Category: Events

Quadrathon – Training Session at Manvers

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Quadrathon – Training Session at Manvers

British Quadrathlon and Team Manvers join forces to bring triathlon and quadrathon back to the Dearne Valley. The aim is to deliver, a Triathlon and Quadrathon where people from all walks of life can participate. All that we ask is that you enjoy your training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards. Mark Benton and his Team of volunteers are organizing 2 training days at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club.

Saturday 20th May and Sunday 4th June (9.30)

Program

9.30 – Arrive and sign in
10.00 Open Water Swimming practice session
10:45 Transition Tips (T1)
11:00 Group ride on the off road cycle route
11:45 (T2) Walk through
12:00 Kayak training
12:30 (T3)
12:40 Group Run/Jog – Run the run route
13:15 Group discussion and questions

Free to club members, £10 to non members (U18’s £5)

Email: manverslake@gmail.com for more information or to reserve a place (stating which date is preferred).

Contact Mark on 07704 111414 if you need any further information.

http://www.mwbc.org.uk/dearne-valley-triquad.html

Regards Mark

Magic Start to 2017 in the Atlantic!

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This year’s Quadrathlon World Cup series started in March on the island of Terceira. This season’s opening event took place last Saturday in the charming Azores. This competition, in the middle of the Atlantic, on a little-known island, offered the athletes a magical insight into the colourful world of the Azores. One of the starters described his impression as “You do not know where you are, it is like a mixture of the Caribbean and Ireland”.

After its premiere last year, the competition this year moved from Praia da Vitoria to Angra do Heroismo with its historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. There was also a change from a road bike course to MTB. Both changes were worth it!

The weather gods were on our side: blue sky, sun, little wind and few waves – ideal conditions. The swim was 750m, in two laps with a short beach run in between, so that the spectators could see how the race was developing. Immediately afterwards we set off for three circuits of the kayak course (a total of 4km).

 

The flat Atlantic water was suitable for everyone to cope with. This was particularly welcome as numerous different boat types had been provided by the local kayak club.

From the beach to the bike transition we had some steps to climb before the MTB section (bikes could be hired locally). Then followed 15 beautiful but also very hard kilometers over two laps. From the beach, we went up to a fortress which is over 300 years old. This is still used today by the Portuguese military and much of the route on the slopes of Mt. Brasil is normally closed to the public. Only for the competition was the historic gate opened, which the participants had to go through after passing over a bridge across a moat – spectacular! But also relentlessly exhausting, as there were some steep ramps to cope with. The route was technically easy without big obstacles.
The finale was a 5km run on the promenade over 5 laps. This was absolutely flat, which was welcome after the bike course, and allowed the many spectators to encourage the athletes to keep running hard right to the finish.
At the front of the race there were clear victories for the World Cup winners of the last two years, Enrique Peces (ESP) and Lisa Teichert (GER), each making their ambitions for this year clear. In the women’s race, Lisa Teichert led from start-to-finish giving her victory by a clear distance. Second place was taken by Ruth Diaz from Spain, who came in front of the ever-young Jean Ashley (GBR).


Among the men, Peces kept in touch with the top two in the swim, Laurent Martinou (FRA) and Stefan Teichert (GER).  It was not long before he took the lead in the kayak and held on to this on the bike. In the run, the Spaniard stayed well clear. Martinou, who lost a lot of time in the kayak, did well on the MTB and was also quick on the road and managed to overtake Teichert.

Age groups were also strongly represented, among others, the 66-year-old Mary White from England put in an impressive performance.
After the medal presentations, the efforts of the participants were rewarded with a sumptuous finisher’s buffet. From hearty savories to deserts there were lots of local treats to try.

The conclusion of many participants was that the competition alone, with its great scenery around Mt. Brasil and the historic old town is worth the trip. Many also used opportunity to take time to train the week before and/or after the race, where the two Teicherts organized a training camp and showed the athletes Terceira at his best.

The organizer, Pedro Barthlemou, was very satisfied with the event, he would have liked to started himself. If he had, then he would certainly have been in contention for victory. He hopes that he will be able to travel to the World Cup at least once later in the year.
Until the next World Cup event in mid-May, there is still some time left to continue training. But then it gets really serious, because in Orf in Hungary the World Championship takes place again over the middle distance.

Results – Men
1. Enrique Peces (ESP) 1:27:08
2. Laurent Martinou (FRA) 31:31:45
3. Stefan Teichert (GER) 1:32:47
4. Ricardo Noval (ESP) 1:36:51
5. David Kunder (GER) 1:37:31
Women  

1. Lisa Teichert (GER) 1:40:48
2. Ruth Varona (ESP) 2:02:47
3. Jean Ashley (GBR) 2:07:07

Race Video

Race Photographs

quadrathlon-terceira website

 

Team GB on 2017 Azores Tour!

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Training Camp Smiley Squad!

Six GB Quadrathletes certainly flew the flag in the Azores, John Kavanagh, John Redmond, Clif Odgeres, Mary White, Jean Ashley and Jacqueline Davies, they not only came home with 5 medals and a trophy, they worked extremely hard before the race at a 6 day Training Camp!

The training camp was organized by Lisa and Stefan, and they gave us a fantastic variety of training sessions! Swimming sea and pool sessions, kayak sessions (hampered slightly by a 6ft swell!) bike technique & speed drills, hill reps and long rides. Track transitions and my favorite session of the week a run up a volcano! We also had plenty of interesting theory including Life-Kinetics, Sports psychology and a Beach Team Cup! Our ‘Veteran Bodies’ coped with the pressure really well, considering we were averaging 5 hours of training every day, our minds were most certainly pushed beyond our comfort zones!  We were very lucky on the 5th day, the GB Squad gave ourselves a morning off due to torrential rain, ……  this just gave us extra recovery and made us hungry for Race Day!

Angra Map if you fancy the camp next year, take a quick look at the Camp programme …. you’ll love it!

The Race didn’t start until 2.00, so we met up for a Sports Psychology talk before hand, this calmed the nerves and after a large coffee we felt we were ready to tackle anything! The weather was just perfect calm, warm ideal race conditions! The six of us supported each other in the build up, all encouraging and ironing out any doubts anyone had about the race …. we were ready the First World Cup Race of 2017 …. and I couldn’t quite believe I was in the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic!

We walked down onto the beach, and into the holding pen, goggles on and ready for action. It was 2 laps 700m, swim out to the yellow buoy and back round a flag on the beach and in again for a second lap. Jacqueline was first out 10.36, followed closely by John K. and Cliff, all under 11 mins, Jean came in just under 12mins, with Mary and John R. around 13.30.

The kayaks were ready and waiting and lucky for us the ‘Terceira Kayak Club’ were helping us launch them, most of us had stable K1’s or sea kayaks so a lot heavier than our own kayaks. The paddle was 3 laps around the bay 4km, after struggling with the waves and swell earlier in the week it was just brilliant to be paddling in the bright blue calm Atlantic!  Jean had the fastest GB kayak split 24.43, and overtook Cliff and Jacq but couldn’t quite catch John K. 25.25, Jacq and Cliff both paddling well came in next around 26.30. John R. was really pleased with his split at 26.10 and Mary too paddled her Ocean going Sea Kayak very well in 29.30.

The run up the long steps certainly warmed up the Quads ready for the 15km MTBike, 2 laps this was going to be the toughest part of the race, climbing up the cobbles to the 300 year old fortress and around the slopes of Volcano Mt, Brasil, steep and relentlessly exhausting. The military who marshaled had been very serious the day before, but on race day they had been allowed to let down their guard, they were brilliant, blowing whistles, waving and shouting words of encouragement they certainly helped me keep those pedals turning! Cliff showed his biking skills and started to move up the field passing Jean and John K, despite having to cope with a broken seat post he still managed a great split 1.03.43. John K. managed to overtake him 1.03.16 and was first Brit onto the run. Jean was in 3rd GB until the 2nd lap, John R. and Mary had both taken cross bikes, and they had excellent bike splits proving that they were most suitable for the hilly course. John overtook Jean 1.07.23 and he had the fastest GB split 1.01.07.

Jacq, who had shingles before she came out to the camp had started to struggle so she decided to retire after the first lap of the bike. Meanwhile Mary was flying, determined as ever had a superb split 1.04.02.

So into the final 5km run 5 laps, this was absolutely flat, on the promenade which was welcome after the bike course. John K. was first home for GB, his run split 22.45, Cliff was trying his best to catch him and had a great run 21.06, finishing just 5 seconds behind John. Jean ran well 23.02 and started to chase John R. down, she overtook him on the 3rd lap. He ran steady 27.28 and managed to hold Mary off, she again had a really strong run in 23.10.

GB RESULTS

Jean Ashley – BRONZE (3rd) Overall – GOLD Vet 50 (2.07.07) 

Mary White – GOLD Vet 60 (2.10.14)

Cliff Odgers – SILVER Vet 50 (2.02.11)

John Kavanagh – GOLD Vet 60 (2.02.06)

John Redmond – SILVER Vet 60 (2.08.23)

It was an amazing race, with plenty of support, and many spectators encouraging the athletes to keep running hard right to the finish. There were plenty of celebrations in the transition area, and the local TV were interviewing and capturing plenty of magical moments on camera! The medal presentations were very special as the GB Athletes took 5 of the Age group places Then efforts of the participants and marshals were rewarded with a sumptuous finisher’s buffet, hearty savories and deserts there were lots of local treats to try!

I am ‘So Happy’ to be part of a Wonderful GB Team, all going home with podium medals. It’s been a tough week of Training and big thanks to our coaches Lisa Teichert and Stefan Teichert who have pushed us hard. Also a Big Thanks to Pedro, the Kayak Club and all those amazing marshals and helpers that made the Race so special! We have met some amazing athletes and friends World Wide … we are so lucky to be part of our World Wide Quadrathlon Family ….. Be Proud Team GB!

 

MADCC Kayak Triathlon Training 2017

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A good turnout today for the Quad Training Session, and also for the Technique and warm up session which was 9 – 10am. It was a lovely warm warm morning with no wind, a real contrast to the last training day … certainly felt like spring is in the air! A big thanks to John Kavanagh for organizing the session, great back to back training 5km kayak, 22km road (hilly) bike and a good 6km fast flat blast on the Middlewood way!  Transitions were little relaxed … but 100% effort in all the other disciplines! This is a real kick start to joining ‘sessions togethe’ without the pressure of racing, a real friendly crew and even homemade Cake to finish!

Come and join us for the next training days … see details below!

Keep motivated over the winter months John Kavanagh from Macclesfield District Canoe Club is running a series of training sessions and Kayak Tri’s, here are all the details from John ‘Everyone welcome to come and join in’!

I will be doing a series of short kayak triathlons over the coming months. This is personal training but people are welcome to join me on the understanding that it is not an organised event and that they take responsibility for themselves and their own equipment.

 

The dates will be Sundays, Nov 20th 2016, Jan 15th, Feb 19th, Mar 19th. Apr 23rd 2017

The format will be:
Arriving at Adelphi Mill car park (Grimshaw Lane, Bollington) at 9:00, on the water by 9:15 for a warm up and session of short intervals. Neil and I will also offer advice on paddling technique if wished. This paddling session will take place within about 1km either side of the Canoe Club shed – so anyone joining after we have started will meet up with us quite quickly.
The kayak triathlon will start from the shed at 10:00 with a 5km paddle (out and back to just beyond Bridge 24).
Followed by a 22km cycle ride on mainly quiet roads. I will be happy to ride with anyone unfamiliar with the route.

Then a 6km run, out and back along the Middlewood Way to Bridge 9.
This is an informal non-competitive event and can easily be modified by people to suit their own needs, doing as much or as little as they wish and joining in at any point.
Check the MADCC forum or MADCC or BQA facebook pages close to each date for any late changes due to weather etc.
John K

Developing Quadrathlon in and around Shrewsbury

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Great News from ‘Phil Holden’ our British Trophy 2017 Quadrathlon Vet 40 Champion

Hello Fellow Multi-Sporters

I am hoping to develop Quadrathlon in and around Shrewsbury. James Block and I attended the Shrewsbury Canoe Club Committee meeting on 1st Dec, where they agreed to support the start of a K1 racing arm of the Club, and specifically to seeking funding to purchase some suitable adult K1s, and to pursuing planning permission for a third container for the necessary storage space. We have advice and support on the funding from Energise and from the BCU, who are both optimistic about the chances of getting it. This is great and brings our hope for more paddle training sessions for quadrathlon a step closer, as well as faster boats being available to race in. This will almost certainly mean people needing to join the Canoe Club to benefit from this, but it isn’t expensive. Have a look at this to see what a shiny array of K1s looks like!

Phil is keen on getting like minded athletes in the Shropshire Area motivated and ready for next season, 2017 Shrewsbury Quad is open for registration and other Sprint races which will most certainly target new quadrathletes, include a womens only Quad ‘Diva Devas’ in Cheshire and the first juniors race ‘QuadKidz’ at Rotherham ….. so why not book and set your sights now!

Phil suggests a few more Quady thoughts for this time of year… Make the most of Christmas for upgrading your quad gear! If you aren’t lucky enough to get a new bike or kayak, maybe those bike shoes or that swimming wetsuit you wanted.Winter is a great time to work on things like running, core strength and swim technique. You may be able to keep up some biking on the milder days and there are some nice days to be had on the river if you are properly equipped. It all h elps keep things ticking over so you can start the season well. Check out the many brilliant free resources at Swim Smooth Mr Smooth – An ideal freestyle stroke animation I have found these really helpful, and much of it is geared to open water swimming. Mr Smooth – An ideal freestyle stroke animation

 Have a great Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Phil Holden

 

The New Dearne Valley Quadrathon!

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Dearne Valley Quadrathon and Triathlon – Sunday 11th June 2017, Manvers Lake

British Quadrathlon, British Triathlon, and Team Manvers join forces together to bring Quadrathon and Triathlon back to the Dearne Valley. The aim is to deliver, a Quadrathon and a Triathlon where people from all walks of life can participate. All that we ask is that you enjoy your training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards.

The BQA are very happy to have this sprint race back in our calender, and we are so excited to announce that there will be a Junior sprint Quadrathlon … our very first ‘QuadKidz’ event! This is great news and we hope to see lots of youngsters ‘our budding Quadrathlete Stars’ of the future!

TeamManvers are offering training sessions through May 2017, both at bootcamp and the lake so please get in touch for details. Mark Benton 07704111414

Sprint Quadrathon – Swim, Bike, Paddle and Run                                                                                                              Sprint Quad: 800m Swim, 15k Bike, 4k Paddle, 5k Run – Price £15.00

QuadKidz (ages 9 to 12): 100m Swim, 2k Bike, 400m paddle, 2k Run – Price £6.00
QuadKidz (ages 13 to 15) : 200m Swim, 4k Bike, 800m paddle, 2k – Price £6.00                                                      QuadKidz (ages 16 to 18) : 800m Swim, 15k Bike, 4k Paddle, 5k Run – Price £6.00      

(Triathlon Distances Sprint and Tri Stars are the same as above without the paddle)

Showers, changing rooms available, on site café. Commemorative medal to all finishers.  Limited number of boats available to use/hire
Entry for the event is now open. Dearne-valley-triquad.html

Race information, and useful guidelines for the Quadrathlon 

Lake Swim – 800m, QuadKidz 100m, or 200m.
Swim – There will be full safety cover in place for the event. Also volunteers on hand to assist you out of the water. You must wear a wetsuit for the swim. The wet suit doesn’t have to be expensive, most sports shops sell them for around £30 and you can even pick them up in certain supermarkets for as little as £15 from time to time. You don’t necessarily need a swim specific one, any boating/surfing one will suffice.

Swim to Bike (Transition 1)
Exiting the swim into the transition area where you will dry off and change into your cycling gear. You’ll then put on your helmet doing up the strap and grabbing your bike wheeling it out of transition past the mount line where you will begin the bike course.

Bike – 15k – 3 Laps, QuadKidz 2k, or 4k.
This is off road and using part of the Trans Penne Trail (TPT) . Please note that the TPT consists of unmade tracks and is therefore may not be suitable for road bikes. Helmets are compulsory.

Bike to Paddle Transition
Upon returning into transition you get off your bike prior to the dismount line, and return the bike back into transition, removing your helmet and once you have racked your bike, changing into your paddling gear, buoyancy aids are compulsory. In your boat and paddle 5, 1, or 2 large laps clockwise. There are a number of boats available to hire.

Paddle – 4k – 5 Laps, QuadKidz 1 laps, or 2 laps.
Collect your boat from the beach, launch from slipway, paddle anticlockwise.

Paddle to Run Transition 3
Leave your boat on the slip way and run back to transition, removing your buoyancy aid in transition, changing into your running gear.

Run – 5k, QuadKidz 2k
You’ll leave transition and run around the large lap of the lake, along the side of the river back around Manvers Lake before heading straight to the finish line – whatever you do, don’t forget to smile!

Timing is on a start to finish basis and split timings can not be produced by the events team. If you wish to keep split timings on the day please use your own timing device. Youth triathletes will be the first to enter the water at around 8.30am, once they have completed their various mini distances, the adults will start.

We will be grateful of any volunteers to help our day run smoothly, so please get in touch to put your name forward, could volunteers please arrive from 8am.
For more Information contact Mark Benton 07704111414

Please support this event, bring your friends, family and any youngsters who would love a challenge like this, its a great stepping stone into our sport of Quadrathlon!

World Cup Series Round-up 2016

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As is often the case, this season had its ups and downs but throughout there were great performances from all athletes, both in the overall categories and in the age groups. So, to celebrate their efforts and achievements, here is a review of the 2016 World Cup season.
The format of the World Cup was the same as in recent years. A total of eight races were available, of which the best four scores count. Those who completed more than four races also received 10 bonus points per competition. The World and European Championship races were included in the series and these scored an extra 20 points for each position.
After the results from 2015 another dominant season was expected from Enrique Peces (ESP), but it was at the World Championships races, but he found he could not win every event, especially when Gergö Badar was present. The young Hungarian ‘Gergö’ secured the World championship titles (middle and sprint distance) with some great performances. Unfortunately, these were his only races and he finished sixth in the World Cup Series.

The European Championship titles were both successfully defended by the Spaniard ‘Enrique’, who went on to take first place in the World Cup. An exciting duel for second and third place was anticipated between Leoš Roušavý (CZE) and Stefan Teichert (GER) but as the season progressed a third contender made his presence known. Ferenc Csima, a Hungarian, had a strong second half of the season, winning two of the last three races and took second place in the overall. Just behind him, Teichert secured the third podium position with a victory in the last race. Roušavý, who had many strong races, unfortunately went away empty handed this year. It was great to see how these three fought hard for every second and every point right up to the end of the last race; always with friendly respect for each other as – as is customary in quadrathlon.

Amongst the men Enrique Peces has quite a number of victories, in the Hall-of-Fame he is currently in third place. However, the great Miroslav Podborsky (CZE) has probably set an unbeatable record with his 45 medals (32 of which were gold).

Even though Lisa Teichert dominated the women’s field, it was gratifying to see that there was great competition behind her. Especially as some of the strong competitors are youngsters. Laura Csima (19, HUN), the daughter of Ferenc, secured second place. It was a very close the battle for third place where Magdaléna Koberová (16, CZE) was placed just before Kata Balázs (16 years, HUN) and Fanni Bodolai (21 years, HUN). If these athletes continue to be
active in Quadrathlon then we can look forward to more exciting contests in the years to come!

Lisa Teichert has remained undefeated in quadrathlon this season and further extended her sequence of victories. She is now the most successful female quadrathlete of all time! (If you include the first three places at World Cups and European Championships, as well as the World Cup final score). Her record now beats Šárka Skalická-Zimová (CZE), who dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s.

It was pleasing too see that, even though there were two races fewer than in 2015, the number of participants in all the competitions remained the same. It is also great that 11 athletes participated in at least four events and kept many of the age groups competitive up to the end. Twelve nations were represented, more than in previous years. Particularly notable were the Hungarians who put their stamp on the cup this year. Already mentioned, are Badar, plus father Ferenc and daughter Laura, but there are also another six more Hungarians in the top ten men and women, so a force to be reckoned with next season!

Congratulations to all winners and placed athletes, both overall and in the age groups. Certificates for printing can be found on the WQF website http://www.quadrathlon.com/p/world-cup.html

2016 Final Results http://www.quadrathlon-online.de/ergebnisse/2016/16-w-cup.pdf

The WQF wants to create an incentive for people to enter more competitions, so a change was introduced for this year, ‘A glass globe and/or a medal are only awarded to those athletes who have completed at least three races’. Additionally, the WQF is a small association, and has to manage its finances carefully.
The overall quality of the events was at a good level, and the organizers made great efforts to give the minority sport of Quadrathlon a great stage. Unfortunately, two events (in Poland and Sweden) had to be cancelled. However, from Hungary and Germany, thankfully stepped in at short notice to take on World Cup status for their races. Plans for the 2017 season are being made and will be announced in the next few weeks. As a hint of what may
be to come, we hope there might again be a long distance race!

Stefan Teichert

some-statistics-from-2016-world-cup

 

Awesome Foursome National Championships 2016

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The Awesome Foursome certainly lived up to its name this year, after several years of kind weather for the race this year it decided to throw it an extra spanner in the works …. A big swell, surf and winds gusting to 40mph! At least it was warm and we had sunshine between the scurrying clouds, and there was a big field of quadrathletes, individuals, pairs and teams all looking forward to the challenge, some a little bit nervous!

Organizer ‘Simon’ was as cool as ever, giving us a good comprehensive race briefing, but leaving the swim course decision until the last moment just in case the wind changed with the turn of the tide. The swim was slightly shorter with the turn buoy within the breakwater to save us from the huge waves, but knowing the Cornish Surf Lifeguards were bobbing about out there too … we just knew we would be safe!

There were some fantastic swim times, the surfers certainly know how to handle swimming in a rough sea, the fastest swimmers were mainly in teams/pairs with the overall Team winners ‘ Gully Blue Fins’ putting in extremely fast swim in 13.24. James Marshall was the fastest individual 16.16, with Simon (organizer) and his brother, plus BQA’s Nigel Crowe all around the 18.30 mark.

Going onto the bike there was plenty of tough competition, and some excellent bike splits … it was all down to who could handle the head wind and the 3 very steep climbs! Again ‘Gully Blue Fins’ had the fastest split 50.18. Last year’s BQA Trophy winner Nigel Unwin was having a strong bike leg 53.41 and went into the lead, but only just in front of Chris, Simon, Mike Rudd and Matt Rayment. Despite the strong head winds up the hills everyone flew back into Bude … great down hills and a tail wind certainly felt good for us all!

The Canal had never been so hard, really windy and choppy, there were plenty of capsizes and lots of concentrated looks as paddlers tried to stay focused on what was a tough paddle. Team ‘Dept26’ had the fastest split 45.30 with Simon fastest individual 52.11. Nigel however was looking strong and also paddled well 53.41 … so he went onto the run in the lead and maintained that to take the Honours! (also 1st Vet 50). The brothers were still neck and neck, but Chris’s being the faster runner took 2nd place. (1st Vet 40) Tommy Mathews running very well moved into 3rd, whilst Simon came 4th (2nd Vet 50).

In the Ladies race Lucy Obolensky had the fastest swim 20.11, with Jacqueline Davies seconds behind 20.15. Jean Ashley was out in 3rd place. They remained in this order throughout the bike leg, Jacq and Jean both more experienced paddlers overtook Lucy, and Jacq remained in the lead, despite having a capsize at the turn buoy. Jean didn’t quite catch her on the kayak leg but had eaten into her lead just 30 seconds behind as they went onto the run. Jacq was running well but Jean had caught her up by the end of the canal and went on to enjoy the wild and windy run route to take the win! BQA members Mary White (amazing lady Vet 60) came in strong in 3rd place and Vicky Price having the bravest race of her life so far came just behind in 4th, we hope this is going to be her start of what’s going to be a ‘Quadrathlete in the Making’.

 

Every single person that finished deserves a mention, and many will have a story to tell, it was certainly one Bude we shall all remember, I think this is why this race is so special, it’s always challenging, you never quite know what the Cornish Coast will throw at you, and it always lives up to its Name …. AWESOME!

A Huge Big Thank-you To Simon and his Wonderful Team for Hosting The National Championships.  A massive thank-you to all the marshals, the Bude Surf lifeguards for looking after us and showing us the way! It was great to see plenty BQA members racing, plus all the other athletes and first-timers! Plus all the Teams and Pairs Entries … an excellent turnout. I hope you all enjoyed it and will be back to support Shoreline Extreme Sports for more fun next Year!

Congratulations to our BQA National Quadrathlon 2016 Champions

MEN

1st Nigel Unwin (1st Vet 50) – 2.51.20 (BQA)

2nd Chris Hammond (1st Vet 40) – 2.55.06

3rd Tommy Mathews (1st Senior) – 3.03.07

9th Sam Norton (1st Youth) – 3.18.08

11th John Kavanagh (1st Vet 60) – 3.21.02 (BQA)

WOMEN

1st Jean Ashley (1st Vet 50) – 3.30.07 (BQA)

2nd Jacqueline Davies (1st Vet 40) – 3.32.34 (BQA)

3rd Mary White (1st Vet 60) – 3.48.16 (BQA)

4th Victoria Price (1st Senior) – 3.49.41 (BQA)

Plus a special mention to all our other BQA Members … Well Done Everyone!

4th Simon Hammond (2nd Vet 50) – 3.03.13 (BQA Race Affiliation Organizer)

10th Nigel Crowe (3rd Vet 50) – 3.20.20

15th Cliff Odgers -3.32.14

18th Peter Chappill  – 3.38.34

20th Lance Ball – 3.47.41

22nd John Redmond – 4.02.45

Full Bude Results Quadrathlon Results 2016

 

A Sunshine Day in Conwy 2016

Admin

I’d like to say a Huge Thank-you to Fabian 4 for hosting the ‘Conwy Mountain Challenge’ Race 4 in the National Trophy Series. A Big Thank-you to organizers Ellie, Adrian, and your Team of Volunteers, marshal’s, sponsors, cooks and everyone else that gave up their day to make this event a success, as ever you did your selves proud! We had fantastic Conditions for this year’s race, blue sky and warm temperatures with very little wind … what could be better on an ideal Septembers day!

Chester Canoe Team member David Hatton was first out of the Kayak, in a very fast 48.00mins, with individual Sam Plummer just 5 seconds behind, Shaune Walsh, James Block, Michael Mason and Steve King all followed a couple of minutes behind. The Estuary was calm and fast with a good strong tide, hardly any wind made for some very fast kayak times.

Winner Mike Mason

The very, very steep hill at the start slows everyone down but once the athletes get to the trail across the top and along the pipe line they begin to sort themselves out. Michael M. moved into the lead, followed by Shaune W. and James B. but Steve K. and Sam P. were starting to chase them down. When you reach the Dam the course climbs steady up the mountain, the views from the top were brilliant. It’s a steady downhill on tracks and trails. Just when you think your almost home there’s a sting in the tail as you climb back up through a wood before running down to the race HQ.

Steve King

Last year’s winner Mike was certainly on form again and went onto the MTBike 6 mins ahead of anyone else. Sam was 2nd going into the bike, with Steve just 90 seconds behind. You have about a mile on the road to get your legs spinning before a huge climb up the road to the start of the Marin Trail. It seems a never ending up hill for several miles, the trail then undulates and winds its way towards Betws y coed before turning back, this is when we start to hit the narrow technical tracks which certainly sorts out the good MT bikers! Meanwhile Alex Pilkington had been catching the leaders and half way through the bike moved into 2nd place. Mike went onto win in a very fast time 3.20.37. Alex 2nd 3.24.04. Sam 3rd 3.28.14. and Steve King 4th 3.30.08.

Sandra Heslop

In the Ladies race there were some excellent kayakers with Sandra Hyslop (GB White water racer) and DW Women’s Record Kat Wilson holder putting in fast times. Sandra also had a very strong run maintaining her lead, Rebecca Good moved into 2nd place, with Kat still in 3rd. Sandra increased her lead on the bike and finished in a very fast time of 3.57.37, an outstanding performance!  Rebecca held onto 2nd 4.22.57, whilst Lowri Davis put in a strong bike and moved into 3rd 4.35.12 with Kat in 4th 4.47.34.

There were plenty of excellent results and some brilliant team performances, really everyone that finishes this tough race deserves a mention, it certainly tests the muscles, the mind and that inner strength to keep going when you face yet another hill! Special Mentions must go to our BQA Members, earning National Trophy points, well done to them all, 4 races down with just one race left Bude Awesome Foursome, next weekend, let’s hope our legs have recovered by then!

BQA Members
4th Steve King 3.30 08 (3rd Vet 40)
13th Russel Brayer 4.15.38 (2nd Vet 50)
21st Lance Ball 4.42.45
Ladies 6th Jean Ashley  5.19.34 (1st Vet 50)

 

Jean’s daughter ‘Lucy Ashley’ was a member of the Chester Canoe Team (U22’s)  they finished 4th/9 teams, Lucy was first out on the run, after Team member David Hatton won the kayak leg, they finished a very creditable 4th/9 in the Team Event.

Keith Longney

It was also great to see one of GB’s first Quadrathletes back in action after a 3 year lay-off Keith Longney was 7th overall and 1st Vet 50 3.48.49, still racing strong and in fine form!

Some more action shots hear –  Photographs by Chris Gash Photos

There has been lots of positive feedback and plenty of ‘love’ for the Conwy Mountain Challenge! Thanks again to everyone involved … hope everyone is having a rest day today, and please lets hope this enthusiasm continues to future races!

Race Report from the Organizers 2016 Race Report

2016 National Trophy Champions

Admin

Bude Awesome Foursome was a tough end to our 2016 National Trophy Series, the Overall Champions had been decided at the Fabian 4, but there were a few age groups to be finalized! The series has been made up of 5 races, with the Quadrathletes best 3 races into account (unless there was a draw and the 4th race would be counted)

The Brigg Bomber

Box End Sprint Quadrathlon

Shrewsbury Sprint Quadrathlon

Fabian 4 Mountain Challenge

The Awesome Foursome

FINAL TROPHY RESULTS  2016 Final Results

The BQA Perpetual Trophies and BQA kit vouchers are awarded to the Overall Winners, and the Age Groupers receive BQA kit vouchers. Provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and must be a current BQA Member. Congratulations to our 2016 Winners!

MEN Overall Winner Perpetual Trophy Male Steve King

Vet 40 Male Phil Holden (role down as Steve King won Overall Trophy)

Vet 50 Male Russel Breyer

Vet 60 Male John Redmond

WOMEN Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Female Jean Ashley

U23 Female Louise Beedham

Vet 40 Female Jacqueline Davies

Vet 50/60 Female Mary White

The Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’. This year it was given to Ned Price for his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon. He has been a BQA member for several years and had a brilliant year in 2015 winning our Vet 50 Trophy Series and finishing the season with his favorite Triathlon ‘The Sandman’ followed by the ‘Awesome Foursome’ and somehow in between managed to fit in the Epic Bolton Ironman! He went on to support the Winter Quad Training Sessions with John Kavanagh and has encouraged many athletes to set themselves challenges, in many sports! He has inspired his daughter Vicky to continue in his footsteps, she has just had a brilliant first Quad Season, completing 3 races and winning the ‘Senior National Championship’ Race in Bude. She shows true grit and determination, just like her Dad …. A true credit to ‘Ned and Helen Price’.

SEASON ROUND-UP

This season 80 males and 28 female athletes took part in the series, up on last year! It was good to see plenty of first timers and great to see commitment from our BQA members, plenty of top class racing from our age groupers and elite athletes too.  We’ve had plenty more Women race this year, and hopefully the increase in competitors will continue next year. The BQA hope everyone enjoyed their quad season and will be back for more challenges and races next year, please tell your friends and help spread the word!

All of our Quad Races this year have been superbly organized by enthusiastic ‘Teams’ of like minded people and athletes, all enjoyed by the competitors ! A Huge thank-you for their commitment, affiliation fees and for providing us with great races with the Aim to Keep our Small Friendly Sport ALIVE! The BQA help to promote these races and supply the Race insurance so its vital we have YOUR support! A Big THANK-YOU to all our quadrathletes and especially the 2016 BQA members, we really appreciate your memberships and love to see you all racing at as many races you can fit into your diary!

Thank You, the Quad Season is over for 2016, rest, revitalize and plan your 2017 Goals ….. We are putting together next years BQA calender and working with the WQF to finalize the World Series …. So watch this space ……….!

Jean Ashley