Category: World Cup

THREE World Cup Races to count – up to two results from one country, for the championships.

Dearne Valley Quadrathlon WQF Cup Race

Jean Ashley
 
Special thanks to Mark Benton, David Jones and the Manvers Team for organising this great quad event, you are a wonderful ‘Team’ of people thank you for your enthusiasm and for inspiring so many to take to the water and embrace the challenge, you have put so many smiles on peoples faces at Manvers. As always the BQA are extremely grateful to everyone involved, we are a small sport, and its good to see so many competitors without a doubt it’s such a fabulous feel good event, enjoyed by everyone, from seasoned athletes to first timers and looking at the photos looks like you had a great day!
 
The Race this year was part of the BQA Trophy Series, but for the first time ever it was part of the World Quadrathlon Cup, so competitors were given BQA points plus WQF points, this is great to see so many British athletes with World Cup points. The GB team are now in 2nd place in the World Cup Trophy now  “The Vaclav Merek National Trophy” this is given to country with the most the points at the end of the year. So huge well done to everyone who has raced so far this year! 

 

Sharing the Quad Love as always!

Also huge thanks to ‘David and Caz Jones’ who have been organizing Quad Training Days throughout the year and encouraging newcomers to our sport, they do a fantastic job to introducing people into our sport!

 
 
 
 
 
Dearne Valley Quadrathlon Results
With the Winners Below Congratulations, lots more photos on the BQA Facebook page
Jules Vet 60 Winner
Stuart Vet 50 Winner
John Vet 70 Winner
Helen Ladies Winner
Tora Vet 40 Winner
Helen Vet 50 Winner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natalie Vet 60 Winner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BQA TROPHY RESULTS  BQA Trophy after 3 of 5
TEAM WORLD CUP RESULTS R7 WQF world cup after 6 of 9
 
BIG THANKS, to Jules Taylor for his Race Report, we always appreciate our athletes stories and its a great report… Thank You Jules! 
 
Swim Start
Here we are at Manvers Lake, second venue in the National Race series , and not in my usual confident frame of mind.
I had a horrible experience in the swim at Brigg and having to pull out , I didn’t feel ready to race, and the past couple of weeks training have been all over the place .
Parked up at Manvers Lake, I tried to relax and had a ride around the run course, had a lovely equinox swim in the twilight trying out a new better fitting wetsuit for the first time…. then had a rubbish restless sleep. Come the morning the sun was out and things seemed a bit better.
As others arrived it was lovely to catch up and chat, the Quad community is great and I started to relax a little.
Race briefing over, into the lake , and wait for the start. I put myself on the edge of the main bunch to give me as clear a swim as possible to the first buoy. This was a good plan, and the swim went well, a couple of little hiccups as I didnt feel 100%, and out into T1.
It had gone well , as I came out in the lead group with Helen (ladies winner) and Phillipe Jumeau …both strong swimmers.
I was Pleased!

Overall Winner Adam Norfolk
Helen was out of T1 swiftly, but I was struggling with a helmet catch that wouldn’t play ball, and didn’t catch Helen up till near the turn around. It was a fast bike course, unfortunately a couple of incidents occurred but all were ok apparently, and into T2.
There were a couple of kayaks out already, Adam and Stuart, and I didn’t realise that Oli was literally on my heels into T2 , time to race !
The lake was a bit squally with the wind and I was more than happy with my choice of Kayak…a Carbonology Flash X surfski…which easily ignored the bouncy water.
By the third lap I was settled paddling hard , and had put a bit of distance between Oli and myself (although I still wasn’t aware of that ), and had passed Stuart to put me into second place.

Jules in his Surfski
Adam was well clear , exiting the lake as I started my last lap ! Very strong paddling .
Out into T3 , and all I knew now was I had second place , felt shattered, but had to get moving as I knew Oli would be running me down as fast as he does. Couple of kilometers done, and I was running as hard as I could, at the end of every straight I glanced behind and so far no one else in sight .
Around the end of the lake and it wasn’t long before the finish was in view with about a kilometer to go. I honestly thought I had this , second place ….awesome! A few hundred meters to go, another glance behind  and there was Oli, I knew it …. Aarrgh….have I got enough of a lead, could I run any faster? Another look behind and only a few meters between us now …. then he was past and over the finish line for second place, followed by myself 5 seconds later for third overall and first V60. I could not have gone any harder! What a race, right down to the wire ….fantastic!

Great racing from everyone, amazing strong performance from Adam in a league of his own today, super strong running from Oli , excellent result again for Helen, and a great relay effort from Erik and Rose ….true sporting spirit there as Erik recovers from his injury . How he paddles so fast with just one leg doing all the work ….amazing.

It was a brilliant day for all competitors, lots of smiles and fun . The weather gave us everything except snow, and a big round of applause for the Manvers community putting on another awesome event, thank you also to all the volunteers and helpers. A super day,
headed home later in the afternoon, feeling all was well ….it was a great reset for myself,  back in a racing frame of mind at last…Yay!

European Championships at Brigg Bomber 2025

Jean Ashley

A HUGE THANK YOU to Donna Jeff and the Team at LincsQuad Quadrathlon Club for putting on a great race for the BQA and the WQF yesterday as always they pulled out the stops! Despite having such a small team of helpers, there’s one thing for sure they are 100% committed to make sure these events happen for our small sport of Quadrathlon.

Thank you to everyone who supported the race, all BQA members and competitors, those International athletes too, all helpers marshals time keepers and key event organizers ……. you put a smile on everyone’s faces, made a lot of athletes very proud and gave us all a day to remember.

Big Thanks on behalf of the BQA … Jean 💜

Race Results – Brigg Bomber Middle & Sprint Results

National Trophy Results – BQA Trophy after 2 of 5 races

WQF Results – 

WQF race 3 of 9 results with point

World Cup Race 3

WQF National trophy after 3 of 9 races 

A Big Thanks to Ian Cooke for his excellent report of the day – European Middle Distance Quadrathlon Championships
(and accompanying sprint distance BQA points quadrathlon)

It’s 08:29 on the 1st of June 2025 in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, the first day of meteorological summer and a fine and warm day with a little bit of breeze blowing in from the west.

In the river Ancholme, around 110 multi-sport athletes are awaiting the start of their events, now just 1 minute away. The athletes are participants in one of four events being held on that day.

Firstly, there is the prestigious third international quadrathlon championship event of 2025, the European Middle Distance Quadrathlon Championships. This event also doubled up as the third of the 2025 season in the World Quadrathlon Federation World Cup series, following earlier races in Kassel and Gyekenyes. Secondly, this one day championship event was accompanied by its slightly shorter sibling race, a sprint distance quadrathlon, with points being awarded and counting towards the national British Quadrathlon Association series awards. Finally and separate to this race report, there was an accompanying standard distance and sprint distance triathlon.

The Race – Suddenly, the race director, Jeff calls out loud and clear to the athletes in the water…….

‘Is there anyone here doing the duathlon?…….. If you are, you’re in the wrong place……’ So much laughing and smiles from everyone and then bang, we’re off. Two laps of a 750 swim for the European Champs race and one lap for the sprint event. As ever, the swim was a fast affair for those at the front, with the top athletes looking to establish an early lead position.

I settle in, concentrate on breathing, find your own rhythm, count the buoy turns and then back to the landing stage, Here, friendly and familiar faces and voices carry you on your way past the boathouse into transition.

Onto the 30k bike stage and the course was just excellent. For me personally, I’d checked out the bike course on the previous Friday, so it was full gas all the way, tuck in, shrug the shoulders narrow and get aero, every second counts. The loop out of Waddingham and through Snitterby was just excellent fun. 49:24 later and I’m rolling back into the sports center, thinking now about the kayak leg.

One thing that is an absolute pleasure about the Brigg quad races is the boat leg on the Ancholme, 7.8k’s to the wooden bridge and back for the middle distance and just short of 5k’s to the red bridge and back for the sprint competitors.

Paddling alongside Oli Fairbairn on the outward leg, a figure was rapidly approaching us and coming into view on their return, pushing their boat at circa 12-13kph. This was Ferenc Csima, at that point around 20 minutes ahead of us, the eventual overall winner and an absolutely phenomenal kayak racer. Next to cross us was Laurent Martinou, eventual 2nd place and around 10 minutes behind Ferenc at that stage. ‘Bravo Laurent! Allez, allez, allez…..’ was the shout out as we crossed.

As a side note, chapeau to Laurent, who drove north from his home south of Paris on the Saturday, raced the event and then drove back to the south coast after the race for the 19:30 Sunday evening ferry, top effort! On the return leg, it was great to see Helen Russell in her GB tri-suit on the outward leg, pushing on in the boat on her way to the overall win.

So here we go, the day’s getting done now, just the run to go, 5k’s for the sprint and 9.8k’s for the middle distance event.

This is the classic time to check in with the body……. ‘legs, how’s it going, are you thinking about cramping? No we’re fine. Achilles, how are you? Any tightness? No, we’re alright just now. Ok lower back how are you after the kayaking? I’m a bit sore, but I think I’m good for 10k’s, lets do it…….’ So check the watch, put it on 4 minute 35 second k’s and tick off the distance.

And just like that, the day is done, off the river path, past the petrol station, over the bridge, careful on the little grassy slope and the finish line is there. This sport is just fantastic and the people are just so lovely. Cross the line, go and hug everybody and then look for family supporters.

OPEN RACE RESULTS : The open race overall was won by Ferenc with a fantastic time of 2:29:29, with Laurent 6 minutes behind in P2 (1st O40 – 2:35:45) and James Block of GBR completing the podium (1st O50 – 2:48:40).

Overall Mens European Champions

Helen won the female event overall with a time 3:03:33 (1st O50), with Rose Durrant in P2 (1st Elite – 3:08:13) with Orna Otoole completing the podium (2nd O50 – 3:16:50).

AGE GROUP RESULTS: Tora Oetgen was 1st female O40 (4th overall – 3:26:46), Hermione Ball 1st female junior (5th overall – 3:31:25), Oli Fairbairn was 1st Elite (4th Open overall – 2:51:37) Ian Cooke 1st O60 (5th Open overall – 2:54:02), John Macadam 1st O70 (23rd Open overall – 3:29.18) 

Overall Womens European Champions

In the accompanying sprint event Jason Frary was 1st in the Open (1st O50 – 1:39:06), Graeme Tiffany was 2nd (1st O60 – 2:03:07), Dianne Hubber 1st female, 3rd overall in the event and 1st O50 (2:10:35).

In positions 2 to 7 in the female sprint came the fantastic group of friends and constant training partners, Janet Green (2nd 1st O60 – 2:12:31), Geraldine Richards (3rd – 2:23:34), Sue Turner, Sue Pilling, Amanda Lord and Lynn Simpson. These women have inspired each other and trained together so hard all winter and spring in all conditions and weathers, nailing every aspect of this demanding sport. Just brilliant, massive well done and be so proud of what you did, experienced and achieved on that day in Brigg.

Sprint Womens Winners

As always with these events, nothing would ever happen without the input, leadership and expertise of so many people.

Thank you to Jeff and Donna for making it all happen, along with all those brilliant marshals, timekeepers, transition managers and a million other roles that the team at LincsQuad provided.

Thank you to David, Andy, Evo, Janice and their team in covering all aspects of the swim and kayak management. It makes such a massive difference finishing the boat leg, knowing that it will just get taken care of as you continue to the run.

Finally, thank you so much to Jean Ashley and all at British Quadrathlon Association for providing the overall organisation and everything to make these races and race series possible.

Massive well done to all the competitors in both the middle distance and the sprint event. These events are demanding and take courage to toe that line alongside your mates, putting yourself on a canvas showing who you are and what you can do that day. The results are hard won and accordingly, massively satisfying to get.

That was the Brigg Bomber, now onto the rest of 2025!  …… Ian Cooke

Photos of the race – thanks from Trevor

Bomber photos.google.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ian Cooke’s European and World Quadrathlon Championships Tour!

Jean Ashley

European Sprint Distance Quadrathlon Championships – Kassel
11th May 2025

Ian Cooke went out to the ‘European Sprint Distance Quadrathlon Championships’ in Kassel in Germany.
He has a fantastic race and flew the GB Quadrathlon Flag in great style, big thanks for his race report below.

Kassel, a beautiful city in the middle of Germany, is a place of parks, wooded green hills, lakes, a river, health spas, great food, museums, culture and people who are just so friendly. It is home to just over 200,000 people and was where the brothers Grimm spent all of their young adult lives from their early teenage years, gathering up folk tales and publishing them into the world renowned fairy tales that we all know today, such as Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. It is also home to the wonderful Bernd Scheller and his fantastic team, who did such a fantastic job of organizing and running a hugely successful European Sprint Distance Quadrathlon Championships.

The race was centered around the headquarters of WVC Kassel (Wassersport Verein Cassel – Kassel Watersports Club) on the banks of the Fulda river.
It consisted of a 500m swim across the river and back on a triangular anti-clockwise course. Next was a short run from the beach leading to the bike transition and then onto the 18k bike course, with 3 laps of a fast and flat course, based upon the Auedamm, the riverside road, lined with boat clubs and restaurants, that was closed off to vehicles, providing a safe course to race along.
Third came the 4.5k excellent kayak course, a short crossing of the Fulda river and then off downstream to the turn point and back to the HQ.
Finally, the run leg was a fast course around the Bugasee, a beautiful lake just across the river.
So, onto race day, the 11th May and a relatively early start-time of 08:45, in order to enjoy the benefit of closed roads, before they reopened at 11:00. Early races mean early rises, so a 06:15 alarm for breakfast and then fast forward to the start, via transition kit storage, safety briefings and meeting so many brilliant fellow athletes, forming an entry list of 57 individual athletes and relay teams.
All of a sudden, a loud countdown begins, this is now really happening and we’re off, fast and furious through, over and under the water to the first buoy. Around the first, around the second, sight for the beach, hit the beach, legs a bit wobbly and then push on to the transition.

The next leg is way more familiar for me personally and the computer reads 39-40kph, six sets of dead turns, one at each end of three laps and then back in, rack the bike and push on again.
The kayak leg is an absolute pleasure and the evident standard of so many paddlers in very fast craft is a joy to be a part of.
Now the race is nearly done, just make sure that there is enough energy left to finish it off with a decent run for the last 5k’s. This last event is like a video game on fast forward, just push and push, the scenery a blur. Wow, so quickly the last bridge is in sight, over the bridge, turn right, turn right again, turn right a final time and then lift the tempo all the way under the finishing arch. That was it, that was the day, that was the goal – now done.

This was a fantastic event, memories created by and held dear for a lifetime for so many people on that journey on that day.
The race overall was won by the incredible all round athlete and multi world champion Ferenc Csima of Hungary, with a time of 1:21:28. The women’s race was won by home club athlete Anna-Lena Klee, who put in amazing split times across all events and won with a time of 1:31:13.

For me, this journey into quadrathlon started eight months ago over at Brigg, doing the September sprint event and here in Kassel I was really pleased to win the O60 age category European title with a time of 1:34:54.

Thank you so much to Bernd and his entire team for their expertise, professionalism, attention to detail and sheer hard work and dedication in making this event so successful. Well done to all the athletes who took part, putting the hours in across all weathers in training and then coming out here and putting themselves on the line in this great sport, fantastic!

The following weekend Ian travelled to the next World Cup Race in

Gyekyenes, Hungary, competing in the Quadrathlon Middle Distance World Championships.

The event consisted of a 1.5k swim in the crystal clear lake, followed by a 40k/25 mile bike leg on a flat and windy course, with crosswinds constantly knocking the bike about.
On the bike leg I was pleased to put in a 1:00:40 time, so under the hour with the running to and from transition removed.
Next up was the 10k kayak, with 6 laps around an offshore island, with choppy wavy water and thunder and lightning constantly banging and flashing all around…. I was glad to get off the water……
Finally, the 10k run came around and I was running on fumes a little bit, but just clocked along at 4:30k’s, so all good.
I finished first in my age category of 1956-1965 birth year (O60’s) with 3:33:30 to get age group World Champion.
5th overall in the race, 10 minutes behind 3rd overall athlete.
The men’s event was won by multiple world champion Federic Csima of Hungary with 2:55:17.
The women’s event was won by the wonderful Susanne Walter with 3:37:09, adding another world championship win to her growing list of world titles.

Thanks to Ian for his reports, its a great start to his 2025 Quadrathlon Season.

The next WORLD CUP RACE is at Brigg on 1st June, thanks to Lincsquad for hosting this event and the BQA wish everyone racing a great race and lets hope our British weather is kind!

Here are the WORLD CUP RESULTS so far this season –

World Cup Results after 2 Races

WQF National Trophy after 2 Races

 

Final Round-Up National Trophy Champions 2024

Jean Ashley

Sadly our National Trophy Series was down to just 3 races this year, Shrewsbury has finally folded completely, which is very sad news, and Bude was also cancelled due to lack of support. Thankfully we still had 3 excellent races in our calendar, The Brigg Bomber (World Cup Event also) Dearne Valley Sprint, and The Brigg Sprint. On behalf of the BQA I’d like to say a Huge THANK YOU to all our Race organizers and volunteers, who work so hard each year to put on these events for us, it is a big commitment and we really do appreciate your time! Thanks also to all the Sponsors who support them, and to you the BQA Members for you annual fees, which are vital so we can run the BQA Governing Body and more important provide the ever important Insurance fees to be able to support the Race Organizers…. Big Thanks! I would also like to say an enormous thanks to John Kavanagh who produces the BQA and WQF Tables after each race, this is a huge commitment and we are all very grateful … Thanks John  

This year we had we had 27 male athletes and 19 female athletes racing in the series, with 6 athletes doing all 4 races ….. a huge well done to Jules Taylor, Oliver Fairbairn, Phillippe Jumeau, Jeff Chappill, Helen Recchia, and Caroline Jones. Lets hope 2025 will bring a fresh start, plenty of motivation and lots more of Quadrathletes back in ACTION!!

Well done and a big thank-you to all Quadrathletes that raced in the series, there have been some excellent performances and big improvements for may athletes this season, its been great to see some old faces back into our sport and as always so good to be welcoming newcomers, we hope to see you all again next year!

BQA NATIONAL TROPHY CHAMPIONS 2024

Jules Taylor 2024
Helen Recchia 2024

Male Overall 1st Jules Taylor 340 points (Vet 60), 2nd Oliver Fairbairn 335 points (Senior), 3rd Phillippe Jumeau 298 points(Vet 60)

Female Overall 1st Helen Recchia 310 points (Vet 60), 2nd Caroline Jones 301 points(Vet 50)

Age Male Group Winners Senior Oliver Fairbairn, Vet 50 Jeff Chappill, Vet 60 (roledown) Phillippe Jumeau 

Age Female Group Winner  Vet 50 Caroline Jones 

Congratulations also to our BQA Members who have all produced some fabulous results this season! We have great depth in strength and experience in our age groupers, they are all great ambassadors of our sport and we are very proud to have them in our BQA Quadrathlon Family! Well Done to you all!

Full Trophy Results BQA Trophy 2024 final results

Jean Ashley 2024

The Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy ‘For Endeavor’ 2024 Congratulations ‘Jean Ashley’  The BQA Chairman ‘Mark Pryor’ insisted that Jean should receive this Trophy, although she is having a break from racing Quads, whilst she races around the mountains doing ‘Ultras’, she has continually kept the BQA going behind the scenes for many years. She organizes the Famous Deva Divas Quadrathlon, and continues to inspire many women across the sport.  This Year she has been involved with the BQA for 25 years and has always showed enthusiasm & commitment and is consistently sharing her Passion for our Sport! 

 

National Trophy Hall of Fame

Have a Safe Winter and Come Back Stronger #2025 …. Jean Ashley

WORLD CUP TROPHY & WQF NATIONAL TROPHY …and grreat news GB were 3rd in the WQF National Trophy!

WQF Team Trophy

Also across the World the WQF have a Series of Events which make up the World Cup Results, these are the Best 5 Results to Count. Congratulations to The winner of men’s overall World Cup is Ferenc Csima (HUN) The second place is going to Arnold Halasz (HUN), the third place is going to Laurent Martinou (FRA). The winner of woman’s overall Word Cup in 2024 is Susanne Walter (GER). The second place is going to Ellen Mielke (GER), the third place is going to Heike Steininger (GER). Results: World cup 2024 9 of 9

World National Trophy – The Country that has scored the most World Cup Points. 1st place is Poland (11280), 2nd Spain (10200) and CONGRATULATIONS in 3rd Great Britain (7722) Results: WQF National Trophy Final

BQA Points -1 Race Left! Plus Final WQF Results 2024

Jean Ashley

The Final Race of our Quad Season is ‘The Keyo Brigg Sprint distance Quadrathlon – organised by our wonderful ‘LincsQuad’ and consists of a 750m swim in the river Ancholme (or pool swim depending on the river temperature) followed by a 4km Kayak, 19km road cycle and finishing with a 5km road run. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced quadrathletes and those wanting to race the shorter distance. There is also a Team event, and each person will complete at least 1 leg of the event.

The National Trophies will be given out at this race, sadly due to our Race cancellations this year, we only have a couple of contenders who have done 3 races, but all will be to play for on the day so get your entries in now!

Sept- Keyo Brigg Sprint Distance Quadrathlon 2024.

BQA TROPHY RESULTS after 2 RACES  BQA trophy race after 2

The BQA started a National Trophy Series in 2005 this is a series of events which are generally spread throughout the country. Each event contributes points towards finding a National Champion, with the best three results for each individual to count. This is our Hall of Fame: Winners since the Series started in 2005 BQA-Hall-of-Fame-2023

Trophies are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and must be a current BQA Member. (In the event of a tie the 4th race points will count to decide the winner). Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy for Male and Female. BQA Kit vouchers for winners Male and Female in each age category, Juniors (u23), Seniors, V40+ V50+ V60+ Vet 70+

WQF FINAL RESULTS Final World Cup 2024 Results

Congratulations to our overall World Champions Ferenc Csima (HUN) and Susanne Walter (GER). Our best GB Result is Jules Taylor (after 2 races) was 8th Overall. All participants of a world cup event are automatically listed for the world cup results if they fulfill the national terms and conditions. The number of competitions for one athlete is not limited. The best three races are counted (up to two results from one country).The winners get a high-quality glass cup (overall and agegroups), the podium place winners will receive medals. ( An Athlete get trophies/medals only when he  has completed a minimum of 3 races.

National Quadrathlon Trophy

National Quadrathlon Trophy: WQF National Trophy FINAL

Congratulations to POLAND who Won The National Quadrathlon Trophy (11280 pts) with SPAIN in second (10200pts) with GREAT BRITAIN in third (7722pts)

This Trophy is will be awarded annually by the WQF. For each Nation, the highest number of points scored in the each of the 16 WQF age and gender categories by an individual national in any one World Cup race during the season will be totaled. If no individual from a nation is represented in an age/gender group, then zero points will be scored for that category.
The trophy will be held by the winning nation for one year. It will be that nation’s responsibility to ensure the trophy is available to be presented at the last race of the following season.

 

Hungary World Championship Long Course

Jean Ashley
Race start

Julian Taylor has being Flying the BQA Flag in Europe this Summer, this is his report from the Long Course World Championships held in Nagyatad, Hungary. Congratulations Julian sounds like a Fantastic but tough Event and thanks for a  GREAT race report, its always good to read your stories thank you for sharing it with us all!  

We already had our holidays booked , 4 weeks away around Europe , but after the Brigg Bomber race earlier in the year I decided to see if there was a possible race somewhere whilst we were away on holiday. And…there it was I have always wanted to do a Long Course Quadrathlon, so Nagyatad in Hungary was the goal destination and just having had a solid result at Dearne Valley Nationals , I was feeling good , but very aware of the massive distance increases.

I was very good, and didn’t let excessive training get in the way of holidaying and drinking and having fun in fact, I think I did 3 rides, longest 50km , three kayak session longest of which was 8k , and a handful of runs up to 12k  but no swimming! I did have a goal of being 1st in my age group and was fairly confidant I would be able to do that after looking at results of past events .

Two weeks before the race my Garmin gave up finally, and just became something to look at and reminisce about all the previous trainings we had done together so it went in the bin! This would be interesting with absolutely no way of checking time or distance for  the whole race, nor training beforehand . Quite liked the thought of racing how I felt which I do in a lot of in my training, never checking my watch till the end of a session .

Our travels down through Europe were fun, Netherlands Germany Switzerland Austria Italy Slovenia Croatia , and finally we ended up at the campsite in Nagyatad in Hungary, from where we could actually see the race center and finish arena! Plus next door there was a great swimming, thermal, fun pools all free for athletes .
A 50m outdoor pool , never with more than 4/5 swimmers !
Day 1 managed two lengths, then two more, then 6 more a grand total of 500m not too good. Day 2 in the morning, managed 10 twice for 1000m and same again in the evening. Day 3 day before the race, managed 20 then 10 for a nice 1500m, that would have to do!

We had also been to the race start 40km away where the swim and kayak would be,  and did a couple of kayak laps of the Island, a little swim, it was a great venue!

Registration done Friday afternoon, not a lot of English was spoken, but was assured that at race briefing in the evening, an English version would be done as it turned out I sat through 90 minutes of presentation and explanation, in mostly Hungarian, German and French I think, asked when we would have the Quadrathlon briefing to be told it would be at 7am tomorrow morning, just before we started ….Hey ho.

Just a couple of stats about the race – Only 11 of us in the Quadrathlon, it was being run alongside the eXtremeMan iron-distance triathlon, half-distance, and relays, so a few hundred athletes taking part!

Original distance was to be – 3.8km swim, 20km kayak, 92km bike and 21.1km run. However, and no one quite knew why , the swim was reduced to 2.6km, and the bike to 62km. I was massively disappointed by this, but only for around a fraction of a nano second, then was massively happy as my two main concerns were now not going to kill me off!

Race Briefing

RACE DAY – So it was that our alarms went off at 5am Saturday, up and off to the lake 40km away.
Everything easily set up , and then waited for race briefing, which went ok with a lot of pointing, gesturing, and nodding. Long and short of it all was our swim would be starting with the all the eXtremeMan athletes ( …aarrgghhh! )two laps for 2.6km, then through transition and a shallow water start for the kayak and 12 laps of the island for 20km.

We had to count our kayak laps ourself, which was ok but the potential was there for mis counting as there was no official monitoring.

Swim start

The swim start was horrible, it was a no- wetsuit swim as too warm, but it was chaotic , a genuine fight in the water, usual panic for lap one, and settled down for lap two .
Third place out of the swim in around 53minutes, and onto the kayak. Sore shoulders and a pain in the right one soon faded and I settled into a good rhythm and counted the laps off, 4-5-6 laps ok then some fatigue came and went, caught a few others, and soon 10-11-12 and headed for the shore . Out again in third place, I think around 1:57 hrs, but Ferenc Csima and Laurent Martinou were out in front by a long way .

Kayak Transition

On to the bike, and settled down into a very flat, fast, sunny and lonely ride. It took roughly a good 25-30km before catching the end of the triathletes then had company throughout to the end. I sort of knew the course from memory, basically straight back to Nagyatad via a sideways out and back route. I was feeling good, spinning rather than pushing big gears, closed in on the finish of the bike, then realized I had forgotten about another, longer out and back to do before the finish. I had got through 4 bottles of drink already and the heat was getting to everyone now 35degrees. This bit was a real struggle mentally I didn’t expect it, didn’t want it , and was hanging in to say the least. As always, everything comes to an end and into the finish arena in Nagyatad, bike racked , change tent , and out onto the run .

Sticking to my Race Plan

Jeez…no shade on the run which was x 4 laps around the town, back through the arena and eXtremeMan square each lap .

Lap 1 – no, we’ve come all this way so no, I’m not going to walk or give up. Lap 2 – feel absolutely grim, decision made to focus just on the next aid station. 4 stations per lap with hosepipes, drinks, gels etc . I ran to the next station, as soon as you can see it start walking, get as much fluid in and over you as possible , then run to the next! Everything felt just that bit easier, Michelle and Amelia were awesome throughout the whole day, I had to keep going for them. Lap 3 – a couple of km age group rival Karsten Mielke was walking, so I passed and kept going. Towards the end I felt rubbish, lightheaded, tank empty but the aid station strategy kept me on track. Lap 4 – out onto the last lap and barring anything drastic, I knew it was in the bag. Karsten was still walking it was going to be a long walk to the finish for him, but finish he did and well done to him.
The temptation was to go as strong as possible, maybe miss a couple of aid stations as the end was in sight, the problem was I was going as strong as I could, and already this was no faster than an easy jog, so keeping my plan together.

 

Vet 60 World Champions

I came over the finish line in 6:59 hours ……. Another World Championship Age Group 1st place, so elated! It had been years since I did a long event over 3-4 hours, and it’s so much more in all aspects. I really did enjoy it, but with the heat it was a very hard , but very proud of my day out!

Getting to spend some time with athletes I’ve seen on results pages was great, everyone very friendly and supportive throughout and afterwards. It’s not easy to compete abroad, kayak, bike, kit and expense, but I as we were on holiday and already over there everyone really appreciated the fact that we had made the effort to do one of their WQF races .

World Long Couse Athletes

I must say a big thanks to St Monica Trust in Bristol where I work, for their help towards expenses, and for supplying me with a new race outfit which was great !Also Alan Hunter, supplier of all things Carbonology Sport, for a great set of paddles C3, lovely to use, stiff, comfortable and perfect for a long event.

Jules looking good in his new Tri suit!

As always without my amazing family supporting me and putting up with my constantly changing sport choices, new goals, events and venues it would all be so much harder so a HUGE thank you ❤️.

Looking forward to the last two races of the season … Bude , and Brigg Sprint.
See you all soon, making the most of our holiday still got three days of sun and beer before back to the UK!

Jules

Long Course World Championship RESULTS

 

Top 5 Results

 

Bude Cancelled

Jean Ashley
I’m really sorry to have to inform you that this years Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon has had to be cancelled.
I have had this note from organizer ‘Simon Hammond’

We have been doing our best to keep the event alive this year but for reasons that we hope to figure out, we have had just 12 entrants so far and with only 3 weeks to go the event isn’t viable. We do hope to get this event back on its feet for next year, the date would probably be Saturday 27th September. Can you spread the word – simple lack of entries is the reason for the cancellation.

If any Quadrathletes out there have any thoughts or suggestions about keeping this event going and making this it the iconic race it used to be, any comments or suggestions would be most appreciated. Simon has put together a few questions, as we all feel its very important he gets this race back on track, please email him your thoughts, he’d love to hear from you …. THANKS 

Getting the Awesome Foursome back on Track

Please email Simon on info@shorelineactivities.co.uk with any thoughts provoked by these questions, Thanks.

1. We choose an early September date in 2024, maybe it was too early. We are looking at early October dates for 2025 to re-set this as an Autumn event.
2. We are stuck with the tides and 2025 looks like any good date will be a morning start. Does this cause any problems for a Saturday event?
3. Prices this year were £52 individual, £76 pair and £102 relay team. We think these are reasonable but what do you think? Can we use a variable price scheme to encourage early entries?
4. We are going to run a shorter course event ‘The Wallaby’ at the same time which is roughly half the distance and avoids the worst cycle hills. Is this something you would be interested in?
5. We think getting fresh competitors in via Relay Teams and Pairs is a good idea but what sort of groups and clubs would you be contacting for these?

Many Thanks Simon

 

 

 

Sadly that is 2 races gone from our BQA Calendar this year, the final Race of our BQA Trophy Series will now be The Brigg Sprint on 29th September …. please help keep our small sport ALIVE and support this race and please get your Entries in NOW!!!                Brigg Sprint Tri/Quad

Brigg Bomber World Championships 2024

Jean Ashley

A great day was had by all in Brigg at the World Championships, we were blessed with warm sunshine and blue skies! The numbers were on the low side but it was good too see Quadrathletes coming over from Hungary, CZ Republic and France!

Lincsquad organized the race in great style, and  huge thanks must go to Jeff and Donna Chappill who worked so hard to get together a Team of Marshalls and Helpers to get this race on the circuit for yet another year! Considering they are a small Club these days they really did us Proud so a big thanks must go to them for hosting the Championships, and giving our Quadrathletes a fabulous day out! 

Congratulations to all the competitors and to the Overall and Age Group Winners, and to our BQA Members for Flying the Flag!
RESULTS
LADIES
1st Susanne Walter GER 03:01:55 Masters 50 Female
2nd Natalie Abbott GBR 03:27:29 Masters 60 Female BQA
3rd Helen Recchia GBR 04:09:51 Masters 60 Female BQA
4th Caz Jones GBR 04:29:02 Masters 50 Female BQA
 
Leoš – Ferenc – Laurent
MENS
1st Ferenc Csima HUN 02:30:56 Masters 50 
2nd Leoš Roušavý CZE 02:41:07 Masters 40 
3rd Laurent Martinou FRA 02:43:08 Masters 40 
4th Oliver Fairbairn GBR 02:47:25 Elite BQA
5th Jules Taylor GBR 02:51:33 Masters 60 BQA
6th Jason Frary GBR 02:58:16 Masters 50 
7th Nigel Unwin GBR 03:04:51 Masters 60 
8th Philippe Jumeau GBR 03:09:03 Masters 60 BQA
9th Lance Ball GBR 03:14:55 Masters 50 Open BQA
10th Jeff Chappill GBR 03:20:30 Masters 50 BQA
11th Mark Chryssanthou GBR 03:21:36 Masters 40 
12th John MacAdam GBR 03:23:49 Masters 60 BQA
13th Richard Wakeford GBR 03:23:54 Elite 
14th Paul Belcher GBR 03:26:50 Masters 70 BQA
15th Petr Mejzlik CZE 03:30:12 Masters 60 
16th Jason Scatcherd GBR 03:30:27 Masters 40 
 

BQA Trophy after 1st race 

 
Big Thanks to Jules Taylor Winner Vet 60 for his Race Report below:

Having entered the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon last year , it was an awesome surprise to hear to was going to be  the World Middle Distance Championships this year .

The weather was so grim for the early part of this year , that I spent most of the winter and spring just running…I couldn’t  get motivated to go kayaking or cycling outside. So with about 7 weeks to go finally got things into gear. Kayak training went well , and my cycling training has consisted of 10 hard turbo trainer sessions, having not ridden outside since the Bomber last year!

Quick look through the start list and plenty of familiar names, Nigel, Oli, Phillipe, John and quite a few from Europe including the dominant Ferenc.

Last year Nigel , Oli and myself were separated by only 50 seconds so I knew it could be a hard race, and Petr Majzlik from the Czech Republic who is up there on the European race circuit was also racing

I parked up at Brigg Leisure centre Saturday night , and a decent sleep in the van. Usual race breakfast of cocoa pops , registration done , and minimal faffing and suddenly the river was full of athletes and we were off.

Jules, happy after his swim!

I hate open water swim starts, they dont suit me, so it  wasn’t until the half way turn around I felt vaguely comfortable and was able to settle down and swim strong to the get out.

Run to the bike, Nigel was also in T1 ,and checking whose bike was or wasn’t there , had a quick idea of where I was and it looked good , after a decent swim in the end.

Out on the bike, nearly a year since I had ridden on the road I settled down and was feeling ok. A lot warmer than last year and not so windy so pretty pleasant really.

Nigel was just ahead of me , and we were soon joined by a few of the triathletes , and it was proving difficult to stay away from each other, but its fair to say we all raced pretty fairly I reckon. A decent pace throughout,  with about 4km to go Oli came storming past me not to be seen until the end, and back into transition . A swift T2, noting that Petr’s bike was not on the rack , and onto the kayak .

I had been lent a new K1 from Carbonology sport , and it was awesome. Seven kilos my kayak last year was 14kilos it is super comfortable, the Ultra K1 ticked all the boxes. Settled down into a good pace, with no dramas at all. I was unable to make any ground on Oli, but had managed to gain a few minutes on Nigel.

Into T3 , shoes on and my favorite discipline, the run.  It took a few minutes to wake the legs up but was soon moving ok , and it was HOT! I ran well to the turnaround , losing some time to Oli , the run back was a constant look out for others in my age group. Once I had seen all the ones I’d been concerned about, I eased back a bit as I was really suffering from the heat now. A few times in the last kilometre I walked for a couple of seconds as was a bit lightheaded it was a relief to finally run into the finish straight and across the line first in my age group.  Very Happy!

Coming to Brigg for their races is like coming home. So well organised, such a friendly club Lincsquad , and an amazing group of volunteers all come together to produce slick enjoyable events time and again, thank you to all of you!

Such strong efforts from everyone on the day the cloudless skies and heat made it a tough one, for those out there longer than others it must have really been hard going, well done to all.

Back home , and browsing through the Quadrathlon 4 You website , came across the World Long Distance Quadrathlon Championships in Hungary on August 10th just so happens we are on a bit of a road trip for 3 weeks , guess where we are going to head to for August 9th  Yep…all entered!!  Anyone else going to join us ..?

 

A Big Shout out must go to ‘TEAM MANVERS’ who had a fantastic team of athletes racing. Huge credit to David and Caz Jones who motivate, organize training sessions and do so much to keep our small sport Alive! Your are an amazing Team Thank You!

Their Quadrathlon is the next race in the BQA Series, it is also the British Championships, please support them, you’ll enjoy a fantastic day out!  Enter Here Manvers Quad

If anyone wishes to do Race Reports or contribute to the BQA please do not hesitate to contact me, we are a small sport and it does get more and more difficult trying to recruit members, and enthusiasts, so please keep spreading your love for our sport! Thanks Jean  

 

 

Entries Open for WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Keyo Brigg Bomber Middle Distance Quad 2024!

Jean Ashley

 

Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon –2nd June 2024

The BQA and WQF are very PROUD to announce that the Brigg Bomber Middle Distance is crowned The WQF WORLD Quadrathlon Championships for 2024!          

A superb race to start the season, extremely well organized by our Top Quadrathlon Club ‘Lincsquad’ a fast flat safe course, which consists of a 1500m river swim, 30k bike, 7k kayak & 9.3k run. It has ‘WORLD Championship Status’ and is part of the ‘WQF World Cup Race Series for 2024 so certainly not one to be missed! Lincsquad will certainly pull out all the stops to make this a brilliant day! BRIGG BOMBER DETAILS and ENTRY

The MIDDLE DISTANCE RACE is part of the BQA National Trophy Series and part of the World Quadrathlon Federation World Cup Series WQF Rules will apply. http://wqf.quadrathlon.com/rules.

Your Solo result only will score points towards the BQA National Trophy Series and WQF Race Series – (overall trophies male or female and age group). Your best three results will be totaled to decide the trophy winners. Full details can be found at http://wqf.quadrathlon.com/world-cup. To receive an award, you need to complete three races. Updated results will appear as soon as possible after the race. BQA Membership is required to be entitled to Win trophies/prizes for the BQA National Trophy Series … please support your Governing Body and Fly the GB Quadrathlon Flag!

Previously the Brigg Bomber has hosted the British Quadrathlon Championships, the European Quadrathlon Championships, World Cup rounds and the 2014 & 2019 World Championships.

Entries are available as;
a Solo competitor, or as a Team (2, 3 or 4 team members),
Minimum age for this event is 17 years as of the 31 Dec 2024, parental consent is required for under 18 years.
For further detailed event information see here: brigg-bomber Information

 

June- Keyo Brigg Bomber Middle Distance Quad 2024

 

 

Brigg Bomber European Championships 2023!

Jean Ashley

A great day was had by all in Brigg at the World European Championships, we were blessed with warm sunshine though quite a brisk breeze on the bike course. The numbers were on the low side but it was good too see Quadrathletes coming over from Hungary, Spain and Belgium!

Lincsquad organized the race in great style, the course was very well signed, with plenty of encouraging marshals along the way, considering they are a small Club these days they really did us Proud so a big thanks must go to them for hosting the Championships, and giving our Quadrathletes a fabulous day out!

The standard of racing was excellent, and with the Team from Belgium in the mix it made it very exciting to watch. Ferenc Csima(HUN), Nick Verduyckt(B), Team Belgium, Mat Stephenson(GB), William Peters(B) were all fairly close after the swim and bike, with Francisco Jose Lopes Perez(ESP) and our top GB athletes, Nigel Unwin, Oli Fairbairn, Jules Taylor and back after a long break Keith Longney were not far behind. The kayak leg certainly sorted the mix out with Ferenc taking a good lead, the Belgiums were all paddling fast with Francisco catching and Mat going into the run just slightly behind . As they moved onto the run the top 5 had sorted themselves out. But there was a battle further down the field between our other top age groupers, Nigel came in 2nd GB athlete, with Oli in 3rd overtaking Jules in 4th and Keith in 5th. There were plenty of other great results further down the field with our BQA Members certainly doing us proud!


The Belgium Team did the fastest time of the day 02:32:01, but with only 48 seconds to spare … a superb effort from our European Champion Ferenc!

]

Sadly there were only 5 ladies racing (injuries had stopped a few of our regular athletes from racing). However Gilian Melia put up a good fight to stay in contention, but Helen was going well and managed to hold her off she had a comfortable win in the end. Liz Dawson worked hard throughout to take 3rd. New to our sport was Grace Bird, she did very well, as she is new to kayaking. Our lovely BQA member Caz Jones certainly had the biggest smile of the day as she came over the finish line. It was the longest race she’d ever done, and a fantastic personnel achievement for her, we were all so proud cheer her over the finish line!

 

MENS Results (TOP 10)
1st Ferenc Csima(HUN) 02:32:49 1st Masters 50
2nd Nick Verduyckt(B) 02:35:24 1st Elite
3rd Francisco Jose Lopes Perez(ESP) 02:42:12 1st Masters 40

4th Mat Stephenson 02: 44:09 2nd Masters 50
5th William Peters 02:49:01 2nd Elite
6th Nigel Unwin 02:54:08 3rd Masters 50 (BQA)
7th Oli Fairbairn 02:54:27 3rd Elite (BQA)
8th Julian Taylor 02:54:58 1st Masters 60 (BQA)
9th Keith Longney 03:00:29 2nd Masters 60 (BQA)
10th Andrew Phillips 03:00:29 4th Masters 50

FEMALE Results
1st Helen Russell 03:10:05 1st Masters 40 (BQA)
2nd Gillian Mellia 03:18:48 1st Masters 50 (BQA)
3rd Liz Dawson 03:38:27 1st Masters 60 (BQA)
4th Grace Bird 03:46:09 1st Elite
5th Caroline Jones 04:32:06 2nd Masters 50 (BQA)

Well done to everyone that raced and a special ‘Well Done’ to all our BQA members that took part in the European Championships! Nick Farnell, Philippe Jumeau, Lance Ball, Wayne Smith, John McAdam, Peter Chappill, David Browning and John Redmond, thank you for flying the BQA Flag!

There was also a Sprint Quad that took place, so well done and a great effort from those 5 too!
1st Paul Connolly 01:40:04
2nd Ryan Birkitt 02:02:36
3rd Andrew Lawson 02:05:40 (BQA)
1st FEMALE Hermione Ball 02:07:24 (BQA)
4th David Jones 02:24:23 (BQA)

Brigg Bomber RESULTS

National Trophy Points BQA British Trophy 2023. RACE 1

World Cup Results after 2 Races World Cup 2023. RACE 2

Lots of Photos on FB PAGE  facebook PHOTOS Lincsquaduk

Thank you to all that made this race happen, it was also great to see some of our ‘top athletes from the past, coming back to race again’ we certainly enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days back in the Czech Republic, the post race parties were wild in those days … though we did enjoyed the banter and celebrating in ‘Wetherspoons’ post race too, once again the Belgium Team were on TOP form, and we had a super evening! 

Once again a Huge Thank you must go to the Race organizers ‘Lincsquad’ in particular Team Leaders ‘Jeff and Donna Chappill’ and all the marshals for all their hard work. It’s a big effort to organize races for our small sport and as Quadrathletes we really do appreciate the time that goes into putting on these races … So on behalf the BQA  ‘THANK YOU’ See you again soon …

Your ‘Fairy Quadmother’ Jean x  

Thank you for this RACE REPORT from Jules Taylor Vet 60 European Champion!

I’d been looking forward to the first race of the season for a long time ….and was incredibly nervous as such, my training in general had been good , but not consistent which had been my own fault.

The swim start did nothing to calm me down and I was really not looking forward to getting in with so many others in close proximity, I do all my swim training in a pool , so I’d not enough experience with cold water and other swimmers .The first 10 minutes was exactly as stressful as I expected, but once we all spread out, it settled down and I had a decent swim after all .

T1 went well, and easing into the bike I started to close in and pass quite a few others. A lot warmer than last year , no issues , and back in for T2 .

Having switched last years surfski for a decent K1, I felt confident and was soon moving well.

Keith ( Longney ) Vet 60 had swam and biked well and was a minute ahead , and Oli Fairburn got on the water alongside me .

I last raced against Keith at the World Championships in Sedlcany nearly 20 years ago , so it was brilliant to be up against each other again….I had a score to try and settle as twice previously Keith had beaten me!

Within 10 minutes  I’d caught and passed Keith, and coming up to the turn point could check accurately where I was,  if I could keep Keith at bay I knew was in with a good chance of top V60. Pacing in the kayak went well alongside Oli , we stayed close for the whole discipline and came out with a couple of seconds between us .

T3 went swiftly and out on the run. It was a hot, mentally a hard run out and back , but once legs had recovered from the kayak I started to move well. Oli and I stayed quite close , swapping leads a few times , and in the last kilometer youth won over and Oli eased ahead. 

At the turn point I noted the time when Keith passed, he gave me a 4 minute buffer for the last 5km, I felt comfortable and knew I could hold him off . I finished with not very much left in the tank and it was awesome to be V60 European Champion .

A fantastic competitive race which for me got better and better as it went on. Looking at the results it had been a really close one between Nigel, Oli, and myself….only 50 seconds covered us all after close to 3 hours racing, all of us losing and gaining depending on the discipline…..it’s a brilliant sport!  Congratulations to everyone who took part, I had beaten Keith at long last, he was GB’s leading Quadrathlete for many years an excellent competitor, and I’m sure he’ll be back to challenge me before too long!  

See you all at Manvers …. Jules