Author: Jean Ashley

Dearne Valley Quadkidz Max’s Race Day!

Jean Ashley

Congratulations to Max Underwood-Frost, from Lincsquad who won the Boys (13-16) event on Sunday 10th June at Manvers Lake in the Dearne Valley Quadrathlon. Here is his report ……

We got there for 7:30 so we could get the kayak, bike and other kit set up for the race. While taking the kayak down to the lake I thought I should test the water to see how cold it would be, as there was a mist over the lake, and to my surprise it was pleasantly warm.

I then had the usual struggle of getting into my wetsuit before the 8:30 briefing. My age group, 13-15 year old, it consisted of a 200m swim, 4km bike, 800m kayak, 2km run.

We then got into the water to let our bodies adjust to the temperature and then did a little warm up. For the swim we did two laps of a 100m circuit in a clockwise direction. I came out the swim in first place and called my number as I ran into first transition. As I entered T1 I had a bit of a struggle getting my wetsuit off but I did it in the end and then got ready for the bike.

The bike was a 2 lap grass and gravel course, that I really enjoyed, and I managed to hold the lead.

Coming into T2 I racked up my bike and got ready for the kayak. As I was running down to my kayak I could see second place in the distance coming up to the dismount line (who I knew was very good in the kayak so I would have my work cut out). I got to my kayak a bit confused on what I had to do and so I just got in. At this point I realised the water was not deep enough for my kayak to float and had to get a little push from Kev and I was off on the 2 lap kayak route.

As I was about to start my second lap I could see 2nd place coming up behind me and he then overtook me just after the start to the second lap. As I was getting out of the kayak I got cramp in my right calf so instead of getting out my kayak normally I did a seal like roll.

Coming into T3 I saw the leader there and after having a quick transition we ran out of T3 together. We had a hard run being on each others tail but to my luck I managed to break free and go on to win the race with a time of 37.43 minutes.

Junior Quad ( 13-16 )
Max Underwood-Frost – 4:48 – 18:29 – 28:12 – 37:43
Blake Mason-Burren – 7:21 – 20:13 – 27:07 – 40:27

I really enjoyed the event and I thank everyone involved in the race and can’t wait to do some more quads. I’m looking forward to the weekend away at Barton Sailing Club training on the Saturday and racing again Sunday.

A superb report and great racing from these boys! Well Done Max, and Enjoy the next 2 QuadKidz Races, Lincs-QuadKidz and Box End QuadKidz! (BQA)

Brigg Bomber 2018 -The Masters’ categories shine in perfect conditions at Brigg

Jean Ashley
1st Ferenc Csima (HUN) 2nd Michael Mason (GB) 3rd Leos Rousavy (CZE)

Lincsquad hosted the first race on the BQA Calender 27th May … as ever in fine style and glorious sunshine! It was so good to see 3 athletes coming over from Europe to race against our athletes! A big well done to all the Quadrathletes that raced the Bomber, and congratulations to the overall winners and to the age groupers too. Thanks also to the organization team and to all the marshals who make our races possible, we are forever grateful … Thank-You!

Race Report from John K.

The Masters’ categories shine in perfect conditions at Brigg

The latest round of the World Cup, which was also the British Championship race, was held in Brigg, England. This well established event which opens the British Quadrathlon series was run with its usual excellent organisation. This year the weather also co-operated – being dry, hot (but not excessively so) and a bit breezy. It is a middle distance race, comprising 1500m swim, 7km kayak, 40km bike, 10km run.

The river Ancholme was not too cold and had no flow to impede the swimmers or kayakers. The bike route had to be changed from previous years because of the poor condition of some of the roads at the furthest point of the regular course. Instead we did two laps on good tarmac, very flat and giving opportunities for some fast times. Occasional cross winds were the only hazard we had to contend with. The run course was the same two lap circuits that have been used in recent years. Again flat, but going out through the Town Centre and then along the river in open country side there is enough variety to keep ones interest.

The event was dominated by age group competitors, taking the overall podium positions in the Men’s and Women’s races. Ferenc Csima (HUN) led the swimming and gradually increased his lead on Michael Mason (GBR) in the kayak and bike legs. Mason managed to pull back a couple of minutes on the run but not enough to prevent Csima finishing two minutes clear of him. Leos Rousavy (CZE) was out of the water from the swim in second place but was overtaken on the kayak course by Mason and then lost more ground and came in third. The three Masters 40 racers were well clear of the fastest Elite competitor, Steve Clark (GBR), in fourth place.

1st Helen Russell 2nd Helen Dyke 3rd Mary White

In the Women’s race, Helen Russell (GBR) led from the beginning and building up a big lead, it was only during the run that the second lady, Helen Dyke (GBR), could begin to close the gap by nearly 5 minutes. These two Masters 40 ladies were joined on the podium by the Masters 60 Mary White (GBR).

Mens Overall
Ferenc Csima HUN 02:35:40
Mason Michael GB 02:37:52
Rousavy Leos CZE 02:42:18
Clark Steve GB 02:45:50

Ladies Overall
Helen Russell GB 03:04:12
Helen Dyke GB 03:13:44
Mary White GB 03:26:55

A big thank you to Lincsquad, a club for multi-sport athletes, who organised the event. They did a very great job and made everyone welcome. Everything worked smoothly and the marshalling was outstanding.

Full Bomber Results 2018-Brigg-Bomber-Results

BQA Trophy Results 18-b-trophy brigg

WQF Results WQF World Cup 2018_3.1 brigg

Race Organizers are calling for YOUR Entries!

Jean Ashley

I have had several emails from our Quadrathlon Race Organizers asking for your Entries … they seem to be on the low side at the moment, especially the QuadKidz entries too. If your thinking about entering one or two of our wonderful events could you enter soon please! This really helps our race organizers to prepare for their event. We are a small sport but please support our Races if we want to keep Quadrathlon up and running here in the UK.

Here is a quick reminder of what races you can enter!

BQA National Trophy Events for 2018

Here’s wishing Everyone at the Brigg Bomber this weekend ‘A great, safe and enjoyable race – smile its going to be sunny too! RACE 1 – 27th May – Brigg Bomber Quad – World Cup – A superb race to start the season, extremely well organized by our Top Quadrathlon Club ‘Lincsquad’ a fast flat and safe course, its the British National Championships and World Cup race so lots of points! Just to top it off they have an excellent T- shirt Tour of the Brigg Pubs to celebrate … certainly not to be missed!! Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon

RACE 2 – 10th June – Dearne Valley Sprint Quad & QuadKidz – This race takes place around the Manvers Waterpark and its surrounding area, all the racing takes place within this lovely venue. The aim is to deliver, a Quadrathon where people from all walks of life can participate. Mark Benton (organizer) quotes ‘All that we ask is that you enjoy your training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards’. The Junior Quadrathlon will run along side the sprint event, the first ‘QuadKidz’ race of the season, with various distances for the 3 age groups … it will be time for our Quadkidz to Shine! Dearne Valley Quadrathlon

RACE 3 – 15th July – Box End Sprint Quad – World Cup Race & QuadKidz– A very well established and superbly organized by Quadrac racing, the whole event held within the Box End Waterpark. It’s ideal for youngsters, beginners as it’s a sprint distance and support crews can see the whole race from the lovely lake side café. It’s the  third time it has been give World Cup Status so we need to give this race the backing it deserves. Excellent camping on site too …. And you can even try your hand at wake boarding! After a successful Quadkidz race last year the second Quadkidz Race of the junior series will take part at the same time as the Open Race! BoxEnd Quadrathlon

RACE 4 – 2nd September – Shrewsbury Sprint Quad – This race just keeps getting stronger and stronger, an excellent fast, flat sprint race, running on the back of a very popular Triathlon. A great day out with a superb race atmosphere, with lots of support especially on the 3 lap run course around the Showground! A real ‘feel good friendly race’ instigated and organized by one of our very passionate quadrathletes along with SYTri … one not to be missed! Shrewsbury Quadrathlon

RACE 5 – 9th September – Fabian4 Conwy Mountain Triathlon– The long-awaited Fabian4 Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Challenge is back for 2018. Last year’s event (2016) was the best yet, & here at Fabian4, we’re already working hard to make sure that next year’s is even better! Where else can you find a well-organised, non-commercial, realistically-priced, serious sea to summit adventure, much of it taking place in Snowdonia National Park. All the profits will be donated, as always, to the Snowdonia Society. Take advantage of the early bird rate & enter ASAP.   Fabian4 Conwy Mountain Triathlon

RACE 6 – 16th September – National Championships- Awesome Foursome Quad – This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, in beautiful Cornwall in the surfing town of Bude. It never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race and a great end the race season! Swimming in the sea, there’s plenty of hills on the bike, a historic canal for the kayak and amazing coastal views on the run! It’s one of those addictive races that keeps drawing you back. The race is on a Saturday so plenty of time for sun, sand and surf too! Awesomefoursome.quadrathlon

All links to these races are on our ‘events’ page. I hope I have tempted you …. ENTER NOW! 

Montgomery Canal Triathlon 2018

Jean Ashley

This was just a great warm up to our Quadrathlon season, and a perfect day out down the Historic Canal. I have done this event 5 times now and have really enjoyed the challenge, its great pre-race training and a good opportunity to support the Montgomery Canal Trust. We were blessed with a beautiful day, no wind and blue bird skies. I had hoped to crack the 4 hour mark this year … but just missed it by a couple of minuits!

240 athletes/fundraisers started the journey to bike, run/walk and then kayak the 35miles following the tow path of the Montgomery Canal. The journey starts in Newtown and finished in Lower Frankton, running along the tow path and in the canal all the way 17miles biking, 11miles running, and 7 miles of kayaking/canoeing, with the majority using Canadian Canoes (in pairs). The more competitive ones amongst us start first at 8.30 (in groups of 6), leaving the ones taking it ‘a bit less competitive’ to start at a more steady pace! I must say if I’d of seen the Tea, Cakes and sandwiches at the transition areas I might of been persuaded to take my time, but there were plenty at the finish too!

The race is extremely well organized and the marshals very supportive all the way, it is a beautiful canal and a real pleasure to support ‘The Friends of the Montgomery Canal Trust’ in helping them raise money to help restore this historic canal! #bike17run11kayak7miles

Lincsquad are Waiting for us!

Jean Ashley

So the Quadrathlon Race Season is almost here … Lincsquad are getting ready for us all, here is a sneaky preview of this lovely medal. It could be yours …. If you haven’t got your entry in yet – now is your chance! 27th May Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon

BE THERE a great start to the season!

So sign up quickly: www.riderhq.com/events/74484/keyo-brigg-bomber/enter


Also 16th & 17th June Our QuadKidz have there chance to shine, Lincsquad are hosting an amazing weekend Lincsquad are putting on a full days training workshop that offers a chance to learn and practice technique across all the elements before offering the opportunity to put it all together in the main age group events on Sunday.
The Swim workshop covers: Wetsuit fitting, warm ups, safe water entry/exit, sighting and transition. Wetsuits are compulsory for this activity. Note: You must be able to swim freestyle for 50metres non stop.
The Bike workshop will look at practicing transition, emergency puncture repairs, gear restrictions, helmet fitting, safety checks, and bike handling. Cycling will be off-road. MTB/ Cyclocross bike reqd. Helmets are compulsory.
The Kayaking will cover: safety, paddling, entry/ exit, and transition. We have Kayaks are available to hire. See website for details http://www.lincsquad.co.uk/events/
The run session will cover: gait, transition, and pacing, basic nutrition advice The run is carried out off-road.
Our coaches are qualified through British Triathlon, British Cycling, and UK Athletics. This includes first aid, safe guarding,and full DBS checks.
See all the details here QK Fy v2
A Big Thanks to Lincsquad for Flying the Flag for The British Quadrathlon Association and promoting our Amazing Sport … ‘When 3 Disciplines Just Aren’t Enough’

Bradford-on-Avon Summer Duathlon Series 2018

Jean Ashley
Paddling strong Nigel Unwin

One of our Top Quadrathletes Nigel Unwin trains at Bradford on Avon Canoe Club, his club is organizing a Summer Duathlon Series. Its open to non members and its an ideal training opportunity for any Quadrathletes wishing to do run-paddle-run sessions, who live around the Bradford on Avon Area. There are 3 distances to suit all levels of paddlers/runners.
The Dates: Saturday 12th May, 14th July & 1st September.
Time: Check in opens 8:15am
Check in Closes: 8:45am
First Start: 9:00am

Race Courses:
Batch A: Run 1 = 1.5km
Paddle = 10.5km
Run 2 = 6.5km

Batch B: Run 1 = 1.5km
Paddle = 7km
Run 2 = 4km

Batch C: Run 1 = 1.5km
Paddle = 3.5km
Run 2 = 1.5km

Entry Fee: £2. This will entitle you to a Coffee or Tea and a piece of cake afterwards.

In order for us to run the series on time and smoothly, it would be greatly appreciated if you could email James Escott escottboa752@gmail.com prior to the event, with your chosen course length, in order to create a pre-entry list (if you are sure you will be attending).

Prizes: Prizes will be giving for the series winners at the end of the third and final event.

Additional Information: The race will start off the water (the first run), and will be a mass start per course. Please ensure you have appropriate running shoes and paddling kit as it may be cold and/or windy/rainy. Any athletes participating from visiting clubs please ensure you bring your own boats and paddles.

America set up Quadrathlon Association!

Jean Ashley

Great News for America – Len Carbonara is the Founder of the American Quadrathlon Association© and ‘Indian Lake’ is to host the first-ever U.S. Quadrathlon on 16th June 2018.

Registration now open for inaugural swim/kayak/bike/run/competition

Indian Lake, NY – The Adirondack village of Indian Lake will be the first venue in the United States to host a quadrathalon. The “Do the Q” event on June 16th consists of a 1/2 mile swim, four mile kayak paddle, 30k bike ride, and a 10k run, in accordance with World Quadrathalon Federation guidelines.

Registration is limited to 50 participants and racers will compete in all events (no relay teams.)

The event is presented by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce and America’s Quadrathlon Association. The routes for each leg are still being established, but all will be in Indian Lake, said Len Carbonara, vice president of the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Quadrathalons are increasing in popularity in Europe, but this will be the first in the U.S.

“We wanted to launch this event in Indian Lake and wanted to provide triathletes a different race experience,” Carbonara said. “Ironman and other triathlons are highly popular and we are optimistic this event will attract competitors looking for a new event.”

Those interested in competing can sign up by contacting:

Organizer: Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce (Len Carbonara)
Phone: +1 518 648 5112.
Email: dotheq1@yahoo.com
Internet: www.indian-lake.com

Congratulations to Len who has worked very hard over the last couple of years to turn his Dream into a Reality! Len has affiliated the AQA to the WQF and we welcome them to our World Federation, here’s wishing the Race every success, we hope it goes really well and the athletes have a great experience in Americas First Ever Quadrathlon! We look forward to hearing all about it and maybe even adding it to our race diaries in the future.

Good Luck Len from the BQA

 

 

QuadKidz are you Ready?

Jean Ashley

The Fantastic Quadkidz Medals have arrived … Are YOU ready?

All you up and coming Quad Stars of the future, now have your own National Trophy Series – 3 Races and 3 Beautiful Medals to be Won, and Worn with Pride ….. you need one of each colour!

Dearne Valley QuadKidz Sunday 10th June: is our First Race of the season. A Big thanks to Mark Benton for hosting this again, it was certainly the feel good factor event of the year in 2017! This race takes place within this lovely Manvers Waterpark . (camping available on site). The aim is to deliver a fun Quadrathon where our children can enjoy the challenge, be encouraged all the way, and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards!

Entries and Information Dearne-Valley-Quad- QuadKidz

Lincs-QuadKidz’ Event Sunday 17th June:  The Second Race of the ‘BQA QuadKidz 2018 National Series. and a first ever QuadKidz race for Lincsquad, no doubt this will live up to their top class race organization! Certainly a weekend not to be missed!

Entries and Information workshop-and-quadkidz-event

‘Box End-QuadKidz’ Sunday 15th July 2018
Our third and final QuadKidz race will be at Box End. Thanks to Mark Pryor ‘Quadrac Racing’ for putting on this last year. A great venue for the family camping and racing all on the Box End site.This will be the the final race of the Series and the BQA will present the ‘Championship Prizes’ to ‘BQA QuadKidz’ who have completed the Race Series!

Entries and Information Box End -QuadKidz

Overall Winners must be ‘BQA QuadKidz’ members, very reasonable membership for the year.                               £7 individual child or £5 per child if parent is a BQA Member. Membership_Form 2018

Lets watch ‘Quadkidz’ Grow and Grow, exciting times ahead for our juniors –
Its time for our ‘QuadKidz’ to Shine!

 

Sprint European Championships – Azores 2018

Jean Ashley

The Quadrathlon World Cup season 2018 began on 24th April  with breathtakingly beautiful scenery and exciting competition. The Azores hosted the race on the charming island of Terceira in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and America. This was the first time the Sprint European Champions have taken place on this Portuguese island. At this early stage of the season there was much interest to see who had come through their winter training well and was able to reach a peak in form. Many top athletes were expected, so the excitement was high. See the full report below:

Mandy Greenaway was our only GB athlete racing, she enjoyed her trip even though all didn’t go as expected! Mandy had a good swim and kayak, unfortunately she had 2 punctures on the bike course, the first she fixed but could only repair the one. She was rescued from DNF by Lisa after she kindly lent Mandy her bike! Well done to Mandy for continuing and pushing on to finish the course! Big thanks to Lisa showing just how wonderful our Quad community is ‘Small Sport Big Heart’!

The Azores – shown off in all their glory

Steve Dolby – Leisure Kit

Jean Ashley

Steve Dolby is retiring from being our BQA Leisure Kit coordinator, the BQA would like to say a Big Thank-You to Steve for organizing and sending out the Leisure Kit for as long as I can remember … it must be at least 10 years! He’s done a great job for us and we shall miss his reliable service.

Steve and Clair have been members of Lincsquad from its early days, and have helped make the club it is today. Steve enjoyed Quadrathlon, and although he took a while to master a K1, once he got the hang of it he had some excellent results and went on to represent ‘Team GB Quad’ at the World and European Championships and then went on to complete several Ironman Triathlons! He helped promote the BQA and was Chairman of Lincsquad giving 100% commitment and ensuring everyone was happy … I dont think I have ever seen him without a big smile …. maybe just once during a capsize!

Many of you will know Clair from her Mobile Cupcakes ‘n Coffee Stop, she has replenished many a quadrathlete and triathlete with her scrummy cakes and hot drinks after their races! Not to be out shone by Steve’s athletic ventures she also put on the lycra and represented Lincsquad at the National Relays and went on to do the Great North Run.

I have no doubt they will be missed by all us and their Lincsquad Friends!

But its very exciting times ahead for them both, they have just moved to Porthmadog, North Wales to run the Tudor Lodge B&B. There is no doubt you will be greeted with big smiles and wonderful hospitality, and going by the bacon butties they used to serve the breakfasts will be AWESOME!! We wish them all the very best and I’m sure when word gets round to who’s running the place there bookings will be full. So remember if your over that way, racing or training in the beautiful Snowdonia  Tudor Lodge is the place to stay! Tudor Lodge

Tudor-lodge

GOOD LUCK THE DOBBERS …. and hope to see you soon

Jean X