The Final BQA Trophy Race of the 2015 Season, took part in Bude on Saturday 19th September – This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, this race never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. but on Saturday we were blessed with the best weather I’ve ever raced at Bude in. The sea was flat, there was no wind, the paddle was very calm in the canal, the hills were still tough but being dry they seemed easier to climb, and the views were spectacular on the undulating run course!
Nigel Unwin
Local athletes, and ‘Teams’ took the next few places, but not far behind Oliver Main came 7th (3rd V40) 3.11.27 Oliver has completed 4 BQA trophy races this year.
Other BQA athletes flying the flag and racing very well were – Russel Brayer 8th (2nd V50) 3.14.02. – Ned Price 9th (3rd V50) 3.16.36 – and Peter Chappill 12th 3.29.08. John Kavanagh battled on despite feeling poorly, he eventually called it a day during the kayak. John has had a superb season it was a great shame he was unwell for the last race.
Jean Ashley took the individual lead on the swim and had a solid performance throughout winning in 3.25.24 (1st V50) with Emma Bartrop in 2nd 3.51.28 (1st V40). There were plenty of excellent lady athletes in Teams and Pairs, and here’s hoping they may go solo next year! Helen Parkinson a well know previous winner of the event, teamed up in a mixed pair (due to injury) still performing well in the swim and kayak she took the Pairs title.
A Big Thank-you to Simon, his family of helpers and all his Marshalls for putting on another great race … everyone enjoyed the day! The race was done and dusted by 2.00pm and as it was a Saturday there was plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Bude was buzzing … with a Food Festival, plus Live Music which entertained us, and there was plenty of surfing and body boarding to be had! If you didn’t make the race this year …. make sure its in your calendar for 2016 …. you’ll love it!
The BQA 2015 National Trophy prizes were also presented – Congratulations to Overall Winners Nigel Unwin and Jean Ashley, Phil Holden V40, Ned Price V50 and John Kavanagh V60.
Shrewsbury once again gave us a great day’s racing, blue skies, a calm fast river, if a ‘tad’ cold, with a strong current down stream but hard work up! A slight wind on the undulating bike course, and a fast flat run with the occasional muddy patch … all in all fantastic conditions for racing! We had good strong field of Quadrathletes, our top athletes and age groupers, plus 12 newcomers who all gave it their best and finished with happy faces!
Congratulations to Winner Steve King who took the lead from the start, with Adam Norfolk hot on his heels just 10 seconds behind after the swim/kayak. Steve put in the ‘joint fastest bike split of the day’ (shared with the overall winner of the Triathlon), he was a good 2 minutes ahead, however Adam put in the fastest run of the Quadrathlon but was still not able to catch him. Steve’s time -1.22.09, Adam 1.23.57. Meanwhile there was a battle for 3rd place with Stuart West coming in 3rd after the kayak, Nigel Unwin overtook him on the bike and ran well to hold his 3rd place 1.29.05. Stuart finished in 4th 1.32.49. BQA members Andy Childs and Phil Holden were battling on the run to finish 5th. Andy just held Phil off 1.36.34 with Phil in 6th 1.36.45.
Exiting her Kayak winner Jean Ashley
In the Ladies event Jean Ashley finally took first place. After taking the lead on the kayak, she was overtaken on the last mile of the bike, Jean had a speedy transition and the two leaders went out on the run together. Jean pushed hard and went into the lead finishing in – 1.45.14 with Jacqueline Davis, a strong Triathlete, (competing in her first Quadrathlon) in 2nd, just a minute behind 1.46.11. Another great performance in her first Quadrathlon was Heather Streetly she finished 3rd in 1.53.55. A great effort from all the other females who for many of them it was their first Quad …. and judging by their smiles ‘not their last’!
There was a great turnout of BQA Members, all getting valuable National Trophy Points, with 2 more races left their are no clear winners yet!I Thank-you to BQA athletes flying the flag this weekend, good to see you all. Duncan Pearson in 8th back in fine form after an injury 1.37.21. John Kavanagh 13th (1st vet 60) 1.41.27, and just behind his training buddy Ned Price 14th 1.42.08. Peter Chappill 18th also back from injury 1.44.38 looking strong again. John Redmond finish well 20th in 1.53.43 and great to see Alistair Bates Vet 60 back again, enjoying his race and finishing well in 25th … but 2nd Vet 60! Our other BQA member Margaret Huyton also Vet 60 came 5th lady overall putting in her best Quadrathlon performance to date …. Great Results Everyone.
The More Mature Quadrathletes – but super fit 🙂 … Peter, John, Ned and Jean
The Trophy Standings are still open with 3 races to count (must be a BQA Member to claim the Trophy/Prize). Nigel Unwin is in the overall lead at the moment having done 3 races, along with Phil Holden, John Kavanagh and Ned Price. Adam Norfolk is 5th but has another race to do, which could change the positions after the Fabian 4 this weekend. Jean Ashley is winning the ladies trophy but once again there are still 2 races left! So Good Luck to everyone racing at the Fabian 4 and the following weekend at Bude …. lets hope we get Sunshine like Shrewsbury!
I would like to say a huge thank-you to Gill Otto and SYtri for letting us, once again be part of there triathlon, British Quadrathlon really appreciate this ….. superbly organized, very friendly and great value for money, you left no stone unturned! The marshals were brilliant …. along with their ‘cow bells’ they made us feel very welcome. It was so good to see plenty of onlookers enjoying the Quadrathlon, and I have had so much positive feedback from the Quadrathletes, and from Triathletes all wanting to add another discipline next year! We hope SYTri will have us back next year for another great race….. thank -you.
A Huge Thank-you to Mark Pryor and his great Quadrac Racing Crew that put on a superb World Cup Race this weekend 12th July! Excellent organization, a superb course, great marshalls and goodie bags … loved my WQF Gym Towel, it certainly lived up to World Cup Status, Mark and his Team of helpers were extremely thorough in every aspect of their organization, a huge thanks to them for giving us a great race in the BQA callender!
It was wonderful to see some excellent racing and some top class competition, plus some drama on the MTBike course due to overnight rain on very hard ground, several athletes had some impromptu falls on slippy corners, no injuries but sadly a broken rear mech for top Quadrathlete Mike Mason. We had some great newcomers which is always great to see and as ever plenty of BQA Members all enjoying a great days racing at Box End!
A cloudy morning start, the rain had stopped but the wind was going to be fairly strong. It was a little choppy in the swim and a cross wind for the kayak, the wind stayed with us the whole race and was quite strong on the home word straight, but I don’t think it slowed any of us down too much!
Steve Rust was 1st out of the water (12.12) closely followed by one of our top Quadrathletes Mike Mason (12.14) a 2nd bunch of swimmers followed 30 secs later containing excellent kayakers Adam Norfolk, Stuart West and Nigel Unwin. Adam putting in the fastest kayak split of the day (22.03) caught up with Mike, they stayed together and went out on the bike at the same time. Stuart West ( top marathon paddler) in his first Quadrathlon moved into 3rd place, followed by a group of very strong athletes including Nigel, Steve Rust, Oliver Main and John Kavanagh.
Adam and Mike were flying on their bikes, nothing between them it was looking like an extremely close race …. Until on the 2nd lap Mike’s rear mech snapped as it hit the ground too close on a sharp corner, so sadly he had to pull out. Adam increased his lead and produced the fastest bike split of the day (37.15) Cross Bikes were certainly proving to be the fastest and most favourable, though hard bumpy ground with a few slippy patches did cause a few spills!
The race for the next 5 places was hoting up, Nigel and Stuart both had good bike splits, whilst Dil Wetherill, (his first Quadrathlon) Mark Pryor and Phil Holden had even faster splits which moved them up the field.
Overall Winner Adam Norfolk
Adam produced the fastest run also (20.07) and went on to win comfortably in 1.33.37. Nigel had a great run and moved into 2nd place 1.45.04, whilst Stuart managed to hold onto 3rd 1.46.26 with Mark chasing him down to take 4th 1.47.42. The closest finish of the day was fight to the bitter end with Phil Holden just pipping first time Quadrathlete Dil Wetherill just a second between them 1.49.14 and 1.49.15.
In the ladies race, newcomer Elaine Palmer was first out of the swim (14.06) with Octavia Chambers just behind and Jean Ashley 30 seconds later. Experienced quadrathlete Jean had a very swift transition and went into the kayak first place, her best discipline where she moved 4 mins ahead of Octavia. Meanwhile on the bike Octavia and Mary White started to eat into Jeans lead. Mary White riding her cross bike had a superb ride producing the fastest split of all the ‘girls’ (45.27). Jean was only 2 mins ahead after the bike but held onto her lead coming home in 1st place 2.02.44 with Octavia 2nd 2.06.12 and Mary 3rd in 2.09.00.
1st Overall Women Jean Ashley (V50)
There were plenty of good results and big smiles from all the athletes, it was good to see some of the old BQA members back in action after a layoff – Tony Runnegar 1.54.36, and Phil Nye 1.59.56, Roland Maclarg 2.08.05. Plus our regular BQA members Ned Price 1.58.41, Julian Brewer 2.01.08, Lance Ball 2.06.12, Peter Chappill 2.08.14 and another good performance from Margaret Huyton 2.27.02. I must also mention our one and only international competitor Peter Apelt, it was good to see him back in action after he’d suffered a bike accident early on in the year … well done Peter and thank -you for flying the flag for Germany!
Special mentions must go to our new BQA members and first time Quadrathletes Ian Webster 1.58.41 and Jeff Barns 2.15.11, excellent results from them both and I hope they really enjoyed their races and will be back for more!
2nd Overall Nigel Unwin (V50)3rd Overall Stuart West 1st Vet 40
It was great to see several of our BQA Members take a trip over to Hannover for the Long Course Quadrathlon World Championships which took place on 7th June. It consisted of 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 20km kayak and 21km run. In the Men’s event Thoralf Berg (GER) won in 6.55 with Leos Rousavy (CZE) in 2nd 7.00, and Lisa Hirschfelder took the Women’s title in 8.33.
Ned Price
A Big Congratulations must go to all our BQA members that raced and finished in this ‘very fine race’ in really hot conditions! Well done to those that came home with medals – John Kavanagh took Vet 60 Gold (8.52) and Ned Price took Silver in Vet 50 (8.53). Roland Maclarg came home in 8th Vet 40 (10.02). We also had a two man relay team racing –
Russel Breyer
Russel Breyer and Steve de Boltz from Ipswich Tri Club. They finished 6th (7.51) Russel’s words were ‘It was tough enough doing just half of this event, so I absolutely take my hat off to John, Ned and Roly doing the whole thing…and to Mary White for her category win in the sprint event on the Saturday. I really hope WQF run this event again, it was cracking fun!’.
Congratulations to Mary 4th overall in the Sprint and 1st in her age group Vet 60 (1.56)
If anyone has an photos of the GB athletes please send a few to me … Thanks! (Jean)
Wasserstadt Quadrathlons
While making plans for the forthcoming season before Christmas, going to Hannover in June for a world championship quad seemed like a good idea. So Ned Price, Mary White and I got our entries in early, before the price went up. There were lots of race options over two days, different triathlon distances and a sprint quad on the Saturday, more triathlons and a long distance quad on the Sunday (each with a relay team option). Mary entered the sprint and Ned and I opted for the long event. As we drove the 400 miles or so across Europe on the Friday we were a bit concerned about the temperature, 35°C – thank goodness for air conditioning.
The weekend was a little cooler, but at 25°plus it was still a lot hotter than we had been used to. On the Saturday morning we had time to look around and check out the bike course before Mary’s race. This involved a 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run and 4.2km paddle (and a final 300m sprint back to the finish). She was very pleased to finish under 2hrs (1hr:56min), being the 1st lady in the 60-69 year group and beating quite a few (younger men).
Ned and I had a 7:15 start for the 3.8km swim in a deep, wide and seemingly clean canal. An Ironman distance triathlon set off 15mins before us so it was encouraging that we were able to overtake some of the tail enders from this before we were out of the water. There was a 500m run to the bike transition but the organisers had provided matting for us to run over, then it was out onto 3 x 30km laps (mostly flat) for the bike course. The roads were closed in the direction of travel and police were at all the junctions and lights to ensure we had a clear ride. The kayak transition was another 300m from the bike transition so we had to put on running shoes to get there for 5 x 4km laps. Each lap had 4 turns but as the canal was wide these could be paddled around easily (unlike the Macclesfield Canal we use for training!). The run continued from the kayak get out for 2 x 10km laps of flat running but then there was final sharp uphill bit to take us to the finish.
Ned and I had a good race, I was well ahead after the swim but he overtook me on the 2nd lap of the bike. I just managed to catch and pass him on the kayak and had about a 1min lead going into the run. He caught me after about 5km and we were together then for a long time before I managed to get a slight lead. We were both very pleased to finish under 9hrs (John 8:52, Ned 8:53) and to find that I was 1st 60-69years and Ned was 2nd 50-59years. Also over from GB was Roland Maclarg (10:02) and, in the relay race, Russel Brewer and Stephen de Boltz from Ipswich Tri Club who did two disciplines each in 7:51….. John Kavanagh
And also thanks to Roly Maclarg for his report too
This was the first time I have done a long distance quadrathlon.
The brief at the start was in german and english by Peter the organiser, so we all understood the course.
It was a good swim in canal, two laps, with a slight current on outward leg, I should have gone for swim day before to find this out, as I would of stayed closer to bank on first and third leg and in middle of current for second and fourth leg.
The Bike consisted of 3 laps 30km each, one little hill, on closed roads in direction of racing, well marshaled through out. Excellent tarmac, one 100m section had just been resurfaced had to be a little careful. Police were out in force waving competitors through red lights and holding back traffic at traffic junctions.
I struggled on the kayak, 5 laps. My boat is a little wobbly and as fatigue started to set in and I found there was quite a lot of wash from the other kayakers to contend with.
The Run was 2 laps, a good course, though I would have preferred a bit more shade in places, it was getting very hot by this point in the day. It had been hot all day, and I had forgot sun cream ‘big mistake’. My second lap was slow, the heat had got to me, suddenly started feeling hot and then cold, I had drunk plenty through out the race, there were plenty of feed stations on bike, kayak and run, and lots of supporters cheering us on!
Overall this was a good event, Peter the organiser did a superb job running the Quadrathlon, along side half and long distance triathlon gave sufficient competitors to justify putting on a Closed road event …. Roly Maclarg
This certainly sounds like one for the diary in the future!
A great race report from ‘Team Tobermory’ posted on Lincsquad, I just wanted to share your story as you all fully embraced the True Spirit of Quadrathlon, and certainly felt the feel good factor that Lincsquad portray. I hope your Bomber experiences give you all the confidance to go out and smash the ‘Kindrochit Quad’. Good Luck ….. from the BQA
And so it dawned. The day of our first ever quadrathlon, the first real test of all our training so far. Were we fit enough? Would we survive? Our reckoning had come. Team Tobermory was a man down, with Alex enslaved by exams, but we were joined by Flora and Bella (of Daffodil-Bath-Half fame) and Macca (real name Tom) aka “Team Edinburgh”. Because YOLO.
It turns out that by entering the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon, we’d accidentally enrolled ourselves in the British Quadrathlon Championships. Cue some very serious competitors. Everyone else was wearing either a GB top or a face of professional grit and determination, and there was even a former Iron Man amongst the ranks. Our motley crew of amateurs caused much amusement amongst the organisers, especially as we were the only ones without our own kayaks and had to borrow the club’s spares (something they’d never encountered before), but more about that particular torment later.
Having already survived our 6am wake-up, burnt toast and a smoke alarm, we arrived at Brigg Leisure Centre and set up in the transition zone. For those of you who don’t know, this is a central area where you store your bike, paddle, food, and any other gear that you need for the different sections. Speed is key, so it pays to be organised. After shots of coffee, a safety briefing, and some pre-swim stretches, we were ready to face our first quadrathlon.
The Swim (1.5 km)
This was my first ever time swimming in open water, a baptism of fire, watery fire. We waded out from the chilly murky bank, opened the necks of our wetsuits and dunked ourselves under – the best way to acclimatise apparently. It was not pleasant. I shrieked as the water oozed it’s way down my wetsuit, like the ice bucket challenge in slow motion. Nothing for it but some frantic breaststroke to warm up, which to my surprise didn’t actually take too long. Wetsuits are amazing things. By the end of the swim I was practically hot!
As open water goes this course was really lovely. We were in a calm canal, so not too much scope for going wildly off course (although Matthew tried his best), and only water lilies to contend with. This section was a real highlight for Team Edinburgh with Macca finishing 8th, and Bella and Flora 2nd and 3rd females respectively. Team Tobermory languished somewhat further behind – I forgot all of my technique until the second half and was amazed at how hard I found it to breathe! It’s easy to see why people often panic, the cold water makes everything constrict and you feel breathless so much more easily. But Anna, now a seasoned Beaver, kept me reassured and together we finished the swim in only half an hour, much better than I was expecting!
The Kayak(7km)
After clumsily shedding our wetsuits (and who knew putting socks on wet feet could be so hard) we quickly learnt that the most important thing you need for kayaking is a rudder. Our borrowed vessels were not equipped thus and seemed intent on zig-zagging their way down the canal. Mine in particular was designed for slalom courses apparently and wanted to spin with every stroke. It was literally three strokes forward then one stroke back to straighten up and impossible to get any real speed. Watching everyone else overtake me in their sleek fibreglass vessels, until I was genuinely the last person in the race, was incredibly demoralising. And that was only the first kilometre, there were 6 more to go. Then it rained.
This kayak was unanimously the low point for all of us, almost more of a mental challenge than a physical one (although my hip-flexors would beg to differ). We were cold and wet, Anna paddled half the course with her paddle the wrong way up, Macca counted 40 people overtaking him (having started 8th!), and Flora and Bella were doing so badly that even I managed to catch up with them. It’s a testament to the power of team spirit how much having the others at my side helped. As the marshals shouted encouragement and advice we sang it’s raining men and paddled on, until finally finally we made it back, and climbed, stiff-legged and sore, from our kayaks, a good half hour after everyone else. On to the next one!
The Cycle(36km)
Munching a banana and gulping lucozade it was helmets on and bikes at the ready. Whilst Bella and Flora made a break for the loo (to the amazement of the organisers – it wasted a precious 5 minutes!) I set off into deepest darkest Lincolnshire. It was a lovely cycle route through several pretty villages and along golden fields of rapeseed. Not that I really appreciated it. My thoughts were all; “keep going”, “keep up the speed”, “keep pushing those peddles – flowers schmowers”.
But 5 minutes in and my hamstring flared up in a protest of pain. No no no, what was this? What had I done to it? Hang in there hamstring, I kept telling it, come on body, don’t let me down! Endurance challenges like this take you to a weird place mentally, or at least they do for me. I thought about stopping and preserving myself, but in my head that just wasn’t an option. It wasn’t like the worst pain ever, and how would I get back to Brigg anyway? As Flora and Bella caught up I forced myself to match their pace and carried on.
The Run(10km)
Back at the transition it was clear that carrying on any further was a really bad idea. I was bitterly disappointed and as Flora and Bella disappeared into the forest I just couldn’t stop crying. The frustrating thing was I knew I could do it from a fitness point of view, I knew I could run the 10k. I suppose there was also an element of why me, what had I done that the others hadn’t, why wasn’t I strong enough to complete it? I guess I just don’t do well with failure (no surprises there).
Whilst I have no personal experience of the run I have it on good authority that your legs take a while to switch over from their cycle state to a running state, and you feel like a weird heavy zombie to start with. Bella also felt sick most of the way round. That’s another challenge of the quadrathlon; managing your energy levels, and eating and drinking enough. In general though everyone pulled out great times and smashed it over the finish line still smiling.
The Take Home
To everyone’s great surprise Flora and Bella are now the joint British Quadrathlon Champions for Under 23 Females! They also came officially last, so much so that the prize-giving ceremony had to be delayed. But hey, still Champions. Anna also gained a prize, officially as ‘Best New Female’, but her trophy says ‘Best Over 70′. Clearly all that training has been taking its toll. The boys also did really well with Macca just missing out on 3rd place in his category, and, to Macca’s Dad’s utter delight, beating Matthew! Just.
Overall our first quadrathlon was a fantastic experience. The marshals, supporters and other competitors were incredibly friendly and encouraging, “spurring us along every step of the way” (Macca, 2015). Matthew also enjoyed having his name read out over the microphone at every transition because “it made me feel very important for 10 seconds”. If only he’d entered as the King in the North.
Despite my injury there’s still a lot that I’ve taken away from the day. I know that I can swim the distance and I’m much less worried about how cold it might be. It was also great to realise that we weren’t dead after 4 hours of exercise. Of course the Kindrochit Quad will be 3 times as long but we’ve come such a long way with our training already. More than anything I’ve realised how much I want to complete it, how determined I am to finish it whatever happens. As we head into June and our final month of training that extra motivation is invaluable. I really hope my injury isn’t serious and I can still train to my full potential, but come hill or high water, somehow I will do it and I’m determined to finish!
The BQA wish to say ‘Thank-you’ and a big Congratulations to Lincsquad for putting on yet another very successful Brigg Bomber. I have had lots of compliments and messages from very happy Quadrathletes all with very positive comments from their own race experiences, and as ever praising those wonderful marshals who turn out year after year, stand in the rain and encourage everyone! (it doesn’t rain every year!) A Big Thanks to all Lincsquad who helped make this great race happen, and once again a very worthy National Quadrathlon Championships 2015!
Michael Mason
Despite a lot of the BQA regulars missing due to other racing commitments and injury the racing was just as competitive and very exciting! First out of the swim was Junior Will Jackson about two minutes ahead of Michael Mason and Nigel Unwin. Mason showed his strength in the kayak and took the lead six minutes faster than anyone else in the kayak, he remained in the lead with a class performance on the bike. Unwin was a minute faster on bike, but Mason’s running was in a class of its own and he won by an outstanding 10 minutes (2:34:51)
2nd place was secured by Unwin (2:45:30), whilst Phil Holden moved into 3rd (2:03:41) with the young Will Jackson just behind (2:03:41). In 5th place then was the oldest starter John Kavanagh V60 a superb performance showing us all ‘age shows no bounds’.
Jack Garner
A special mention must go to Jack Garner, who finished in 16 place, Jack who is blind is connected by a cord in swimming and running, whist biking on a tandem, and kayaking in double kayak – total respect!
In the women’s race, Helen Dyke, the three-time world champion (2006-08) was back in Brigg. Helen and the previous year’s third place, Claire Moran came out of the swim together, but strong kayaker Claire took the lead by 14 minutes in the kayak. After cycling Helen was 8 minutes behind, but with Helen’s run, her strongest discipline to come she started to chase Claire down. It was only in the final straight that Helen moved into 1st place, a superb fight to the end! Helen (3:09:27) Claire (3:09:59). Third place went Sarah Allars (3:20:53) whilst Lincsquad’s own Sallie Joesph came in a very creditable 4th (3:29:51). Sister to the Male Vet 60 John Kavanagh, Mary White also came in 5th winning the Female Vet 60 prize … good family genes!
There were plenty of PB’s and personal achievements plus some exciting racing in the Team Event with TATA 340 from Scunthorpe taking 1st prize (2:44:17). Well done to all you Quadrathletes out there, and lets hope its a great start to your race season!
Overall Winners
Nigel Unwin 2nd Overall
MALE
Michael Mason (overall and Vet 40) 2:34:51
Nigel Unwin (Vet 50) 2:45:30
John Kavanagh (Vet 60) 3:07:01
Jack Garner (U23) 3:31:28
Will Jackson (Junior) 3:03:41 FEMALE
Helen Dyke (overall and Vet 40) 3:09:27
Julie Dimaline (Vet 50) 4:16:53
Mary White (Vet 60) 3:40:51
Isabella Jenkins & Flora Hay (U23) 4:29:09
Phil Holden 3rd, Michael Mason 1st, Nigel Unwin 2ndSarah Allars 3rd, Helen Dyke 1st, Claire Moran 2ndHigh Five to Stephen Cannings BQA from Steve Dolby BQA Kit Co-ordinatorJohn Kavanagh BQA Vet 60 ChampionPhil Holden 3rd Overall
Lance Ball new to Quadrathlon 2 years ago has written this race report of his day, it’s a great example of the feel good factor of the Race and to the sport we all enjoy and love. Thanks for sharing Lance … Enjoy the read!
I wasn’t sure whether I was looking forward to Brigg or not. I have raced this event the last two years, so knew that Lincsquad really do put on a great event. However, I hadn’t ventured into open water swimming yet this year as I much prefer the water to be a bit warmer.
As always, my family came along as support and we arrived the night before so at least we could get registration dealt with on the Saturday. Which meant that I could get a nice early night for the rather early start. Unfortunately Eurovision was on the television, which for some reason resulted in a late night!
Lance Ball BQA
On the plus side, we stayed in a hotel next door to a 24 hours McDonalds, so at least managed to get something hot and edible at 6am having decided that I needed something to warm me up before the swim. About 7am and it was the usual mad rush extracting the bike out of the boot, trying to put it all back together and get everything in to transition in some sort of order. 8:30am and we were off!
To my surprise, this year I didn’t spend the first 10 minutes feeling very cold and wondering why on earth I take part in this sport. On this occasion I instantly felt comfortable and got into my rhythm straight away. I’m used to bringing up the rear on the swim, so was pleased that I stayed amongst several competitors throughout. A hot breakfast must be the way forward.
Swim was completed in 30:44. A time that I was very pleased with. Slow compared to the fastest at just over 20 minutes, but much better than the 33:05 time of my previous year.
T1 was extremely slow. A split second decision was made to try and dry myself with a towel, plus put shoes, socks and a coat on for the kayak. Must remember to put elastic laces back in to the shoes, since wasted so long putting them on as they were laced up far too tight. T1 2:44 compared to the fastest at 30 seconds. I spent longer in T1 than getting a cooked breakfast!
Kayak went well. The river was a little calmer than last year and had very little flow. Completed in 55:19 which was 30 seconds slower than previous year. However, last year there were a lot more competitors which weren’t spaced out anywhere near as far from each other as this year. As a result, this year I couldn’t get anywhere near as many frequent drafts as I leap frogged from one competitor to another working my way up the field. Overall, I think I paddled a lot better this year.
The quickest set an amazing time of 38:29 for the kayak, quite a bit faster than even the second fastest at 44:17.
T2 was again very slow as I struggled to walk after losing the feeling in my legs from the kayak. The rain was just starting and I decided to put thermal gloves on in transition rather than doing so on the bike, as I’d probably fall off in the process. Must remember to get larger gloves out since they were so tight they were a right struggle to get on. T2 2:02 compared to the fastest at 28 seconds. Clearly I need to plan the transitions better!
As soon as the bike leg started the weather was horrible. At least I had a waterproof jacket and thermal gloves on. It couldn’t have been enjoyable for those just in lycra. The marshals were fantastic, remaining very enthusiastic and offering great support all around the course despite the conditions.
Bike time 1:11:41 which was nearly 4 minutes quicker than previous year. Very pleased with this time. Quickest bike of the day was 54:49.
T3 48 seconds compared to fastest of 42. At least one transition went o.k. especially fast since I decided to put fresh socks on, the previous pair having got drenched on the bike.
Run went great. The rain had stopped and the coat was discarded at long last. Felt strong all the way around and would happily have stayed out for a few more laps. Time 42:32 which was over 10 minutes quicker than previous year. Overall time 3:25:50 About 13 minutes quicker than previous year despite the rain, tougher kayak and dreadful transitions.
Lincsquad yet again put on a fantastic event. The marshals were amazing. Every one of them enthusiastically shouting support, even those posted out at the extremities of the course in the rain. This enthusiasm was shared by the competitors who shouted support and offered loads of encourage to fellow participants on the run. Lucozade was also a welcome new sponsor this year, so there were ample refreshments.
Having competed in several large running races recently, it was so nice to get back to an event where there wasn’t a single bottle, gel wrapper or piece of litter discarded anywhere. Instead of the dreaded mp3 players, the competitors were all friendly, acknowledged and encouraged each other throughout the race. I certainly plan to be back again next year, hopefully having improved my transitions.
Phil Holden, last years Vet 40 Trophy Series winner went up to Braemar, Scotland to do the Deeside Triathlon – Bike 35, Run 9.5 and Kayak 15miles (with grade 1 rapids). Thanks for your report Phil … certainly sounds challenging!
I had fun last weekend at the Deeside tri – thought you might be interested in a wee update!
Spending the week before walking in the Cairngorms (with even a hard won ski up Ben Macdui on 1 May) maybe wasn’t the best way to taper into this long event. Also, after a cold but bright week, the race day on Sunday brought steady rain all day, with temperatures of 2 degrees up to about 6 later and a stiff easterly headwind. I have never raced in so many clothes!
There were around 30 in the bike-run-bike duathlon, but only three entries in the bike-run-kayak Tri, of whom one didn’t show up, so just the two of us! I had the novelty of being first off in the one minute interval time trial start to the bike leg. With sweeping straights and a general downhill trend till the climb right at the end, the 35 mile ride from Braemar to Shooting Greens felt quite fast (till I later saw the impressive times others were doing). I started the 9.5 mile run still second on the course, but other speedy duathletes passed me running along the river to Crathes. A long transition followed here, with welcome dry clothes, and then it was into my trusty (but not hugely comfortable) old touring kayak for the fifteen miles down to Aberdeen. This took 2 hrs 47 mins, and I more or less lost feeling in my hands after about two minutes. A dozen or so grade 1 rapids spread along the leg added a dimension of route choice and a bit of technicality – a new experience with wing paddles in a long boat! At last the Bridge of Dee at Aberdeen came in sight, only to find that under this was the bumpiest wave on the whole paddle. One by one the five bridges in the city were passed and it was time to land at the Boat Club and attempt to stand up. Andrew Aitken, the other Tri paddler came in with Colin the kayak marshall not long after, and slightly better dressed for the weather in a full wetsuit.
What a great event, but a shame that more people didn’t take part. Hopefully it will carry on, and others will travel up and give it a go. Big thanks to the Fleet Feet team and all the marshalls who must have got nearly as cold and wet as the racers.
Sorry for the delay in the Box End Quadrathlon results and National Trophy Standings, I’ve just returned to reality after a couple of weeks in the Alps!
It was a great shame Box End suffered from low numbers, only 15 athletes took part, 14 in the Quad and 1 in the Tri. Its a great shame, and as Mark Pryor said ‘this may well put the race in jeopardy, if numbers do not improve this could well be the last year of this race’. A great shame as all the competitors that entered really enjoyed this tough little race!
Congratulations to overall winner Nigel Unwin, (1.51.50) still in fine form after his vet 50 tittle at the Worlds. He was being chased by much improved (since last year) Phil Holden who came in just 25 seconds later (1.52.15). Will Thurrell came in 3rd (1.56.06). Followed closely by a very quick bunch of over 50’s … this is certainly going to be a closely fought battle in the National Trophy Series!
Congratulations to Mary White the only female in the race, she had a very good race and had some excellent splits and came a very creditable 10th overall … well done Mary!
John Kavanagh quoted ‘Three of us made it from Macclesfield Canoe Club, Nicholas Price, Mary White and I, although it was only a small turn out we enjoyed. Its a great venue for a short distance race and the terrain makes the bike course a lot tougher than the distance suggests. Thanks very much to Mark and the organising Team’.
The National Trophy Results are hotting up after 3 Races, with just two more races left in the Series Shrewsbury Sprint, and the Awesome Foursome, Bude. Remember 3 races to count and you have to be a 2014 BQA member to have a trophy or prize. At the moment Phil Holden is winning (294 pts) with John Kavanagh in close 2nd (292pts), also winning Vet 40 and Vet 50 respectively. Robert Jefferies is winning the Under 23’s. In the Ladies Series Sarah Allars is winning (220pts) with Mary White just behind and winning Vet 50’s (217pts). Unfortunately the Fabian 4 is cancelled, so get your entries in for Shrewsbury and Bude if you want to increase your BQA points and make a difference!
What an amazing day for British Quadrathlon, the BQA are extremely grateful to Lincsquad for putting on a fantastic race, truly worthy of World Championship status! Everyone I spoke to has been blow away by how much effort had been made by Lincsquad, along with the support from the sponsors and the town ‘Brigg’. Believe me it was a very wonderful World Championships, every single athlete was made to feel so special! There were so many positive comments, the atmosphere was brilliant, everyone loved it Great Britain couldn’t of done it without you!
BE PROUD LINCSQUAD, you have certainly given the BQA and British Quadrathlon the best BOOST we have ever had!!
Male Winners World Champ Steve KingFemale Winners World Champ Sharon Colley
The standard of racing was World Class, with strong male and female athletes coming from Czech and Germany to defend their titles. Team GB (BQA members) took advantage of the championships being on home turf and had their strongest and biggest Team ever, a huge thank-you to all 36 of you racing for our GB Quad Team! Without your support (your BQA memberships), we would have no BQA (Governing Body) and so we wouldn’t be able to affiliate to the World Quadrathlon Federation, who allow us to host these amazing Championship Races.
As in true BQA style our GB Team is made up of BQA Members, who are at the top of British Quadrathlon, but just as important to us, it is also made up from members who want to share their passion, and spread the word for our sport! The BQA wish to thank every single member of the Team, for giving your very best and flying the flag for us, you have put British Quadrathlon back on the World Map!
We’ve had some amazing Results, Congratulations to Steve King and Sharon Colley who are the 2014 World Champions! We also hold a host of Age Group World Champions … A Brilliant Effort from Team GB …. Thank you all so much!
A Friendship in the making Lisa and Jean
World Champion – Steve King + Vet 40 GB 2nd -Tom Stead + Junior under 23 GB 3rd – Leous Rousavy CZECH 4th – Adam Norfolk GB 5th – Mike Mason British Vet 40 World Champion – Steve King GB Vet 50 World Champion – Nigel Unwin GB Vet 60 World Champion – Paul Belcher GB
World Champion – Sharon Colley + Vet 40 GB 2nd – Lisa Hirschfelder GER 3rd – Claire Moran GB Vet 40 World Champion – Sharon Colley GB Vet 50 World Champion – Jean Ashley GB Vet 60 World Champion – Mary White GB
A special mention to 3 family members that raced, John Kavanagh (7th Vet 50) and his 2 twin sisters both competing in their first ever Quadrathlon, Mary White and Margaret Huyton coming 1st and 2nd in Vet 60 age group, it was a very special moment when Margaret crossed the finish line, she may of been last, but in many eyes she was ‘first’ truely inspirational! Also Jack Garner lead by Peter Chappill finishing his first full distance Quadrathlon … another winner!
These are the main results, but I am sure every single one of you are very pleased at what you have achieved. I know you have all put in plenty of training, which isn’t easy over four disciplines especially through the colder months. Many of you may have had moments of doubt, but I hope your all very proud and you can reflect on your ‘World Championships’ … And now Bask in Your Glory’ and look forward to planning your next race!
Keep moving Forwards … Jean, and Ian (Smith) GB Team Coordinator
MALE World Champion + Vet 40 Champion – Steve King 2nd + World Champion U23 – Tom Stead
4th Adam Norfolk
6th Steve Clark
3rd Vet 40 – Mat Stephenson World Champion Vet 50 – Nigel Unwin
2nd Vet 50 – Ian Smith
13th Best Newcomer – Dr Bryce Dyer
3rd Vet 50 – Nigel Crowe
19th Best Vet Newcomer 4th Vet 50 – Nick Dallimore
4th Vet 40 – Andy Childs
8th Vet 40 – Phil Holden
5th Vet 50 – Duncan Pearson World Champion Vet 60 – Paul Belcher
7th Vet 50 – John Kavanagh
10th Vet 50 – Russell Breyer
11th Vet 50 – Adam Younger
12th Vet 50 – Edward Roberts
12th Vet 40 – Steven Dolby
14th Vet 50 – Nicholas Price
16th Vet 50 – Tim Deykin
4th U23 – Adam Ingleton
16th Vet 40 – Lance Ball
17th Vet 50 – John Redmond
18th Vet 50 – Stephen Cannings
19th Vet 50 – Tim Down
18th Vet 40 – Mike Waters
2nd Vet 60 – Ian Hipkins
FEMALE World Champion + Vet 40 Champion Sharon Colley
3rd – Claire Moran World Champion Vet 50 -Jean Ashley World Champion Vet 60 -Mary White
2nd Vet 50 Caroline Dallimore
4th Vet 40 – Vicki Watson
3rd 30 – 39 – Deb May
2nd Vet 60 – Margaret Huyton
Race Report
By what some would call typical British weather-Brigg North Lincolnshire put on a wonderful World championships (middle distance). Quality field of Top athletes and hardened masters!
After a false start – where the whole field was brought back, saw the nervous field start and a group of three form with Favorites Steve King, Tom Stead and German Stefan Teichert who strung the field out with a one minute lead at the end of this river swim.
Adam and Michael
After a very quick transition we saw King take the lead and with one of the fastest kayak splits to build a lead going into the bike. Teichert positioned himself well in second, but then had to let Mike Masson go into second place. 4th saw fastest paddle Adam Norfolk (GB) and the 5th Leoš Roušavý and youngster Stead in 6th.
On The bike King was steaming along and only built on his lead. Tom Stead On the bike was just a Machine and rode himself into a chance of a top placing with a bike time four minutes faster than anybody else. Behind saw Teichert, Rousavy, Norfolk, Masson and Steve Clark (local man) fighting out for the Podium.
In the run we saw King cruising and enjoying the win-although Tom Stead chased hard and showed he is the talent for the future finishing only 14 seconds down. Roušavý completed a good race to finish third.
The ladies race saw Favourite Lisa Hirschfelder come out of the water two minutes ahead. But then in the kayak we saw Sharon Colley paddle an incredible time that only five men could top. Also British lady Claire Moran put in a top paddle performance to move in to second place.
On the bike Hirschfelder caught Moran and cut the lead down from Colley. Colley pushed on hard in the run and kept her lead. Lisa (GER) put in a great performance to finish 2nd and GB finished on the podium again with Claire Moran’s top performance. Veteran athlete Jean Ashley gained on Claire Moran on the bike, but they both had similar run splits so Jean came home in 4th, but 1st Vet 50. With Sarah Allars having a superb run coming home in 5th.
In the Mens Vet categories we had Mat Stephenson (V40) being chased down by Nigel Unwin (V50) and Ian Smith (V50) all fighting for places. Mat came home 3rd Vet 40, with Nigel 1st Vet 50, just holding off Ian Smith. It was great to see 2 of our original Quadrathletes in the Over 60’s catagory. Ian Hipkins and Paul Belcher both have been racing Quads since they originated. Paul won the Vet 60’s and finished a very creditable 21st overall.
Some excellent racing by all age groups, Lincsquad did a sterling job to make a fantastic race and will deserved the title world championships. All good for the future of the great sport.
Congratulations to all athletes that did the Fabian4 on 8th September 20013, the 4th race in the BQA Trophy Series! I have just had this report from Jackie Keasley, it was Jackie’s first time at an event like this and she had only been paddling a couple of weeks, she had a fantastic time and did very well …. this is her report!
The Dyffrn Conwy Mountain Triathlon is a brilliant race organised by a very enthusiastic team of dedicated kayakers, runners & mountain bikers. The organiser, Ellie Salisbury who is part of Fabian and processes our Four Villages entries, encouraged me to take part despite me not having been in a kayak for 20 years. Ellie put me in touch with Chester & Conwy Canoe clubs and over the last month I have been encouraged all along the way by the most friendly club members who have taught me the basics over 6 sessions on the Dee (thanks to Jean & John etc), River Conwy (thanks to Penny & James et al) and Manley Mere.
On Saturday tea time, Bill & I met up with Penny from Conwy Canoe club who had kindly arranged for us to pick up a 5.2m Kirton Tempest kayak. It didn’t fit in the camper van so 3 other competitors, who were also there picking up their kayaks, helped us attach it safely to the high roof of our camper van. We overnighted at the race base, Trefriw Rugby Club. Following a team brief at 9:30 there was a mad dash to the RSPB reserve at Conwy. After launching the kayaks we lined up on the start line at the bridge embankment with the iconic Conwy Castle looking down on us.
Weather was mixed with sunshine and showers with a southerly wind. The start was 1 hour before high tide. A 13K open water estuary paddle followed. I could not believe the different conditions met en-route; choppy wind blown waves, made worse by a passing motor boat, whirl pools, faster flowing currents, interspersed by tranquil patches. The notes said follow the scum for the best current! This was a good tactic but in that scum was a lot of debris including seaweed and floating logs, which caused a wobble when the paddle caught. All this was a bit nervy for me who was paranoid about capsizing – I have not got the greatest affinity for water ! Under the Tal y Cafn bridge for a photo shot and onto the finish at Dolgarrog. The river was quite narrow and it was the most amazing feeling paddling, alone by this time, but not quite at the rear. The silence was amazing, alongside the most gigantic reed beds (SSSI) wafting in the breeze. A muddy reception team dragged me up the slippery bank and took care of the kayak.
A quick stretch, then off on a 13K fell run. There was an early steep climb up to the Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir following the hydro pipeline (yes it’s got to be steep). Lots of encouraging marshals along the way, and the provision of drinks & jelly babies at the dam before a further climb to 500m (in heavy rain). Despite the rain and drinks I could not get rid of the dry salty taste from the kayaking. Bog and slippery paths down through bracken and bramble in parts followed. Yes summer is over and the ground is now back to normal after the dry spell! Finally crossed the Crafnant road for the final steep drop down to the Rugby Club.
A quick changeover, more jelly babies & a banana, and a thankful sit down on the bike. Then up the steep tarmac road to the Marin Trail Carpark for an 18K ride, dodging on and off the Marin Trail. A figure of 8 route around Lynn y Park. A mixture of forest tracks and narrow single track, current forestry operations making some of the wide tracks very muddy and hard work especially as by now it was pouring down. Managed to ride more of the Marin than I imagined, and have now got over my phobia of riding through deep puddles you can’t see the bottom of. An enforced rest to release a jammed chain, before a final series of slippery slate drops defeated me and I ran with the bike instead. A muddy track with fords and finally down to a waiting crowd at the muddy finish. A fabulous quick hot shower at the Rugby Club made me look more respectable; rugby showers are obviously designed for mud ! Into the bar, just in time for the presentation, a delicious veggie curry and cuppa + pint of shandy.
All in all a brilliant experience in an amazing location, just 1 hour from here. A very well organised complex event with a incredible number of marshals and helpers on the day + it must have taken many hours to plan. So a big thankyou to the Ellie and the organisers, marshalls & helpers at Map17 events + a very big thankyou to all those friendly paddlers at Chester & Conwy for all the encouragement and help along the way this last month.
Results
Mens solo winner 3:28 Adam Norfolk London Fire Brigade Tri
Ladies solo winner 4:47 Caroline Dallimore Mynyddwyr De Cymru
Team winner 3:14 Team C T & C * There was also a team event with individuals competing each leg, to include one lady per team
My time ‘Jackie’ 5:37 Kayak 1:34 Run 1:55 Bike 2:07. Only 4 solo ladies and 3 of those were V50+ !!! Well Done Girls!
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Jean Ashley took the individual lead on the swim and had a solid performance throughout winning in 3.25.24 (1st V50) with Emma Bartrop in 2nd 3.51.28 (1st V40). There were plenty of excellent lady athletes in Teams and Pairs, and here’s hoping they may go solo next year! Helen Parkinson a well know previous winner of the event, teamed up in a mixed pair (due to injury) still performing well in the swim and kayak she took the Pairs title.
