BQA Member Tim Down is due to take part in a Channel swim relay this coming September, unfortunately he has had a couple of late withdrawals from his team and they are now down to two which isn’t enough given our capabilities. This means that we are now urgently looking for 2-3 more swimmers to join us at late notice.
The details…
Our booked window is from 19th-26th September, we are free to go at any time during this period although as it is very much a weather dependent event we should take advantage of the earliest opportunity. This is a week of neap tides which present the most favourable conditions.
The form of the swim is – no thermal protection apart from a single swim cap plus standard traditional swim togs. Definitely no wetsuits or anything remotely resembling one. Each swimmer swims for an hour at a time in rotation so if there is a team of four it is one hour swimming, three hours off. With a team of mixed ability, able to average between them 1.7 – 1.8 mph the swim might take between 13 – 15 hours depending on conditions so each swimmer in a team of four might expect 3 or 4 stints, in a team of 5 that is likely to reduce to 3.
The cost of the swim is a total of £2,600 for the pilot boat, plus registration fees and incidentals. Approximately £1,500 of the cost of the boat has already been raised so any new swimmer joining would be expected to pay or raise money for their share of the remaining cost of the pilot boat – this is likely to be in the region of £200-300.
We are raising money for the international disability charity Motivation www.motivation.org.ukWith a September slot the sea is likely to be at its warmest and so represents a wonderful opportunity to take part in a very big adventure!
All the best Thanks … Tim Down
It there are any BQA members that want to join him message me ‘Jean Ashley’ and I will let you have his phone number. There aren’t many opportunities to swim the Channel and someone out there might just be interested!
It was great to see several of our BQA Members take a trip over to Hannover for the Long Course Quadrathlon World Championships which took place on 7th June. It consisted of 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 20km kayak and 21km run. In the Men’s event Thoralf Berg (GER) won in 6.55 with Leos Rousavy (CZE) in 2nd 7.00, and Lisa Hirschfelder took the Women’s title in 8.33.
Ned Price
A Big Congratulations must go to all our BQA members that raced and finished in this ‘very fine race’ in really hot conditions! Well done to those that came home with medals – John Kavanagh took Vet 60 Gold (8.52) and Ned Price took Silver in Vet 50 (8.53). Roland Maclarg came home in 8th Vet 40 (10.02). We also had a two man relay team racing –
Russel Breyer
Russel Breyer and Steve de Boltz from Ipswich Tri Club. They finished 6th (7.51) Russel’s words were ‘It was tough enough doing just half of this event, so I absolutely take my hat off to John, Ned and Roly doing the whole thing…and to Mary White for her category win in the sprint event on the Saturday. I really hope WQF run this event again, it was cracking fun!’.
Congratulations to Mary 4th overall in the Sprint and 1st in her age group Vet 60 (1.56)
If anyone has an photos of the GB athletes please send a few to me … Thanks! (Jean)
Wasserstadt Quadrathlons
While making plans for the forthcoming season before Christmas, going to Hannover in June for a world championship quad seemed like a good idea. So Ned Price, Mary White and I got our entries in early, before the price went up. There were lots of race options over two days, different triathlon distances and a sprint quad on the Saturday, more triathlons and a long distance quad on the Sunday (each with a relay team option). Mary entered the sprint and Ned and I opted for the long event. As we drove the 400 miles or so across Europe on the Friday we were a bit concerned about the temperature, 35°C – thank goodness for air conditioning.
The weekend was a little cooler, but at 25°plus it was still a lot hotter than we had been used to. On the Saturday morning we had time to look around and check out the bike course before Mary’s race. This involved a 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run and 4.2km paddle (and a final 300m sprint back to the finish). She was very pleased to finish under 2hrs (1hr:56min), being the 1st lady in the 60-69 year group and beating quite a few (younger men).
Ned and I had a 7:15 start for the 3.8km swim in a deep, wide and seemingly clean canal. An Ironman distance triathlon set off 15mins before us so it was encouraging that we were able to overtake some of the tail enders from this before we were out of the water. There was a 500m run to the bike transition but the organisers had provided matting for us to run over, then it was out onto 3 x 30km laps (mostly flat) for the bike course. The roads were closed in the direction of travel and police were at all the junctions and lights to ensure we had a clear ride. The kayak transition was another 300m from the bike transition so we had to put on running shoes to get there for 5 x 4km laps. Each lap had 4 turns but as the canal was wide these could be paddled around easily (unlike the Macclesfield Canal we use for training!). The run continued from the kayak get out for 2 x 10km laps of flat running but then there was final sharp uphill bit to take us to the finish.
Ned and I had a good race, I was well ahead after the swim but he overtook me on the 2nd lap of the bike. I just managed to catch and pass him on the kayak and had about a 1min lead going into the run. He caught me after about 5km and we were together then for a long time before I managed to get a slight lead. We were both very pleased to finish under 9hrs (John 8:52, Ned 8:53) and to find that I was 1st 60-69years and Ned was 2nd 50-59years. Also over from GB was Roland Maclarg (10:02) and, in the relay race, Russel Brewer and Stephen de Boltz from Ipswich Tri Club who did two disciplines each in 7:51….. John Kavanagh
And also thanks to Roly Maclarg for his report too
This was the first time I have done a long distance quadrathlon.
The brief at the start was in german and english by Peter the organiser, so we all understood the course.
It was a good swim in canal, two laps, with a slight current on outward leg, I should have gone for swim day before to find this out, as I would of stayed closer to bank on first and third leg and in middle of current for second and fourth leg.
The Bike consisted of 3 laps 30km each, one little hill, on closed roads in direction of racing, well marshaled through out. Excellent tarmac, one 100m section had just been resurfaced had to be a little careful. Police were out in force waving competitors through red lights and holding back traffic at traffic junctions.
I struggled on the kayak, 5 laps. My boat is a little wobbly and as fatigue started to set in and I found there was quite a lot of wash from the other kayakers to contend with.
The Run was 2 laps, a good course, though I would have preferred a bit more shade in places, it was getting very hot by this point in the day. It had been hot all day, and I had forgot sun cream ‘big mistake’. My second lap was slow, the heat had got to me, suddenly started feeling hot and then cold, I had drunk plenty through out the race, there were plenty of feed stations on bike, kayak and run, and lots of supporters cheering us on!
Overall this was a good event, Peter the organiser did a superb job running the Quadrathlon, along side half and long distance triathlon gave sufficient competitors to justify putting on a Closed road event …. Roly Maclarg
This certainly sounds like one for the diary in the future!
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!
Michael Mason
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 3rd (2:03:41) with the young Will Jackson just behind (2:03:41). In 5th place then was the oldest starter John Kavanagh V60 a superb performance showing us all ‘age shows no bounds’.
Jack Garner
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 1st 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 4th (3:29:51). Sister to the Male Vet 60 John Kavanagh, Mary White also came in 5th 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 1st 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
Nigel Unwin 2nd Overall
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
Phil Holden 3rd, Michael Mason 1st, Nigel Unwin 2ndSarah Allars 3rd, Helen Dyke 1st, Claire Moran 2ndHigh Five to Stephen Cannings BQA from Steve Dolby BQA Kit Co-ordinatorJohn Kavanagh BQA Vet 60 ChampionPhil Holden 3rd Overall
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!
Lance Ball BQA
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.
Phil Holden, last years Vet 40 Trophy Series winner went up to Braemar, Scotland to do the Deeside Triathlon – Bike 35, Run 9.5 and Kayak 15miles (with grade 1 rapids). Thanks for your report Phil … certainly sounds challenging!
I had fun last weekend at the Deeside tri – thought you might be interested in a wee update!
Spending the week before walking in the Cairngorms (with even a hard won ski up Ben Macdui on 1 May) maybe wasn’t the best way to taper into this long event. Also, after a cold but bright week, the race day on Sunday brought steady rain all day, with temperatures of 2 degrees up to about 6 later and a stiff easterly headwind. I have never raced in so many clothes!
There were around 30 in the bike-run-bike duathlon, but only three entries in the bike-run-kayak Tri, of whom one didn’t show up, so just the two of us! I had the novelty of being first off in the one minute interval time trial start to the bike leg. With sweeping straights and a general downhill trend till the climb right at the end, the 35 mile ride from Braemar to Shooting Greens felt quite fast (till I later saw the impressive times others were doing). I started the 9.5 mile run still second on the course, but other speedy duathletes passed me running along the river to Crathes. A long transition followed here, with welcome dry clothes, and then it was into my trusty (but not hugely comfortable) old touring kayak for the fifteen miles down to Aberdeen. This took 2 hrs 47 mins, and I more or less lost feeling in my hands after about two minutes. A dozen or so grade 1 rapids spread along the leg added a dimension of route choice and a bit of technicality – a new experience with wing paddles in a long boat! At last the Bridge of Dee at Aberdeen came in sight, only to find that under this was the bumpiest wave on the whole paddle. One by one the five bridges in the city were passed and it was time to land at the Boat Club and attempt to stand up. Andrew Aitken, the other Tri paddler came in with Colin the kayak marshall not long after, and slightly better dressed for the weather in a full wetsuit.
What a great event, but a shame that more people didn’t take part. Hopefully it will carry on, and others will travel up and give it a go. Big thanks to the Fleet Feet team and all the marshalls who must have got nearly as cold and wet as the racers.
Hi Quadrathletes, 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 2015!
RACE 1 – 24th May – Brigg Bomber Quad – National 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 – 21st 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 – 12th July – Box End Sprint Quad – World Cup –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 – 6th 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 – 13th 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 – 19th September – Awesome Foursome Quad –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!
I hope I have tempted you …. keep you eye on the events page as some race organizers may offer Early Bird Race discounts and BQA Member Discounts! Happy Training and Racing 2015 … and don’t forget your BQA 2015 membership, we would love your support again THANKS Jean Ashley
If your are looking to Race in Europe these are the World Cup Trophy Races
RACE 1- 2nd May – Ibiza, SpainEUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS MiddleDistance
Race 2 – 24th May – Brigg Bomber, GBWorld Cup Middle Distance
Race 3 – 30th May – Xtrial PernstejnCup, CZE World Cup Sprint Distance
Race 4 – 7th June – Wasserstadt, Hannover, GER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONGDistance
Race 5 – 21st June – Tyn nad Vltavou, CZE World Cup Sprint Distance
Race 6 – 12th July – Box End, GBWorld Cup Sprint Distance
Race 7– 1st August Šamorín, SVKWORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SprintDistance
Race 8 – 22nd August, Polskaman, POL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSMiddleDistance
Race 9 – 30th August Balaton Sprint, HUN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSSprintDistance
Race 10 – 5th September, Quadrathlon Ratscher, GER World Cup Middle Distance
First Quadrathlon of the season ‘The Keyo Brigg Bomber’ – Entries now open!
Brigg Bomber Entries Open … If you are a 2015 BQA Member you get £5 discount off your Entry Fee … But please apply for your BQA Membership before you enter as you will need a currant 2015 Membership Number to complete the online entry. Big Thanks to Lincsquad for supporting the BQA and offering BQA members this discount! https://keyobriggbomberbritishchampionshipquadrathlon.itsyo…
The Brigg Bomber is organised by members of LINCSQUAD
(Lincolnshire Quadrathlon Club)
and consists of a 1.5k river swim, 7k kayak, 36k bike & 10k run.
Over the last few years the Brigg Bomber has hosted the British Quadrathlon Championships, the European Quadrathlon Championships and for the first time in the UK, Lincsquad were proud to host the 2014 World Championships.
Once again we are proud to also announce that Keyo Agricultural Services http://www.keyo.co.uk/, have confirmed they will again sponsor our event The Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon.
Entries are available as;
– a Solo competitor,
– part of a Team (2, 3 or 4 team members),
– or as part of a Corporate team (all working for the same company, again 2, 3 or 4 team members). The winning Corporate Team will not only take home the Corporate Bomber Trophy, the winning team members (maximum 4) will receive free entries to the 2015 Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon (tbc at Club AGM Jan 2015).
For solo entries, the event will be the British Championships, part of the British Quadrathlon National Trophy series and a World Quadrathlon Federation World Cup race.
Minimum age for standard distance 16 years, parental consent is required for under 18 years.
More details can be found on the provisional 2014 pre-race information pack below, if you have any event queries please contact events@lincsquad.co.uk.
The World Cup 2015 season will certainly be exciting with a total of 10 races. There are three new races in the World Cup this year – Boxend (GBR) and Bystřice nad Pernštejnem
(CZE) each with a MTB. Hannover (GER) for the first time since 2010, will be a World Long Distance Championship Race. All these new races have taken place in recent years with great success. The four best results for the World Cup will be counted as in recent years. Collecting points will require tactical planning with plenty of races on offer, with extra points for athletes that race in an International Championships (World/ European) plus bonus points for over 4 races.
The Overall and Age-Group winners will win the elaborate crystal globe, and the top three finishers overall and in age groups additionally get high quality medals. This should create a further incentive and competition for places.
The World Cup Trophy Series
RACE 1- 2nd May – Ibiza, SpainEUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS MiddleDistance
Race 2 – 24th May – Brigg Bomber, GBWorld Cup Middle Distance
Race 3 – 30th May – Xtrial PernstejnCup, CZE World Cup Sprint Distance
Race 4 – 7th June – Wasserstadt, Hannover, GER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONGDistance
Race 5 – 21st June – Tyn nad Vltavou, CZE World Cup Sprint Distance
Race 6 – 12th July – Box End, GBWorld Cup Sprint Distance
Race 7– 1st August Šamorín, SVKWORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SprintDistance
Race 8 – 22nd August, Polskaman, POL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSMiddleDistance
Race 9 – 30th August Balaton Sprint, HUN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSSprintDistance
Race 10 – 5th September, Quadrathlon Ratscher, GER World Cup Middle Distance
The appointments and the WQF Congress took place over the last few weeks, there were no changes and therefor the next two years, the positions are Václav Marek (President, CZE) Steve Hook (Vice-President, GBR) Silke Haren Berg (Chairman of the Technical Items GER) Stefan Teichert ( Secretary, GER).
Amendments to the WQF Rules for 2015
World Cup races which an International Championships are to be evaluated with more points, as specified – Every place is upgraded with 20 extra points. So 120 instead of 100, 110,
instead of 90… 21 instead of 1 point.
Athletes that have finished more than 4 World Cup races in season, get bonus points. There
are 10 bonus points per extra race – As total extra points: 5 races 10points, 6 races 20points, 7 races 30points, 8 races 40points, 9 races 50points and 10 races 60points.
The WQF wish all athletes a good and injury-free preparation, see you in 2015! Stefan Teichert
Once again Bude Awesome Foursome was a fitting end to our 2014 National Trophy Series, with the last race of the series being the final decider for most of the prizes! It has been made up of 5 races, unfortunately The Deeside Triathlon and the Fabian 4 had to be cancelled so Trophy Points were taken from the 5 races below.
The Brigg Bomber, South Yorkshire Quad, Box End Sprint Quadrathlon, Shrewsbury Sprint Quadrathlon, The Awesome Foursome
This season 83 males and 30 female athletes took part in the series, slightly less men than last year but double the amount of females … Well Done The Girls! It was great to see plenty of first timers and some of them doing really well doing 3 or more of our races, special mention to John Redmond, Mary White and youngsters Will Jackson and Robert Jeffries all in their first year of Quadrathlon. Superb commitment from Phil Holden, John Kavanagh and Lance Ball who all did the whole Series, with Ian Smith, Nigel Unwin, Nicholas Price, Julian Brewer and John Ellwood all doing 4 races.
Another Special mention must go to Peter Chappill from Lincsquad who has also done all 5 races, 3 as an individual and the other 2 leading youngster Jack Gardner (partially sighted), and great achievement to Peter and to Jack who have gone from strength to strength this year and have done PB’s all round!
A fantastic season and a huge uptake in women and over 60’s, its looking like the over 60’s will stand in a catagory on their own next season, so long as we have 3 or more racing! The BQA hope everyone enjoyed their quad season and will be back for more challenges and races next year!
All 5 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 and for providing us with great races with the Aim to Keep our Small Friendly Sport ALIVE!
The BQA help to promote their races and supply the Race insurance so its vital we have YOUR support, we have had our largest membership to date, a big thanks to Lincsquad for hosting the World Championships this has made a huge difference, so a Big THANK-YOU to all our 2014 members for your support!
The BQA Perpetual Trophies (and BQA kit vouchers) are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series,and must be a current BQA Member. Congratulations to the 2014 Winners!
Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Male Ian Smith
Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Female Jean Ashley
U23 Robert Jefferies
Vet 40 Male Phil Holden
Vet 50 Male Nigel Unwin (role down as Ian Smith won Overall Trophy)
Vet 50 Female Mary White (role down as Jean Ashley won Overall Trophy)
The Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’
this year it was given to LINCSQUAD for hosting the 2014 World Championships, their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon is Outstanding!
Due to sufficient interest Quadrac Racing have decided to put on a Winter Duathlon/Kayak Tri Series at Box End again this year. A total of 3 races to keep you motivated over the winter months and ideal pre-season training!
Both of the above events are suitable for experienced and novice athletes just wanting to start out in the sports, due to their relative short distances. You will need a basic level of fitness and bags of enthusiasm to compete. You can compete as a team e.g. 1 person kayaks, 1 bikes, and 1 runs. If you are competing in the Kayak Tri you will need some experience/confidence in a boat.
The race format will be the same as last years, please see below.
Race details: Kayak Triathlon – 2.5km Kayak – 12km x/c Bike (3 laps) – 4km Trail Run (1 lap)
Duathlon – 8km Trail Run (2 laps) – 12km x/c Bike (3 laps) – 4km Trail Run (1 lap)
All races are only £10 each if pre-entered, but on the day entries are £15
The race dates are:
Race 1 – Sunday 19th October 2014
Race 2 – Sunday 23rd November 2014
Race 3 – Sunday 18th January 2015
Timing: registration 08:00 to 09:10. Race briefing is as 09:10 in the transition (compulsory to attend). Both races will start at 09:30.
Series Winner categories: Overall male / female winners, Team. U23, MS, MV40, MV50, FU23, FS, FV40, in both Duathlon and Kayak Tri. The organisers reserve the right to withdraw categories if there are insufficient numbers.
Facilities available: toilets, showers, changing areas, refreshments, camping, parking.
CAMPING – is available at Box End Park for all competitors at £5 per person per night. Caravans and campervan facilities available; apply directly to Box End – Telephone Number 07922 824678
This is an ideal opportunity for you to keep competitive and on the edge during the Winter season.
A Fantastic Race to finish the 2014 Season … the weather was kind with the sea a pleasant 17 degrees though a little choppy for us non sea swimmers! The surfers showed us the way with some very fast swim times from the Local surf Team members. There was very little wind and the conditions were warm … the only issue some were worried about was the daylight! It was a late start 3.30 due to the tide but everyone made it back just in time!
The Age group athletes were out in force the over 50’s being the biggest age groups male and female though the standard was high across the board with some excellent times and good clean racing! Local Andrew Smith, was out of the swim followed by some strong local swimmers, off on the bike the tough climbs would soon sort out the field. Chris Hammond powered around the course and moved into the lead, but hot on his heels were seasoned Quadrathletes Nigel Unwin and Ian Smith, plus Andrew Smith.
Paddling strong Nigel Unwin
There were some fast bike times on the demanding course so it was down to some good strong paddling to split up the field. Nigel took the lead with Ian closing in. He took the lead it was a close paddle with Ian moving ahead with just a minuet in hand.
Ian ran well and extended his lead on the run and went on to win with just 1min 30secs to spare. Nigel came in 2nd with local triathlete Chris Hammond in 3rd place.
The standard of racing was high with some fast times, it was great to see a strong contingent of BQA athletes all producing good results – In the Vet 50 category Duncan Pearson came 3rd and is improving very well in his kayak. Russel Breyer and John Kavanagh had a great races coming 5th and 6th . Peter Chappill racing on his own, came 9th he can frequently be seen leading Jack Gardner (partially sighted). A huge improvement too from John Redmond, this was certainly the toughest race he’d done … and a fantastic achievement (sorry if I mislead him I did say the course was a bit undulating!!)
In the Vet 40 category BQA athlete Phil Holden was the highest placed, he finished with a big smile (as always) despite his capsize in the kayak … it did get a bit choppy as the wind blew up the canal. Julian Brewer came 7th and Lance Ball again new to the sport has had a full season had a good result in 8th place.
Our young BQA member Rob Jefferies (21yrs) has had a brilliant season too, he won his age group and also a World Cup Globe. Will Jackson (17yrs) also won his race and a World Cup Globe. Let’s hope they both continue to race Quadrathlon and keep raising the bar!
In the Ladies race, it was a lovely surprise to see ex World Quad Champion Helen Dyke on the start line, as before she was as good as ever taking the lead from the start. She swam well and had a strong bike, her weakest discipline also went fairly well …. And once Helen puts her running shoes on nobody can touch her, well done good to see her back! Newcomer to the sport Judith Humpleby was next out of the swim and local athlete Jess Lynes (both vet 50’s) both enjoying the sea. Ali Martin and Jean Ashley came next, once again the bike would sort out the placings. Ali moved into 2nd place, and hung onto that to the finish. Jean put in a strong kayak overtaking Judith and moved into 3rd. Mary White (vet 60) had another good solid race coming a very creditable 5th a superb result for her first year in Quadrathlon.
Peter Appelt
The only German starter was Peter Appelt, at 65 years old, he has completed his 10th Quadrathlon this year, he was second behind Tony Richards a newcomer to our sport along with along with Sue Rix, its very encouraging to see competitive racing in the over 60’s!
Once again it was great to see newcomers to our sport, and lots of teams in the event lets hope they enjoyed the race – its such a fantastic venue, I hope they will be back to support it again next year …. And maybe support our other Quadrathlons up and down the country!
A huge Thank-you to Simon Hammond and his Brilliant Family and Happy Team of Helpers! Once again you gave us all a great race, superb racing and superb conditions. Bude was buzzing with atmosphere … we certainly showed the town how to enjoy ourselves and impressed many onlookers. Big Thanks again from the BQA and the WQF to the Organizing Team the Quadrathlon certainly lived up to its name AWESOME …. get it in your diaries for next year 19th Sept … Be There!!!!
Winner Ian Smith
Men
1st Ian Smith (GBR) 2.48.46
2nd Nigel Unwin (GBR) 2.50.20
3rd Chris Hammond (GBR) 2.54.25
4th John Elliott (GBR) 3.03.37
5th Andrew Smith (GBR) 3.06.03
Women
1st Helen Dyke (GBR) 3.07.49
2nd Allison Martin (GBR) 3.30.19
3rd Jean Ashley (GBR) 3.37.33
4th Judith Humpley (GBR) 3.46.53
5th Mary White (GBR) 3.49.51
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The Overall and Age-Group winners will win the elaborate crystal globe, and the top three finishers overall and in age groups additionally get high quality medals. This should create a further incentive and competition for places.
