and-out sporty as previously as the aim is for a diverse event for wide participation.

So its a real Fun and Family weekend if anyone is interested hears the website

http://www.newport.gov.uk/newportFestival/index.cfm/events

New Races for 2012 World Cup Quadrathlon

Admin

With a long-term view to develop Quadrathlon, the World Quadrathlon Federation (WQF), is pleased to add a two brand new race events for the 2012/2013 World Cup season. The Murray Quad in Australia  launches the first event of the 2012/2013 Quadrathlon World Cup, as well as it being the inaugural Quadrathlon event in Australia. Another addition to the World Cup, is a new event in Wolsztyn, West Poland.

The Murray Quad, set for December 15th, 2012, will be a long distance Quadrathlon and is scheduled to run alongside several other multi-discipline events. The long distance event will uniquely run in an odd order which has been sanctioned  by the WQF, as Swim 3.5 km, then Run 20.5 km followed by a cycle of 81 km and finally the kayak section over 25 km, giving a total distance of 130km. The unusual race order is a safety measure for the athletes who will compete in the regions average summer temperatures of 28-32C (82-89F). The event is planned to run along the Murray River starting in the town of Yarrawonga, around 280km north of Melbourne. International Athletes can be catered for as a kayak rental scheme is being set up. Some International interest has been shown as the challenge to compete in the multisport hotspot of Australia is very exciting, and to escape the dreary Northern Hemisphere winter.

The Wolsztyn middle distance race in West Poland, is being planned for August 17th, 2013. The organisers hope that this event will draw many top Quadrathlon athletes from neighbouring Germany and Czech Republic. Additionally, the August 17th date is right in the middle of several prominent World Cup events.

The WQF hopes that these new events will draw many new Quadrathletes to the sport.

2011-12 Wadenhoe Winter Challenge Race 4 Tom’s Report

Admin

Sunday, 5 February ….Wadenhoe Race 4 – Hears a quick update from Winner of Wadenhoe Quad Series Tom Stead.

‘YAY for the weather forecast……… it was right!! There was at least 14cm of snow settled on the roof of the car! Theres Snow Business Like Wadensnow Business… it was going to be a cold tough days racing!
Ive finished the last Wadenhoe of the series today and it was great fun, didn’t break any records, (obviously) because of the SNOW, but it was  great to get out and to see everyone there. Although numbers where limited I had some great ‘head to head’ races, so thank you Steve on the run stage and thank you Keith on the kayak stage. As a bonus no one had an unexpected swim. On the bike stage those that were watching commented on the fact that although it was obviously hard, every one seemed to be ‘enjoying’ themselves and took to the event with great humour. Many of these onlookers spent their time shaking their heads in disbelief!
I heard that the Frostbite Race was cancelled…? They missed out in some proper amazing fun in the snow. I suspect the guys down at Wadenhoe are made of slightly sterner stuff…’ 

Thanks to Mark Pryor and his Team for putting on the Winter Series. Full Series Results below

Final Wadenhoe Results

Check out some more very brave (or slightly crazy) athletes http://tomstead.blogspot.com/p/race-photos.html

Well done Tom … certainly one to watch and made of very strong stuff!!

 

News Update 2012 West Wight Sprint Quad

Admin

News Update on West Wight Quad. It is being organised by West Wight Charity Sports Centre inconjunction with Isle of Wight Adventure Activities to raise funds for the charity sports centre. This is an ideal opportunity to paddle around the Needles, its a great sea challenge and we recomend sea kayaks, (their will be full rescue and support boats whilst athletes are paddling). You can bring your own or hire from IWAA. The event is only open to Individuals and its on 10th June 2012 it will start with a pool swim 600m, followed by a mountain bike ride of 12miles (90% tracks with a small technical section), then a sea kayak 6nm around the Needles and finally a 6k run.

We have the Isle of Wight Adventure Activities as one of our sponsors who specialise in sea kayaking. So what more logical than to offer you the possibility of hiring a sea kayak instead of lugging yours to the island.

Sea kayak hire and Transport option 1   (16 available) – You will need sea kayak experience but after that all you need to do is turn up(with your mountain bike of course) and a sea kayak will be waiting for you on Freshwater beach and will be collected at the end of the paddle. Included in the hire is the secure return of your MT bike to the sports centre compound.

Transport Option 2 – If you bring your bike and sea kayak but do not have anybody to help with the transits then IOWAA can offer you a transport service. When you deliver your kayak to Freshwater bay before the event starts;it will be held in the secure bike/ sea kayak transition on the beach until you finish the bike. You will then be assisted on your way on the paddle and your bike will be returned to the sports centre with your kayak( at the end of the paddle) leaving you free for the final run leg.

These options will be outlined again on the IOWAA site with details of cost shortly and must be booked with them. Of course feel free to be completely independant and bring all your kit including bike helmet and buoyancy aid and a willing slave for the transits.

I am working on Wightlink for reduced fares on the ferry; details and a booking code as soon as possible.

We will keep you posted of further updates – Race Organiser Mike Rayden