Category: Events

Montgomery Canal Triathlon 2016

Admin

The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is a Superb Charity Triathlon, on 7th May, 220 athletes/fundraisers started the journey to bike, run or walk and kayak 35miles following the tow path of the Montgomery Canal. We started in Newtown and finished in Lower Frankton, 17miles MT BIKing, 11miles XC running and 7 miles of kayaking/canoeing, with the majority using Canadian Canoes (in pairs). The more competitive ones amongst us started first at 8.30 (in groups of 6), leaving the ones taking it ‘a bit less competitive’ to start a little less frantic! 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!

There were about 6 of us battling it out at the front, with 2 bikers getting in just under the hour, 4 of us came in about 8 mins later, but I soon find myself on my own leaving transition, with my energy gel … whilst the others were eating the first cake of the day!

It was a lovely run, a bit lonely but lots of wild flowers and lambs along the way, I got into a good rhythm … and hoped I would see the runner in front! But he was long gone, I got to the kayak transition and my ‘Team Support Ashley’ said ‘he’s 20 mins ahead paddling a sea kayak … you’ve got a lot to do….?’ Well ‘Never say Never’ I just had to paddle and portage the locks as fast as possible! 4.5 miles done, I got to Shropshire Paddlesports Club House, there was some very welcome encouragement as some paddlers shouted ‘he’s about 3 mins in front’, I could just about see the blue sea kayak, so that was like dangling a carrot … finally I caught him up with 2 miles to go! His kayak was heavy especially at the portages … so he had struggled to get up speed, so it had slowed him down … just a bit!

He did pick up my beautiful pink K1 at the finish, he smiled and said ‘I’ll be back next year with a new kayak!’

Finally it was time for Tea, sandwiches and huge homemade cakes, there was an even bigger selection at the end! I’m not sure if I’d of stopped at the transitions for cake .. I’d of made it to the finish the cakes were scrumptious! It really was a great event, and certainly a good training session, they raised plenty of money for Montgomery Canal Funds and various charities. Everyone finished and all enjoyed their journeys!

I must say a Huge Well Done to BQA Quadrathlete Lance Ball who did the whole race with his young daughter Hermione, she did really well and overtook plenty of teams along the way … ‘A Quadrathlete in the making, Well done Hermione .. a great effort!’

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did take some time to spread the ‘Word of Quadrathlon’ and hopefully we will get a few more recruits, great to see Mark Rydon racing again after his first Quadrathlon in Shrewsbury last season, I think he’s on the look out for a fast kayak too!

A special mention to Peter and Judith Richards and The Friends of the Montgomey Canal, ‘A Big Thank-you to you and all your wonderful marshals, time checkers, kayak hire teams, and the kitchen staff … who made our day a Brilliant one!!! Your Team worked so hard all day to put on a superb event, I hope you have made a good amount for your Canal Funds, so you can keep moving your Canal Project forwards ….. I look forward to seeing you all again next year!

We should certainly have more races like this, and I might just stop for cake next time!!

 

Training Day Reports in Macclesfield 2016

Admin

5th Macclesfield Kayak Tri Training Day – Sunday 6th March. The forecast was for freezing so the canal may of been frozen, also roads likely to be icy early on so mountain bikes will be used on the Middlewood Way. However on Sunday there was no ice, although it was snowing very slightly. All four of us paddled and then rode on the Middlewood Way, no icy patches but lots of mud. Neil joined us on the run and made Ned work hard to be the first one back doing the full course. The sun was poking its nose out by then so we all had a good time!

4th Macclesfield Kayak Tri Training Day – Sunday 7th Februay. Five of us out for the February Tri, with a few more joining us for the kayak section. Neil did extra kayaking and running while Ned, Andrew, Lance and I did all three disciplines. Quite cold and windy but not raining. Although the roads were a bit greasy, as Lance found to his cost (twice!). Let hope the weather will be better for the next one on March 6th!

3rd Macclesfield Kayak Tri Training Day – Sunday 3rd January. 5 braved the wet, wild weather in Macclesfield for the 3rd training triathlon, the weather forecast was correct and it started drizzling soon after we started paddling, turning to solid rain by the time we were cycling. It didn’t give up during the run and it was windy too. Nevertheless we had a good time and blew away some cobwebs. Ned and I were together by the beginning of the run but then he went away from me easily. Neil missed out the cycle but did a triple kayak course and was just behind, closely followed by Andrew and then Mary.
Let hope for some blue skies for the next one on Sunday 7th February.

2nd Macclesfield Kayak Tri Training Day – Sunday 6th December. Eight quadrathletes turned out for the Training Day. The weather wasn’t too bad, although wet it was not cold.  It had stopped raining just before we got on the water, but unfortunately it started again after we started cycling. John Kavanagh was 1st off the water, closely followed by Nigel Leeson. John waited for Lance Ball to show him the cycle route, so Andrew Gage, Ned Price and his daughter Vicky set of just behind Nigel, with Mary White and Margaret Huyton not far behind. John and Lance managed to pass the twin girls on the road, and Ned and Vicky in transition (as they were struggling to get two bikes back into the car). A great training session  and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The Next one is Jan 3rd, what a great way to start the New Year!

A great off season training day, John Kavanagh will be organizing Sundays Session. These will be a 5km paddle, about 20km cycle and 6km run. Transitions will include the time it takes for him to put his kayak back on his car and get his bike out etc.

They will be starting at 9:00 – unless he hears from people that a later start would enable them to join me. PLEASE let him know if this would help.
Anyone is welcome to join in, but please note that this is an informal outing for individuals, not an event organised by any club or organisation.
People may also choose to do their own variation, e.g. Run, Cycle, Run. The intention is to have fun training with others rather than serious racing. Weather conditions might also force a change of plans, for one of the races last year the canal was frozen …. so they did a Duathlon!
No specific rules, no timekeeper or marshals, everyone is responsible for themselves, and their own equipment and its safety. John will be happy to cycle in a group with anyone unfamiliar with the bike route.

6th December – Meet at Adelphi Mill, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, SK10 5JB, in time for a 9:00 start.

DATES – 1st November, 6th December 2015 – 3rd January, 7th February, 6th March 2016, any changes will be posted on our BQA facebook page.

 

 

Kayak Training Triathlon, 2015 Macclesfield

Admin

The first of John’s Training Days took place on Sunday and what glorious weather for the 1st of November! A great enthusiastic bunch of us had an excellent training session and it was well worth the trip to Macclesfield … Back to Back Sessions are much more fun when there’s 10 of you!
All Ten of us paddled on the Canal, then rode and ran. John managed to be 1st off the water, closely followed by Nigel who was quickly away on his bike. Ned was not far behind but waited briefly to accompany Jean on the ride as she did not know the route. A good hilly route out of Bollington, with plenty of undulations and cheeky climbs! John waited to ride with Mary Margaret and Tim. Andrew went off ahead of us and Jaqui and Cliff brought up the rear (Cliff is new to paddling his K1). We finished the run much the same order as we set off on the bike, except for Cliff who went storming past a few of us. The order did not matter as there were no prizes, we were all just out to have a good time, a good quality Brick Session with two hours or so training in the Bank! Not to mention the homemade Cake and Flapjack to finish!

Good to see the regular Quadrathletes out from Macclesfield Canoe Club, and potential Quadrathlete Andrew Gage getting some training in before he embarks on his first Quad next season. Good to see Tim Deykin back in action after a few years out, now going well again! Thanks to newcomers to our sport Cliff and Jaqui for coming up all the way from Frome! Lets hope more athletes on the start list for next year ….. more of this training and we’ll all certainly be ready!!

The Next Training Day is 6th December – Meet at Adelphi Mill, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, SK10 5JB, in time for a 9:00 start.

John Kavanagh winner of the Eric Hatliff Trophy this year, is going to continue encouraging like minded athletes over the winter months by organizing some ‘off season’ training sessions. John has had a brilliant season this year, he’s raced 4 of our Trophy races, competed in the Long Course World Quad Champs in Hannover, and Won Gold.  He also went to Poland the the World Middle Distance championships winning Silver in his V60 category. He has won the BQA Vet 60 Trophy and also the World (WQF) Gold Medal and Crystal Globe …… and just to top it all completed in the Bolton Ironman!

As off season training, John will be doing a series of kayak triathlons on the first Sunday of each month starting in November through to March. These will be a 5km paddle, about 20km cycle and 6km run. Transitions will include the time it takes for him to put his kayak back on his car and get his bike out etc.
They will be starting at 9:00 – unless he hears from people that a later start would enable them to join me. PLEASE let him know if this would help.
Anyone is welcome to join in, but please note that this is an informal outing for individuals, not an event organised by any club or organisation.
People may also choose to do their own variation, e.g. Run, Cycle, Run. The intention is to have fun training with others rather than serious racing. Weather conditions might also force a change of plans, for one of the races last year the canal was frozen …. so they did a Duathlon!
No specific rules, no timekeeper or marshals, everyone is responsible for themselves, and their own equipment and its safety. John will be happy to cycle in a group with anyone unfamiliar with the bike route.

1st November – Meet at Adelphi Mill, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, SK10 5JB, in time for a 9:00 start.

DATES – 1st November, 6th December 2015 – 3rd January, 7th February, 6th March 2016, any changes will be posted on our BQA facebook page.

 

 

Quadrathlon Season 2016 BQA and WQF Races Confirmed!

Admin

Hi Quadrathletes,

The News you have all been waiting for … I now have all our British Races confirmed, and also the World Cup Races too! Thanks to all involved ‘behind the scenes’ hear in GB and in Europe, for getting our Race Season organized … all we need to do now, is enter the races!

I hope your all feeling motivated and ready for action. The Race Season is getting closer, so if your wanting some dates for your diary’s hears a reminder and an insight to our BQA Trophy Events for 2016!

I am so pleased to announce the ‘The Brigg Bomber’ will be hosting the EUROPEAN Championships, and that Bude ‘Awesome Foursome’ will be our NATIONAL Championships! 

RACE 1 – 29th May – Brigg Bomber Quad – EUROPEAN Championships/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 the first World Cup race too 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!! 

RACE 2 – 12th June – South Yorkshire Quad – This race is hopefully going to host the British Championships in 2016, so its an ideal chance to learn the course and try the lake and its surrounding area out …. check out this excellent Water Park its a lovely venue, and would be great if you can support this new race, organized by a very enthusiastic group of kayakers and triathletes.                                                  

RACE 3 – 17th July – Box End Sprint Quad – 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 first 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!

RACE 4 – 4th 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 … not to be missed!

RACE 5 – 18th September – Fabian 4 Mountain Tri – This race promises to be back with vengeance and it will certainly challenge that inner self! Superb scenery, tracks and trails brilliantly organized by very friendly like minded athletes, it will certainly boost your adrenalin and you’ll have an amazing sense of achievement when you cross that finish line ….. exit your comfort zone and enjoy!

RACE 6 – 24th September – Awesome Foursome Quad NATIONAL Championships – This is one of our longest running etablished Quadrathlons, this race in Bude never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers ….  it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race to end the season! Starting in the sea, there’s plenty of hills, a historic canal and amazing coastal views … 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!

All links to these races are on our ‘events’ page.

I hope I have tempted you ….  Please keep you eye on our the ‘events’ page as some race organizers may offer Early Bird Race discounts and BQA Member Discounts! Happy Training and Racing 2016 …  and don’t forget your BQA 2015 membership, we would love your support again Membership_Form 2016  ….. THANKS Jean Ashley

If your are looking to Race in Europe these are the World Cup and Championship Races

RACE 1- 15th May – Orfü, HUN – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MIDDLE DISTANCE

Race 2 – 29th May – Brigg Bomber, GB – EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS MIDDLE DISTANCE

Race 3 – 5th June – Wasserstadt, Hannover, GER – World Cup Middle + Distance

Race 4 – 25th June – Tyn nad Vltavou, CZE – WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SPRINT DISTANCE

Race 5– 30th July – Šamorín, SVK – EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS SPRINT DISTANCE

Race 6 – 20th August – Polskaman, POL – World Cup Middle Distance

Race 7 – 10th September – Linköping, SWE – World Cup Middle Distance

Race 8– 17th September – Oslo, NOR – World Cup Middle Distance 

For links to the races visit our ‘events page’ or quadrathlon4you.com/events                            for all the race information.

 

Sunshine in Bude for Final Quad of 2015

Admin

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!

 

Nigel Unwin

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.

 

Final Trophy Race 2015 Bude!

Admin

The Final BQA Trophy Race of the 2015 Season, will take place in Bude on Saturday 19th September – This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, this race in Bude never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race to end the season! Starting in the sea, there’s plenty of hills, a historic canal and amazing coastal views … it’s one of those addictive races that keeps drawing you back.

Distances – The event starts with an 800 m sea swim, a double loop within Summerleaze bay, protected by the breakwater. Next a 30 km cycle following the coast road to Widemouth, Wanson Mouth and Millook before meeting the A39 at Wainhouse Corner and returning to Bude. Then a 10 km Kayak paddle, which is a double loop of the Bude canal. And finally a 10 km run along the canal towpath to Helebridge, following the marked footpath across the fields to Widemouth and returning to Bude via the coastal path. http://www.shorelineactivities.co.uk/foursome.quadrathlon.event

THE BQA will be also presenting the 2015 Trophy Series Prizes, so its the last race to get those vital points!  

Adam Norfolk and Jean Ashley are the overall leaders to date, but things could change depending on who is racing at Bude! Phil Holden is leading Vet 40, Nigel Unwin Vet 50 and John Kavanagh Vet 60.

Remember it’s 3 races to count and you must be a BQA 2015 member to take the prizes. (In the event of a tie the 4th race points will count to decide the winner) 

Overall Winners take the BQA Perpetual Trophy – Male and Female, plus BQA Kit vouchers. Also Kit vouchers for Male and Female winners in each category, Juniors (u23), Seniors, V40+, V50+, and V60+
Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy is awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’ given to an athlete showing his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon.

                 

Sunshine at Shrewsbury Quad 2015!

Admin

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.

Exiting her Kayak winner Jean Ashley

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 More Mature Quadrathletes – but super fit 🙂 … Peter, John, Ned and Jean

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.

 

World Cup Series 2015

Admin

The last major championships in the Quadrathlon World Cup Series took place in Lake Balaton in Hungary at the end of August 2015. The temperature soared into the 40°C mark giving organizer Adam Schmuck and his team lots of work to keep the competitors cool and the race as hot as is ever required for a sprint distance race. We certainly haven’t had any conditions as warm as that at any of our races this year ….. but you never know we still have 2 races left in our British Trophy Series!

We’ve had 2 World Cup Races as part of the WQF Series, The Brigg Bomber, and Box End a Big Thank You to ‘Lincsquad’, Dave Hinch and his Club and to ‘Quadrac Racing’ Mark Pryor and his Team for putting on these races for us. The BQA affiliate to the WQF, but in addition to that these clubs pay an ‘extra fee’ to enable them to add their races to the World Cup Circuit, we are very grateful to them as it gives our British Athletes a chance to get WQF points on the World Circuit.

The WQF Series has now been finalized and we have some British Winners. 1st wins a Crystal Globe and a  Gold Medal and 2nd and 3rds Silver and Bronze medals.

Congratulations to
Mary White 1st F60
Margaret Huyton 3rd F60
John Kavanagh 1st M60
Julie Dimaline 2nd F50
Jean Ashley 3rd F50
Phil Holden 2nd M40
Isabella Jenkins 3rd FU23

Full Results – Full 2015 WQF Results

More information about the World Cup Series from the following sites –

quadrathlon4you.com

World Quadrathlon Federation

 

Final 3 BQA Trophy Races of the Season 2015!

Admin

September is certainly going to be a busy month for British Quadrathlon, hopefully you’ve had a great summer and you’re ready to finish of the season with our great races, and some excellent results, whether it be a win, a PB, or simply just to finish with a smile!

 

6th September – Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon will be our 3rd BQA Trophy Race of the season, entries are now closed. 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 quadrathlete’s ‘Gill Otto’ Sprint distance – 500m downstream swim, 4.5km kayak (from the showground to the Pengwern rowing club pontoon and back), 23k road ride out towards Baschurch and a few laps of honor around the showground provide the 5k run to finish, such a good fast and very safe course.

13th September – Fabian4 Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Challenge – Race 4 – If you fancy something a bit different to round off the season this is a kayak-trail run-mountain bike event which is brilliant fun. This race promises to be back with vengeance and it will certainly challenge that inner self! Superb scenery, tracks and trails brilliantly organized by very friendly like minded athletes, it will certainly boost your adrenalin and you’ll have an amazing sense of achievement when you cross that finish line ….. exit your comfort zone and enjoy!

Distances – Kayak 13km, Fell Run 12km, MTBike 19km

If you don’t feel up to doing the whole event you can enter as a team of 3 (with at least 1 woman in the team) and do one leg each.
Check it out at http://www.map17events.org.uk to see a video preview and full details.

 

19th September – Awesome Foursome Quad – Race 5 -This is one of our longest running etablished Quadrathlons, this race in Bude never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race to end the season! Starting in the sea, there’s plenty of hills, a historic canal and amazing coastal views … it’s one of those addictive races that keeps drawing you back.

Distances – The event starts with an 800 m sea swim, a double loop within Summerleaze bay, protected by the breakwater. Next a 30 km cycle following the coast road to Widemouth, Wanson Mouth and Millook before meeting the A39 at Wainhouse Corner and returning to Bude. Then a 10 km Kayak paddle, which is a double loop of the Bude canal. And finally a 10 km run along the canal towpath to Helebridge, following the marked footpath across the fields to Widemouth and returning to Bude via the coastal path. The race is on a Saturday so plenty of time for sun, sand and surf too!

Shoreline Extreme Sports have got all the details on their website, its well worth a visit! It has a page for the ‘Awesome Foursome’ which includes an online entry system, which is open for Bude entries! It also has lots of other exciting activities you can try whilst visiting Bude in September for the Quad! PLEASE get your entry in ….. you will love it!
http://www.shorelineactivities.co.uk/foursome.quadrathlon.event

THE BQA will be also presenting the 2015 Trophy Series Prizes, so its the last race to get those vital points!    Im sure all these races will be well worth a trip, I hope too see you at all 3 or at least one of our September Quadrathlons!

Happy Training Jean!

 

World Sprint Championship Samorín 2015

Admin

On 1st August Phil Holden and Robert Jefferies raced in Samorín, at the World Sprint Quadrathlon Championships  – 0,75 km swim – 20 km bike – 4 km kayak – 5 km run.

Conditions were very hot, approaching 30’C by the end of the race. Water temperatures high resulting in a non wet suit swim! Rob finished 4th in the Mens U23 category just missing out on a medal, finishing in 1.37.26. Whilst Phil also having a great race came 5th in the Vet 40 category in 1.34.57. There were some top class athletes racing and the standard of competition was extremely high, so a huge well done to Rob and Phil for flying the flag for GB Quadrathlon.

Here is Phil’s Story – Months of planning and the four full days of driving to get here are finally over. 80 smart looking bikes and kayaks are lined up ready, and a mass of bodies gather in the small lagoon beside the Danube.

The water’s surprisingly cold as we hang around waiting for the gun. The sun is hot but there’s a keen south-easterly breeze.Eventually they give up trying to get everyone five metres back to the line, and just set us off with no countdown. Missing the familiar buoyancy of the wetsuit, I try to settle into a rhythm. Swimmers are on a broad front, my one potential draft is zig-zagging everywhere so I go into a big space… looks like a large pack up there at the front. After the turn it’s more of a line, 2 or 3 wide, and a push for the jetty.

It’s the bike next, and we run up the steep grass embankment to the tarmac path along the Danube and mount up. I set to and go chasing, on the only leg where I have any real chance of gaining places. After a short section we turn back into the wind. Fortunately the torsos of these strong Czechs and Slovaks offer more windage than mine, so I creep up a dozen or so places. I count the people ahead as they go back the other way, I’ve got up to 34th. We turn again tightly by the ferry over to Hungary, and fly back with the following wind. Watch for the odd nasty hole and lumps in the tarmac, and overtaking cyclists coming the other way. I can’t catch any more.

Scuttle down the bank and round to the lagoon to my Kayak .. Gingerly paddle away, this felt so much harder after the biking …… With four laps it’s impossible to tell who is on which. Stylish paddlers (lots of them, including Rob) speed by, and there are a few sea kayaks to get past, I’m not comfortable in the waves. But as well as fatigue, confidence gradually builds with laps survived, and the lake is quieter now, I even manage to win a little personal sprint battle down the last back straight before reaching the jetty with relief. Great cheering as I land, but they are looking the other way – a Spaniard has just run across the line to win the race!

Excited commentary on the PA momentarily exceeds the flow of pumping dance music. A young Hungarian woman seems to have a short time penalty in the box and then races up the bank and off, as I start to plod behind with legs feeling like lead. The run is an unforgiving out and back on the tarmac, it must be around 30 degrees now. Some cool water feels good on my head, but this is hard and I haven’t much left to give. A man flies past looking fresh, then we catch the Slovak second placed woman and make the turn, I stretch my longer legs and overtake the petite Hungarian, trying to nail the move with a sustained push. The next guys are quite far ahead. I gain on them as one overtakes the other but we’ve run out of road, it’s gasping down the bank, onto the mat and there’s the line!

Now where, oh where is that cold shower?

Great Report Phil, thank you for sharing it with us all … and Congratulations, a very tough top class competition no medals this time, but it certainly sounds like a great experience and brilliant trip! (Jean BQA)