Category: World Cup

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

Brigg Bomber 2018 -The Masters’ categories shine in perfect conditions at Brigg

Jean Ashley
1st Ferenc Csima (HUN) 2nd Michael Mason (GB) 3rd Leos Rousavy (CZE)

Lincsquad hosted the first race on the BQA Calender 27th May … as ever in fine style and glorious sunshine! It was so good to see 3 athletes coming over from Europe to race against our athletes! A big well done to all the Quadrathletes that raced the Bomber, and congratulations to the overall winners and to the age groupers too. Thanks also to the organization team and to all the marshals who make our races possible, we are forever grateful … Thank-You!

Race Report from John K.

The Masters’ categories shine in perfect conditions at Brigg

The latest round of the World Cup, which was also the British Championship race, was held in Brigg, England. This well established event which opens the British Quadrathlon series was run with its usual excellent organisation. This year the weather also co-operated – being dry, hot (but not excessively so) and a bit breezy. It is a middle distance race, comprising 1500m swim, 7km kayak, 40km bike, 10km run.

The river Ancholme was not too cold and had no flow to impede the swimmers or kayakers. The bike route had to be changed from previous years because of the poor condition of some of the roads at the furthest point of the regular course. Instead we did two laps on good tarmac, very flat and giving opportunities for some fast times. Occasional cross winds were the only hazard we had to contend with. The run course was the same two lap circuits that have been used in recent years. Again flat, but going out through the Town Centre and then along the river in open country side there is enough variety to keep ones interest.

The event was dominated by age group competitors, taking the overall podium positions in the Men’s and Women’s races. Ferenc Csima (HUN) led the swimming and gradually increased his lead on Michael Mason (GBR) in the kayak and bike legs. Mason managed to pull back a couple of minutes on the run but not enough to prevent Csima finishing two minutes clear of him. Leos Rousavy (CZE) was out of the water from the swim in second place but was overtaken on the kayak course by Mason and then lost more ground and came in third. The three Masters 40 racers were well clear of the fastest Elite competitor, Steve Clark (GBR), in fourth place.

1st Helen Russell 2nd Helen Dyke 3rd Mary White

In the Women’s race, Helen Russell (GBR) led from the beginning and building up a big lead, it was only during the run that the second lady, Helen Dyke (GBR), could begin to close the gap by nearly 5 minutes. These two Masters 40 ladies were joined on the podium by the Masters 60 Mary White (GBR).

Mens Overall
Ferenc Csima HUN 02:35:40
Mason Michael GB 02:37:52
Rousavy Leos CZE 02:42:18
Clark Steve GB 02:45:50

Ladies Overall
Helen Russell GB 03:04:12
Helen Dyke GB 03:13:44
Mary White GB 03:26:55

A big thank you to Lincsquad, a club for multi-sport athletes, who organised the event. They did a very great job and made everyone welcome. Everything worked smoothly and the marshalling was outstanding.

Full Bomber Results 2018-Brigg-Bomber-Results

BQA Trophy Results 18-b-trophy brigg

WQF Results WQF World Cup 2018_3.1 brigg

Sprint European Championships – Azores 2018

Jean Ashley

The Quadrathlon World Cup season 2018 began on 24th April  with breathtakingly beautiful scenery and exciting competition. The Azores hosted the race on the charming island of Terceira in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and America. This was the first time the Sprint European Champions have taken place on this Portuguese island. At this early stage of the season there was much interest to see who had come through their winter training well and was able to reach a peak in form. Many top athletes were expected, so the excitement was high. See the full report below:

Mandy Greenaway was our only GB athlete racing, she enjoyed her trip even though all didn’t go as expected! Mandy had a good swim and kayak, unfortunately she had 2 punctures on the bike course, the first she fixed but could only repair the one. She was rescued from DNF by Lisa after she kindly lent Mandy her bike! Well done to Mandy for continuing and pushing on to finish the course! Big thanks to Lisa showing just how wonderful our Quad community is ‘Small Sport Big Heart’!

The Azores – shown off in all their glory

World Championships 2017 Sprint Quadrathlon, Komarno, Slovakia.

Admin

The World Championship – Sprint distance Quadrathlon, were held in Komarno, Slovakia on 12th August. Flying the Flag for GB was John Kavanagh and his sister Margaret Huyton. This is Margaret’s race Report, as you will read … as all wasn’t easy as their races unfolded!

After several days of very high temperatures, the day of the race saw cooler weather which was a relief to the British pair. strong winds did make the lake choppy and  conditions were very challenging, particularly on the down-wind turn where the wind whipped up the waves.

The start was on a beach, no wetsuits allowed. A swift run into the water and away everyone went. John was keen to beat his nearest age group rival Klaus, in order to score maximum points for the World Cup Series. John made 3 minutes on the swim, but Klaus clawed it back on the bike. The bike was 20km fast and flat flat 2, 10km loops with the closeness of the riders it was not always easy for the athletes to avoid drafting, the middle part of the field were troubled by this difficulty and several time penalties were given out, including John who had no recollection of drafting, but was given a 15 second time penalty!

John did extremely well in his borrowed kayak and pulled back the lead, despite the footplate breaking, John went onto the run 2 minutes up. On the flat, grassy course Klaus was catching John, but John dug deep and held on and beat Klaus by 36 seconds. His time was 01.46.35.3, giving him the Gold Medal and securing his ‘Vet 60 WQF Championship Title’.

Meanwhile, Margaret was enjoying her first overseas quadrathlon. All went well until she arrived at the kayak transition …. her boat was not there! She saw an Italian paddling away in it. Fortunately there were kayaks which faster paddlers had already used so she had to take one of those. After an unsettling few minutes, racing resumed. The run was uneventful and Margaret finished with a time of 02.06.30.4. taking the Ladies Vet 60 Gold medal! Margaret did ask why the Italian took the boat …. his answer was ‘I am an inexperienced paddler and could not stay upright in the boat he had borrowed’! Margaret your a Star #thisgirlcan

A huge well done to them both for staying composed during racing, thank goodness its not every day your faced with a drafting penalty, a broken footplate and having to paddle a kayak you’ve never been in before! Thank-you for bringing home 2 championship medals for GB!

First man overall was Enrique Garcia from Spain 01.19.34.5, and first lady and 14th overall was Lisa Teichert from Germany 01.31.58.3.

After a junior Tri, and then an open Tri, a relay race was held, swim, paddle and run. John made up a team with 2 German over 60s, Heinz Grohmann and Klaus Charlet called ‘The Seniors’. Whilst Margaret joined up with 2 young girls from Hungary and Czechoslovakia Bodolai Lili, Magdaléna Kolenová, called ‘Ladies International’ This was a fun event but taken seriously. Margaret’s younger team beat the seniors, coming 9th with John’s team coming 11th. Under Armour CZ won with the Spanish in 2nd place.

Both John and Margaret had brilliant day and wish to send ‘Many Thanks’ to the organisers Sport Club Slovakia, for 2 races in one day!

I must say the ‘Team race’ sounds a great idea … ‘Swim, Kayak. Run’ maybe that’s something the BQA should think about, especially at Sprint races?

See link for Komarno full report, results and photos

 

Top class racing at 2017 Long Distance Quad Křetinka (CZE)

Admin

After the last long distance quadrathlon in Hannover (GER), two years ago, the best athletes for this distance met in Lazinov, Křetinka (CZE). This was also the first long-distance race outside Germany since 2001, where the race was held in Prenzlau. John Kavanagh  was our only British athlete to race, and congraulations to him on finishing the Long course in very hot conditions. 4km swim – 90km bike – 20km kayak – 20km run in 10.03.27, taking the Vet 60 Championship title, well done John!

The names on the starting list promised an exciting race. Above all, the winner of the last four long-distance championships, Thoralf Berg (GER) wanted to defend his world title. Spaniard, Enrique Peces also wanted the title because this is the only World Championship distance that that he has yet to win. Similarly keen, was Leoš Roušavý, the Czech athlete, who has already won twice at this distance and this would be his home world championship. Also among the contenders for the podium were Dennis Möller (GER), Laurent Martinou (FRA) and David Jílek (CZE). Ferenc Cisma (HUN) would have been another hot favourite but he was not available as he has been in a collision with a car while cycle training (luckily, he is only slightly injured)An exciting race was therefore anticipated.

With clear blue skies promising a hot day and little wind it started at 8:15 with a long single 4km lap in the local reservoir. A leading group of Möller, Martinou, Jílek and Peces formed, with the Spaniard just off the pace of the leading three. Heading into transition for the first time, Roušavý had over 5 minutes deficit while Berg was another 10 minutes adrift.

The 90km cycle course consisted of a 6 x 15km laps. The surface was very good, the roads were closed to traffic and the gradients were never brutal. It was, however, not flat. About 1200m of climbing were accumulated as the day (and the racing) got hotter. Jílek had the fastest time and took the lead. Three minutes behind was Martinou with Möller only 2 minutes behind the Frenchman. About 12 minutes after the leader, the next strong group of Roušavý, Berg and Peces finished their cycling.

The final discipline was a challenging 20km running route. Four laps, starting with a short steep climb then undulating out to a turn to return. There was a feed station at the start of each lap and because of the high temperature (now over 30C) a water station had been added at the turn point. Möller set off 12 minutes ahead, but whether this would be enough was questionable as this was his weakest discipline. Peces and Berg caught and passed him but then Peces slowed up and had to retire in the third lap because of severe cramp. The conditions were taking their toll. By now the tarmac was melting and it was like running through treacle. This had its effect on Berg too, who was not as fast as usual. This was a chance for Roušavý, which he took advantage of, with a great run. By the end, he finished his home race as a new world champion. Berg hung on to finish in second place, closely followed by Jílek. Martinou, with fast run came in fourth.

Among the ladies, there was a duel between the two Czechians, Eliška Vondráčková and Radka Štýbnarová, with Vondráčková comfortably winning out in the end. Leading the way from the start, she continued to build her lead up to over an hour ahead. The previous champion, Lisa Teichert (and husband, Stefan) did not take part as her focus is on the shorter distances this year.

The relays also had a great race, with some outstanding performances. Six of the seven teams were faster than the individual’s winner. The fastest relay reached the finish line after only 5:41:04 hours, almost one and a half hours faster than Roušavý. Among the other competitors, as kayaker in a relay, Miroslav “Mr. Quadrathlon “Podborsky was there to display his skills again.

A big thank you goes to Pavel Knitl and his team who organised a great event. The task of putting on organizing a long distance quadrathlon is not easy and it was only the sixth long distance race since 2001.

by John Kavanagh

Emotional victory for Leoš Roušavý

Emotional victory for Leoš Roušavý

Hardest long distance for 20 years for Thoralf Berg

Hardest long distance for 20 years for Thoralf Berg

Strong performance also from David Jílek

Strong performance also from David Jílek

Laurent Martinou again only in fourth place

Laurent Martinou in fourth place

Fastest swim and kayak time: Dennis Möller

Fastest swim and kayak time: Dennis Möller

Radka Štýbnarová and Eliška Vondráčková

Radka Štýbnarová and Eliška Vondráčková

Results

Men

1. Leoš Roušavý (CZE) 07:08:55
2. Thoralf Berg (GER) 07:10:34
3. David Jílek (CZE) 07:11:13
4. Laurent Martinou (FRA) 07:17:41
5. Dennis Möller (GER) 07:22:59

Women

1. Eliška Vondráčková (CZE) 09:16:06
2. Radka Štýbnarová (CZE) 10:24:57

Magic Start to 2017 in the Atlantic!

Admin

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

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

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

 

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Race Video

Race Photographs

quadrathlon-terceira website

 

Team GB on 2017 Azores Tour!

Admin
17264365_1353113774727430_107563067456529823_n crop
Training Camp Smiley Squad!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GB RESULTS

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

Mary White – GOLD Vet 60 (2.10.14)

Cliff Odgers – SILVER Vet 50 (2.02.11)

John Kavanagh – GOLD Vet 60 (2.02.06)

John Redmond – SILVER Vet 60 (2.08.23)

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

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

 

World Cup Series Round-up 2016

Admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stefan Teichert

some-statistics-from-2016-world-cup

 

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.

 

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

 

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)