Category: BQA Trophy

Three things you can always guarantee about The Brigg Bomber, 1 – superb organization with the friendliest race crew and marshals ever, 2 – brilliant and exciting racing and 3 – a brilliant quality T-Shirt not a bike cleaning cloth! They did it again Lincsquad pulled off a Superb European Championships and we even had a dry day with some sunshine too!

It was so good to see lots of our GB athletes winning trophies, old names and new names alike, great to see paddlers David and Matt Oliver back racing Quadrathlon too. Our European athletes coped with the British weather and all produced superb results! There were plenty of keen Quadrathletes all embracing the challenge of four disciplines and enjoying this great championship race.

The start list in the men’s race was very impressive 5 of the World’s Best, plus plenty of top age groupers too. The Ancholme was a ‘tad’ chilly but with plenty of adrenalin flowing it soon warmed up, Stefan Teichert (GER) was first out 20.36 with Steve King (GBR) just seconds behind 20.42, then the top favourite Enrique Peces (ESP) 30 seconds behind. King and Teichert were paddling well close together it was only at the final bridge Peces overtook them both. GBR athletes Michael Mason and Adam Norfolk established themselves in the top 5 by paddling the fastest kayak splits, Mason 36.57 and Norfolk 37.14

The bike course is fast and flat and King put in an excellent top split 54.48 giving him a great lead. Peces held onto 2nd with Teichert 3rd Mason and Norfolk were close behind going into the run where the final results were to be made! Peces running the fastest split of the day 35.25 went into the lead overtaking King at 3km. Teichert was closing on King, but on the second lap Mason was running strong and moved into 3rd place, leaving Teichert in 4th. Norfolk put in the 2nd fastest run of the day 36.12 to take 5th place … Quadrathlon Racing at its very best! So plenty of excitement for the spectators!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                The Womens event saw Lisa Teichert (GER) going into the lead from the start, new comer Sandra Hyslop (ex GB Team Wildwater Racer) came in 2nd after the swim. Sandra’s kayak was the fastest split by 1 second 42.59. Jean Ashley having her strong kayak leg moved into 3rd place overtaking Helen Dyke. Lisa pulled away on the bike, whilst Jean started to close in on Sandra. However just like the men’s race it would all be decided on the run leg! Lisa by this time was well and truly unstoppable! Sandra was holding onto 2nd place with Jean 3rd with one lap to go. Helen is known to us all for her epic running, and in true style running a 39.49 split, on the 2nd lap she over took Jean and finally Sandra to move into 2nd place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all finishers, especially U23 Jack Garner and his guides who came home in an amazing 3.31.41. Also Lincsquad’s junior Louise Beedham winning Junior Gold! There were plenty of BQA members flying the flag too, many of them taking Championship titles … a great start to the Season!
There were lots of other very creditable performances, and many personal goals achieved … I’m not quite sure what it is about our sport that makes it special, but every athlete that crosses the finish line has that little extra sense of achievement knowing they have just completed a Quadrathlon!

Once again a Big Thanks to ‘Lincsquad’ who certainly put the Brigg Bomber on the World Circuit in True Style, and hopefully motivated many onlookers, and athletes in the Team Event to maybe go Solo next year!

 

Thanks also to the Sponsors ‘Keyo Agricultural Services’ and to  Wildcoyphotography for the brilliant photos https://www.facebook.com/wildcoyphotography/

Lincsquad Brigg Bomber and European Quadrathlon Provisional Results 2016 Brigg Bomber Results

European Championships Winners Men

1 Enrique Peces (ESP) 2:32:50 Gold + Elite Gold
2 Steve King (GBR) 2:35:50 Silver + Vet 40 Gold
3 Michael Mason (GBR) 2:36:31 Bronze + Vet 40 Silver
4 Stefan Teichert (GER) 2:37:09 Elite Silver
5 Adam Norfolk (GBR) 2:37:46 Elite Bronze
6 Nigel Unwin (GBR) 2.49.24 Vet 50 Gold
7 Dave Bradburn 2.50.31 Vet 40 Bronze + 1st Newcomer
Julian Brewer 3.04.36 Vet 50 Silver
Mark Pryor 3.07.38 Vet 50 Bronze
John Redmond 3.53.27 Vet 60 Gold
Andrew Gage 4.12.10 Vet 60 Silver

Women
1 Lisa Hirschfelder (GER) 2:54:17 Gold + Elite Gold
2 Helen Dyke (GBR) 3:13:37 Silver + Vet 40 Gold
3 Sandra Hyslop (GBR) 3:14:52 Bronze + Elite Silver
4 Jean Ashley (GBR) 3:19:05 Vet 50 Gold
5 Victoria Price (GBR)3:35:38 Elite Bronze
Susan Couch (GBR) 4.05.36 Vet 40 Silver
Louise Beedham 4.08.05 Junior Gold

Other Age Group ‘BQA Members’ Gold Medal Winners

 

The Final BQA Trophy Race of the 2015 Season, took part in Bude on Saturday 19th September – This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, this race never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. but on Saturday we were blessed with the best weather I’ve ever raced at Bude in. The sea was flat, there was no wind, the paddle was very calm in the canal, the hills were still tough but being dry they seemed easier to climb, and the views were spectacular on the undulating run course!

 

Local athletes, and ‘Teams’  took the next few places, but not far behind Oliver Main came 7th (3rd V40) 3.11.27 Oliver has completed 4 BQA trophy races this year.

Other BQA athletes flying the flag and racing very well were – Russel Brayer 8th (2nd V50) 3.14.02. – Ned Price 9th (3rd V50) 3.16.36 – and Peter Chappill 12th 3.29.08. John Kavanagh battled on despite feeling poorly, he eventually called it a day during the kayak. John has had a superb season it was a great shame he was unwell for the last race.

Jean Ashley took the individual lead on the swim and had a solid performance throughout winning in 3.25.24 (1st V50) with Emma Bartrop in 2nd 3.51.28 (1st V40). There were plenty of excellent lady athletes in Teams and Pairs, and here’s hoping they may go solo next year! Helen Parkinson a well know previous winner of the event, teamed up in a mixed pair (due to injury) still performing well in the swim and kayak she took the Pairs title.

A Big Thank-you to Simon, his family of helpers and all his Marshalls for putting on another great race … everyone enjoyed the day! The race was done and dusted by 2.00pm and as it was a Saturday there was plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Bude was buzzing … with a Food Festival, plus Live Music which entertained us, and there was plenty of surfing and body boarding to be had! If you didn’t make the race this year …. make sure its in your calendar for 2016 …. you’ll love it!

Full Results to follow shortly

http://www.shorelineactivities.co.uk/foursome.quadrathlon.event

The BQA 2015 National Trophy prizes were also presented – Congratulations to Overall Winners Nigel Unwin and Jean Ashley, Phil Holden V40, Ned Price V50 and John Kavanagh V60.

 

Shrewsbury once again gave us a great day’s racing, blue skies, a calm fast river, if a ‘tad’ cold, with a strong current down stream but hard work up! A slight wind on the undulating bike course, and a fast flat run with the occasional muddy patch … all in all fantastic conditions for racing! We had good strong field of Quadrathletes, our top athletes and age groupers, plus 12 newcomers who all gave it their best and finished with happy faces!

Congratulations to Winner Steve King who took the lead from the start, with Adam Norfolk hot on his heels just 10 seconds behind after the swim/kayak. Steve put in the ‘joint fastest bike split of the day’ (shared with the overall winner of the Triathlon), he was a good 2 minutes ahead, however Adam put in the fastest run of the Quadrathlon but was still not able to catch him.  Steve’s time -1.22.09, Adam 1.23.57. Meanwhile there was a battle for 3rd place with Stuart West coming in 3rd after the kayak, Nigel Unwin overtook him on the bike and ran well to hold his 3rd place 1.29.05. Stuart finished in 4th 1.32.49. BQA members Andy Childs and Phil Holden were battling on the run to finish 5th. Andy just held Phil off 1.36.34 with Phil in 6th 1.36.45.

In the Ladies event Jean Ashley finally took first place. After taking the lead on the kayak, she was overtaken on the last mile of the bike, Jean had a speedy transition and the two leaders went out on the run together. Jean pushed hard and went into the lead finishing in – 1.45.14 with Jacqueline Davis, a strong Triathlete, (competing in her first Quadrathlon) in 2nd, just a minute behind 1.46.11. Another great performance in her first Quadrathlon was Heather Streetly she finished 3rd in 1.53.55. A great effort from all the other females who for many of them it was their first Quad …. and judging by their smiles ‘not their last’!

There was a great turnout of BQA Members, all getting valuable National Trophy Points, with 2 more races left their are no clear winners yet!I Thank-you to BQA athletes flying the flag this weekend, good to see you all. Duncan Pearson in 8th back in fine form after an injury 1.37.21. John Kavanagh 13th (1st vet 60) 1.41.27, and just behind his training buddy Ned Price 14th 1.42.08. Peter Chappill 18th also back from injury 1.44.38 looking strong again. John Redmond finish well 20th in 1.53.43 and great to see Alistair Bates Vet 60 back again, enjoying his race and finishing well in 25th … but 2nd Vet 60! Our other BQA member Margaret Huyton also Vet 60 came 5th lady overall putting in her best Quadrathlon performance to date …. Great Results Everyone.

The Trophy Standings are still open with 3 races to count (must be a BQA Member to claim the Trophy/Prize). Nigel Unwin is in the overall lead at the moment having done 3 races, along with Phil Holden, John Kavanagh and Ned Price. Adam Norfolk is 5th but has another race to do, which could change the positions after the Fabian 4 this weekend. Jean Ashley is winning the ladies trophy but once again there are still 2 races left! So Good Luck to everyone racing at the Fabian 4 and the following weekend at Bude …. lets hope we get Sunshine like Shrewsbury!

 

I would like to say a huge thank-you to Gill Otto and SYtri for letting us, once again be part of there triathlon, British Quadrathlon really appreciate this ….. superbly organized, very friendly and great value for money, you left no stone unturned! The marshals were brilliant …. along with their ‘cow bells’ they made us feel very welcome. It was so good to see plenty of onlookers enjoying the Quadrathlon, and I have had so much positive feedback from the Quadrathletes, and from Triathletes all wanting to add another discipline next year! We hope SYTri will have us back next year for another great race….. thank -you.

 

The BQA wish to say ‘Thank-you’ and a big Congratulations to Lincsquad for putting on yet another very successful Brigg Bomber. I have had lots of compliments and messages from very happy Quadrathletes all with very positive comments from their own race experiences, and as ever praising those wonderful marshals who turn out year after year, stand in the rain and encourage everyone! (it doesn’t rain every year!) A Big Thanks to all Lincsquad who helped make this great race happen, and once again a very worthy National Quadrathlon Championships 2015!

Despite a lot of the BQA regulars missing due to other racing commitments and injury the racing was just as competitive and very exciting! First out of the swim was Junior Will Jackson about two minutes ahead of Michael Mason and Nigel Unwin. Mason showed his strength in the kayak and took the lead six minutes faster than anyone else in the kayak, he remained in the lead with a class performance on the bike.  Unwin was a minute faster on bike, but Mason’s running was in a class of its own and he won by an outstanding  10 minutes (2:34:51)

2nd place was secured by  Unwin (2:45:30), whilst Phil Holden moved into 3^rd (2:03:41) with the young Will Jackson just behind (2:03:41). In 5^th place then was the oldest starter John Kavanagh V60 a superb performance showing us all ‘age shows no bounds’.

A special mention must go to Jack Garner, who finished in 16 place, Jack who is blind is connected by a cord in swimming and running,  whist biking on a tandem, and kayaking in double kayak – total respect!

In the women’s race, Helen Dyke, the three-time world champion (2006-08) was back in Brigg. Helen and the previous year’s third place, Claire Moran came out of the swim together, but strong kayaker Claire took the lead by  14 minutes in the kayak. After cycling Helen was  8 minutes behind, but with Helen’s run, her strongest discipline to come she started to chase Claire down. It was only in the final straight that Helen moved into 1^st place, a superb fight to the end! Helen (3:09:27) Claire (3:09:59). Third place went Sarah Allars (3:20:53) whilst Lincsquad’s own Sallie Joesph came in a very creditable 4^th (3:29:51). Sister to the Male Vet 60 John Kavanagh,  Mary White also came in 5^th winning the Female Vet 60 prize … good family genes!

There were plenty of PB’s and personal achievements plus some exciting racing in the Team Event with TATA 340 from Scunthorpe taking 1^st prize (2:44:17). Well done to all you Quadrathletes out there, and lets hope its a great start to your race season!

Overall Winners

MALE
Michael Mason (overall and Vet 40) 2:34:51
Nigel Unwin (Vet 50) 2:45:30
John Kavanagh (Vet 60) 3:07:01
Jack Garner (U23) 3:31:28
Will Jackson (Junior) 3:03:41
FEMALE
Helen Dyke (overall and Vet 40) 3:09:27
Julie Dimaline (Vet 50) 4:16:53
Mary White (Vet 60) 3:40:51
Isabella Jenkins & Flora Hay (U23) 4:29:09

 

Lance Ball new to Quadrathlon  2 years ago has written this race report of his day, it’s a great example of the feel good factor of the Race and to the sport we all enjoy  and love. Thanks for sharing Lance … Enjoy the read!

I wasn’t sure whether I was looking forward to Brigg or not.  I have raced this event the last two years, so knew that Lincsquad really do put on a great event. However, I hadn’t ventured into open water swimming yet this year as I much prefer the water to be a bit warmer.

As always, my family came along as support and we arrived the night before so at least we could get registration dealt with on the Saturday. Which meant that I could get a nice early night for the rather early start. Unfortunately Eurovision was on the television, which for some reason resulted in a late night!

On the plus side, we stayed in a hotel next door to a 24 hours McDonalds, so at least managed to get something hot and edible at 6am having decided that I needed something to warm me up before the swim. About 7am and it was the usual mad rush extracting the bike out of the boot, trying to put it all back together and get everything in to transition in some sort of order. 8:30am and we were off!

To my surprise, this year I didn’t spend the first 10 minutes feeling very cold and wondering why on earth I take part in this sport. On this occasion I instantly felt comfortable and got into my rhythm straight away. I’m used to bringing up the rear on the swim, so was pleased that I stayed amongst several competitors throughout. A hot breakfast must be the way forward.

Swim was completed in 30:44. A time that I was very pleased with. Slow compared to the fastest at just over 20 minutes, but much better than the 33:05 time of my previous year.

T1 was extremely slow. A split second decision was made to try and dry myself with a towel, plus put shoes, socks and a coat on for the kayak. Must remember to put elastic laces back in to the shoes, since wasted so long putting them on as they were laced up far too tight. T1 2:44 compared to the fastest at 30 seconds. I spent longer in T1 than getting a cooked breakfast!

Kayak went well. The river was a little calmer than last year and had very little flow. Completed in 55:19 which was 30 seconds slower than previous year. However, last year there were a lot more competitors which weren’t spaced out anywhere near as far from each other as this year. As a result, this year I couldn’t get anywhere near as many frequent drafts as I leap frogged from one competitor to another working my way up the field. Overall, I think I paddled a lot better this year.

The quickest set an amazing time of 38:29 for the kayak, quite a bit faster than even the second fastest at 44:17.

T2 was again very slow as I struggled to walk after losing the feeling in my legs from the kayak. The rain was just starting and I decided to put thermal gloves on in transition rather than doing so on the bike, as I’d probably fall off in the process. Must remember to get larger gloves out since they were so tight they were a right struggle to get on. T2 2:02 compared to the fastest at 28 seconds. Clearly I need to plan the transitions better!

As soon as the bike leg started the weather was horrible. At least I had a waterproof jacket and thermal gloves on. It couldn’t have been enjoyable for those just in lycra. The marshals were fantastic, remaining very enthusiastic and offering great support all around the course despite the conditions.

Bike time 1:11:41 which was nearly 4 minutes quicker than previous year. Very pleased with this time. Quickest bike of the day was 54:49.

T3 48 seconds compared to fastest of 42. At least one transition went o.k. especially fast since I decided to put fresh socks on, the previous pair having got drenched on the bike.

Run went great. The rain had stopped and the coat was discarded at long last. Felt strong all the way around and would happily have stayed out for a few more laps. Time 42:32 which was over 10 minutes quicker than previous year.  Overall time 3:25:50 About 13 minutes quicker than previous year despite the rain, tougher kayak and dreadful transitions.

Lincsquad yet again put on a fantastic event. The marshals were amazing. Every one of them enthusiastically shouting support, even those posted out at the extremities of the course in the rain. This enthusiasm was shared by the competitors who shouted support and offered loads of encourage to fellow participants on the run.  Lucozade was also a welcome new sponsor this year, so there were ample refreshments.

Having competed in several large running races recently, it was so nice to get back to an event where there wasn’t a single bottle, gel wrapper or piece of litter discarded anywhere. Instead of the dreaded mp3 players, the competitors were all friendly, acknowledged and encouraged each other throughout the race. I certainly plan to be back again next year, hopefully having improved my transitions.

Lance Ball