Category: News

Developing Quadrathlon in and around Shrewsbury

Admin

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

Hello Fellow Multi-Sporters

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

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

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

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

Phil Holden

 

Rules and Regulations

Admin

In order to align with other International Bodies the BQA adopts the Rules and Regulations of the WQF,  and also adheres to British Triathlon Rules.

The sport and competition order (Rules) should allow a fair and comparable competition through common followed rules. Every athlete is committed to these rules and should not try to take any personal advantage from a loophole. He/she should appear adecent and sportive attitude throughout the entire competition.

Having said this, the sport and competition order defines binding rules. These rules are on basis of field tested experience and meaningfull procedures without constraining the competition.

The World Quadrathlon Federation Sport and Competition Order

Content

Preamble 1

1. Fundamentals 2

2. General Rules for competitions 2

3. Penalties 5

4. Swim 8

5. Bike 10

6. Kayak 13

7. Run 14

8. Transition areas 15

9. Categories, Events 15

10. Definitions and Distances 17

11. Associated sports 18

12. Commencement 18

Please follow the link below for the The full WQF Rules WQF-Sport-Rules

We also adhere to British Triathlon Rules BTF competition_rules

BQA Event Organisers Guide BQA-Event-Organisers-Guide

The BQA have launched  A ‘QuadKidz’ National Series, with 3 events taking place over the season, we are very pleased to be promoting these events and we look forward to seeing our ‘Quadstars’ of the future! 

The BQA have put together A ‘QuadKidz’ Organisers Event Guide and Rules. Adhering to BTF Tristar Rules. BQA-QUADKIDS-Organizers Guide

Addendum to WQF RULES                                                                                                               
Please note the BQA are allowing the following addendum to WQF rule 9.2

The age group eligibility per distance categories are:                                                             

  • QuadKidz: Mini course – WITH PARENTAL CONSENT
  • Youth: Sprint, Middle – WITH PARENTAL CONSENT
  • U23: Sprint, Middle
  • Senior and Masters:Sprint, Middle, Long                                                                                                                                                    

1) QuadKidz: 9-12, 13-15,
2) QuadKidz/Youth: 16 -18 years
3) U23: 19 – 22 years
4) Senior: 23 – 39 years
5) Masters: 40 years and older.

Masters are separated in the following age groups:
Vet 40: 40 – 49 years
Vet 50: 50 – 59 years
Vet 60: 60 – 69 years
Vet: 70 years and older

The age band category that you fall into depends on your age on December 31st in the year of competition. Example: If you are 40 on December 31st 2018, then for the whole of 2018 you will compete in the Vet 40 age-group.

The New Dearne Valley Quadrathon!

Admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Race information, and useful guidelines for the Quadrathlon 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The First Ever ‘QuadKidz’

Admin

Dearne Valley ‘QuadKidz’ and TriStars

Sunday 11th June 2017, Manvers Lake, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham 

The BQA are very pleased to have this sprint race back in our calender, but more than that, we are so excited to announce that there will be a ‘QuadKidz’ event … Our very first Junior quadrathlon! This is great news for our sport and we hope to see lots of youngsters taking up the challenge, we cart wait to see ‘our budding Quadrathlete Stars’ of the future in action!

QuadKidz Quadrathon Distances – Swim, Bike, Paddle and Run                                                                               

QuadKidz (ages 9 to 12): 100m Swim, 2k Bike, 400m paddle, 2k Run – Price £6.00

QuadKidz (ages 13 to 16) : 200m Swim, 4k Bike, 800m paddle, 2k – Price £6.00

Tri Stars 1/2 and 3/Youth are the same distances as above without the paddle.

16 years and above can race the Sprint Quad: 800m Swim, 15k Bike, 4k Paddle, 5k Run – Price £15.00

Showers, changing rooms available, on site café. Commemorative medal to all finishers. There are a Limited number of canoes available to use/hire
For more information about the course and to Enter the Event go to Dearne-valley-triquad.html

TeamManvers are offering training sessions through May 2017, so please get in touch for details. Mark Benton 07704111414.

Don’t miss this exciting New Event!

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

 

GB team

Admin

The World Championships, and European Championships take place every year in Middle and Sprint distances. Every other year the WQF have a Long Distances World Championships, these Races are published on our Events page, or can be viewed on the WQF website.  

Any BQA member can apply to represent the GB Team at the World/European Championships. Please read the GB Team guidelines below.

Ian Smith GB team Coordinator

Purpose of GB team

• Inspire team members and other athletes
• Represent BQA and British quadrathletes
• Raise expectations/standards of quadrathlon in GB
• To compete successfully, and help to promote international competition.

Selection of GB team

The GB team is a collection of athletes brought together for a specific competition, or series of competitions.
The method of team selection, if required, will be published on BQA website before the target competition. It will be based on

• Results at nominated selection events
• By application to team coordinator/BQA
• By invitation from team coordinator/ BQA

Role of team coordinator

To facilitate athletes to compete at international events
Coordinate selection of GB team
Liaise between athletes and event organisers/ BQA/WQF
Raise the profile of International Quadrathlon events

Role of athletes representing GB

• Be able to compete on the type of course, and in the environment of the ‘Target Race’. Any athlete uncertain of their suitability should contact the team coordinator for advice
• be comprehensive members of the BQA
• to comply with World Quadrathlon Federation (WQF) regulations.
• be prepared to dress and conduct themselves in a manner befitting a British Team member
• be prepared to give support to the Sports Council and other sponsors in promotional aspects

Age Groups representing GB

Each age group will be considered, and ranked, separately.The age group eligibility per distance categories are:

Youth : Sprint, Middle, WITH PARENTAL CONSENT
Junior: Sprint, Middle
U23, Elite and Masters: Sprint, Middle, Long

Youths: 16 – 17 years
Juniors: 18 – 19 years
U23: 20 – 22 years
Elite: 23 – 39 years

Masters: 40 years and older.

Masters are separated in the following age groups:
Masters 40: 40 – 49 years
Masters 50: 50 – 59 years
Masters 60: 60 – 69 years
Seniors: 70 years and older

BQA Committee.

 

2016 National Trophy Champions

Admin

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

The Brigg Bomber

Box End Sprint Quadrathlon

Shrewsbury Sprint Quadrathlon

Fabian 4 Mountain Challenge

The Awesome Foursome

FINAL TROPHY RESULTS  2016 Final Results

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

MEN Overall Winner Perpetual Trophy Male Steve King

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

Vet 50 Male Russel Breyer

Vet 60 Male John Redmond

WOMEN Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Female Jean Ashley

U23 Female Louise Beedham

Vet 40 Female Jacqueline Davies

Vet 50/60 Female Mary White

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

SEASON ROUND-UP

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

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

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

Jean Ashley

2015 National Trophy Champions

Admin

Bude Awesome Foursome was a perfect end to our 2015 National Trophy Series, with the last race of the series being the final decider for most of the prizes! The series has been made up of 6 races, but unfortunately The South Yorkshire Quad had to be cancelled so Trophy Points were taken from the 5 races below.

The Brigg Bomber

Box End Sprint Quadrathlon

Shrewsbury Sprint Quadrathlon

Fabian 4 Mountain Challenge

The Awesome Foursome

FINAL TROPHY RESULTS 2015 Final Results

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 our 2015 Winners!

For the first time ever we had 2 athletes with 340 points after 3 races, Adam Norfolk and Nigel Unwin. At the last race of the season Nigel had to win outright to get the 120 points he needed to equal Adam’s score, this he did, so we had to take the 4th race into account. This gave Nigel the advantage and so he took the 2015 BQA Trophy.

Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Male Nigel Unwin Runner up Adam Norfolk

Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy Female Jean Ashley

Vet 40 Male Phil Holden

Vet 50 Male Ned Price (role down as Nigel Unwin won Overall Trophy)

Vet 60 Male John Kavanagh

The Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’. This year it was given to John Kavanagh for his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon, after a good season last year he went on to organize Winter Quad Training for like minded athletes. He raced 4 of our races, but also went to the Long Course World Quad Champs in Hannover, and Won Gold and also the the World Middle Distance in Poland winning Silver. He has won the BQA Vet 60 Trophy and also the World (WQF) Gold Medal and Crystal Globe …… and just to top it all completed in the Bolton Ironman! Well Done John … an outstanding year!

2015 Round Up This season 74 males and 26 female athletes took part in the series, slightly down on last year. It was good to see plenty of first timers and great to see commitment from our BQA members, plenty of top class racing from our age groupers and elite athletes too.  For the first time ever we have had to add another age group ‘Vet 60 male and female’, they now stand on their own with 4 males and 3 females racing this year! We could do with gaining a few more youngsters U23’s and also females, although we’ve had plenty of Women race this year, we haven’t had many do more than 1 or 2 races. The BQA hope everyone enjoyed their quad season and will be back for more challenges and races next year, please tell your friends and help spread the word!

All of our Quad Races this year have been superbly organized by enthusiastic ‘Teams’ of like minded people and athletes, all enjoyed by the competitors ! A Huge thank-you for their commitment, affiliation fees and for providing us with great races with the Aim to Keep our Small Friendly Sport ALIVE! The BQA help to promote these races and supply the Race insurance so its vital we have YOUR support in both competing at these races. A Big THANK-YOU to all our quadrathletes and especially the 2015 BQA members, we really appreciate your memberships and continued support!

Thank You, the Quad Season is over for 2015, rest, revitalize and plan your 2016 Goals ….. you’ll come back refreshed and motivated and ready for Action in Olympic Year!

 

 

Final Race BUDE! 2016 Trophy Results after 4 Races

Admin

I hope your looking forward to our final race this weekend Last but not least its our Awesome Foursome Quad NATIONAL Championships – 24th September This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, this race in Bude never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers ….  it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race to end the season! Starting in the sea, there’s plenty of hills, a historic canal and amazing coastal views … it’s one of those addictive races that keeps drawing you back. The race is on a Saturday so plenty of time for sun, sand and surf too! Make sure your at our National Championships … National Trophy Prizes will be awarded to BQA Members …  Get your entry in and I will see you in Bude!

More Information Awesomefoursome Quadrathlon

The Latest Trophy Results after 4 races, are done big thanks to John Kavanagh for compiling  the Results, … its certainly hotting up with the final race coming up on Saturday!

Just a couple of Rules – Please Remember you have to be a BQA 2016 member to qualify for the Trophy/Prizes (to clarify, members are marked with a ‘Y’ in the first column). If an Age Grouper takes the Overall Prize, the age group prize will role down to the next Quarathlete in their age group. You must have done 3 races to qualify for a Trophy/Prize.

Good Luck Everyone this weekend, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the National Championships in Bude, we might be in for some surf!! The Trophy Prizes will be presented! Saturday Racing, so plenty of time to celebrate on Saturday and surf on Sunday!!