Full Width Page

Another Successful Shrewsbury Sprint Quad 2017

Admin

Once again we had a great day’s racing at the 6th Shrewsbury Quadrathon, a true testament to the Event organizers Gill Otto and SYTri. The Event goes from strength to strength and this year sold out at the end of July with 25 males and 25 females entered! The weather this year was showery, windy and a tad chilly, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, as ever the Quadrathletes were giving it there all and enjoying this great sprint event!

The river was calm with little current this year, so great for the kayak leg. The wind was all over the place on the undulating bike course, which made it feel quite tough this year. The run was fast flat run with the occasional muddy patch, so we expected times to be slightly down on last years. We had good strong field of Quadrathletes, our top athletes and age groupers, plus plenty of newcomers who all gave it their best and finished with happy faces and podium places!

Congratulations to Winner Steve King who took the lead from the start, his closest rival being Bryce Dyer, good to see him back racing a quadrathlon again (he’s been concentrating on Tri’s and Time Trials for the past few years). Steve put in the fastest splits across 3 disciplines (swim/kayak/run) to win comfortably (1.26.23). First timer James Block was 2nd going on to the bike after a strong swim and kayak, but Bryce put in an awesome Bike split, (the fastest of the day including the athletes in the Triathlon), which moved him into 2nd place (1.31.’31). James had a strong run and finished in 3rd just 6 seconds behind Bryce (1.31.37). Alan Cole new also to quads this year had a good strong race and came home in 4th (1.32.07)

There was a real battle going on for the next few places, with BQA members all looking for valuable Trophy Points as the Mens Overall Trophy and Vet 40 & 50 are still up for grabs!
Vet 40 Phil Holden came 6th with Nigel Leeson in 11th. The Vet 50 category is very competitive this year with Julian Brewer 7th, Nicholas Farnell 8th, Cliff Odgers 11th, Russel Brayer 12th, Peter Chappill 13th so this could get very close at the last race in Bude! John Kavanagh Vet 60 came home in 14th and secured his BQA National Trophy Age group title, a great season for him as he was also awarded with the WQF Glass Globe for winning his Age Group in the World Series too.

There were lots of solid performances from our 11 BQA Male Members, and so good to see them flying the flag for us … Thank-you we really appreciate your support and valuable membership!

4th Alan Cole (1.32.07)
6th Phil Holden (1.37.09)
7th Julian Brewer (1.38.13)                                                                                                                                                   8th Nicholas Farnell ( 1.40.12)
9th Nigel Leeson (1.41.03)
11th Cliff Odgers (1.43.01)
12th Russel Breyer (1.43.54)
13th Peter Chappill (1.45.37)
14th John Kavanagh(1.47.03) – Vet 60 BQA Trophy Winner
10th Lance Ball (1.52.07)
17th Jeff Chappill (1.58.03) great to see him back racing again!
21st Alistair Bates (2.09.05) another great BQA supporter, good to see you competing again!

There was a fantastic turn out from the Ladies, with more first timers performing well and great to see 4 new Diva Divas Quadrathletes racing again … well done Lisa Grantham, Nicola Perrins, Sandy Cornfield Bebbington and Mandy Lewis! Helen Russell was first out of the swim with Jacqueline Davies hot on her heals, Jacq paddled strongly to take the lead in the kayak with Jean Ashley moving into 2nd place. Helen’s strong biking moved her into 1st place which she held onto to win the ladies race in (1.39.28). Jacq went into the run in 2nd but Jean pushed hard and moved into 2nd place (1.45.17) at the end of the first lap. Mean while newcomer Natalie Abbott was having a great race and moved up to take 3rd, (1.46.45) with Jacq finishing just 30 seconds behind in 4th place (1.47.16).

We had 9 ‘BQA Girls’ racing very well and earning vital Trophy Points, which concluded the 2017 series, once again the BQA appreciate their support.

1st Helen Russell (1.39.28) – Overall BQA Trophy Winner
2nd Jean Ashley (1.45.17) – Vet 50 BQA Trophy Winner
4th Jacqueline Davis (1.47.16)
7th Mary White (1.55.24) – Vet 60 BQA Trophy Winner                                                                                                  11th Victoria Price (1.59.34)
13th Mandy Greenaway (2.01.59) in her first EVER Quad Season .. great result!
14th Margaret Huyton (2.02.53) this included sacrificing time to rescue a capsized competitor … in true Margaret style! .. Thank-you Margaret she also got a prize for the “most elegant exit from a kayak”
17th Donna Chappill (2.05.21) Well done completed 3 quads in the trophy Series, 3rd Vet 50
22nd Louise Beedham (2.18.26) U23 BQA Trophy Winner

Sallie Joseph (wasn’t racing) but has done 3 races and takes the – Vet 40 BQA Trophy Winner

Full Results here 2017 Quad race-results

A great effort from all the other athletes too, good to see plenty of smiles and here so many complementary positive comments about the event. A big thanks again to all the competitors for taking part and also to the ‘Race Organizers’ all the marshals, family and friends that made this yet another successful Shrewsbury Quadrathlon! See you nest Season!

I had great pleasure in presenting Gill Otto with the ‘The Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy’ 2017 For Endeavor. Gill has shown Enthusiasm & Commitment to Our Sport for many years.
She has been dedicated to Organizing the ‘Shrewsbury Quadrathlon’ for the past 6 years producing a brilliant race for us all to enjoy! She has encouraged so many to take part and is a true ambassador for our sport … We Really Appreciate Your Efforts Gill THANK-YOU from BQA.

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

 

Shrewsbury & Bude Final 2 Races in BQA Series!

Admin

I hope you all enjoying the summer, getting some good training in and enjoying being out in the elements, open water swimming, paddling nice rivers, and biking and running around the lanes and even hitting the trails! We have just 2 races left in the series this season, Shrewsbury and Bude. Hopefully your a lucky one who has one of the 50 places at Shrewsbury, which sold out in July. However there is one last race that is still open for entries –   Last but not least its our Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon in Bude, 16th September!  

This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons in the country, in the lovely Cornish Town of Bude! This race draws me back each year and it never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers but mainly blue bird skies …. it is always fun, exciting and challenging, such a great way to end the season! Starting in the sea, we swim along side the breakwater to a buoy where we turn and swim back, (sometimes body surfing) to the beach, where we run back towards the sea lock and jump in for a 2nd lap.

The bike leg is next and there’s plenty of hills on the way out, a scenic challenging ride on small lanes, with 3 tough hills followed by a very fast speedy downhill back to the town. The third discipline is the kayak paddling in the historic canal, several laps with lots of encouragement from spectators and also the ducks! Finally the run is back down the canal tow path, and then up and over the hill to run back along the coastal path, and if you’ve got time make sure you take in the amazing coastal views!

The great thing about this race is its on a Saturday so plenty of time for sun, sand and surf too! Simon from Shoreline Activities, along with his family and friends from Bude, have been running this race for many years, they turn out year in year out always with big smiles and open arms to meet us all. Its great to support them, so make sure you get your entry in (Individual or Team) and lets keep this Great Race ALIVE!

The National Trophy Prizes will be awarded to BQA Members at the Prize Giving also.

Applications on-line or by post. Postal application form attached.

2017 Awesome Foursome

 

2017 Deva Diva’s ‘The Full Story’

Admin

The first ever ‘Ladies Only Quadrathlon’ IN THE WORLD took place on 16 July 2017 on the banks of the River Dee in Chester, running in parallel to the Deva Divas Triathlon which, in 2016, won the coveted British Triathlon ‘Event of the Year’, Triathlon England ‘Club Event of the Year’ and also North West ‘Regional Race of the Year’! It being the 11th year of the Deva Divas which aims to encourage women into the sport of triathlon, organisers Sally Napthen and Jean Ashley wanted to celebrate with something a little bit different – hence the Deva Divas Quadrathlon – if ever there was history in the making, this was it!

The 30 places available were snapped up in a matter of days – the event sold out before Christmas and the waiting list grew and grew as a result of advertising by word of mouth and the BQA. The biggest draw to the race, apart from it being a World First (did I mention that?!) was the fabulous 12-week canoe course (from beginner to K1 paddler) that the Queen of Quad, Jean, along with Chester Canoe Club coaches John and Carol Hatton offered as part of the training package. And 16 of our Deva Divas took them up on it. Much to the surprise and delight of all three coaches, all the ladies progressed rapidly; so much so that for the day of the race, the type of kayak that was required meant boats were borrowed from canoe clubs far and wide – a big thank you to all!

The morning of the race dawned and it was a bit drizzly, but that did absolutely nothing to dampen the spirits of the Quadrathlon ladies. All the kayaks were laid out by the wonderful helpers, whilst all the participants racked their bikes, helmets, paddles, buoyancy aids and other race paraphernalia in transition. After a very entertaining race briefing and group warm up for all the quadrathletes and triathletes, we walked together to the swim start upstream. Us quad ladies were the first to go off at 8:20 and after a quick Oggy Oggy Oggy, the race official blew the foghorn and we were off.

As a strong swimmer, Jacqueline Davies took the lead immediately on the swim (13:29) followed closely by Quad newcomers Adele Blakeborough (14:07), Alison Rosenburgh (14:32) and Susan Redfern (14:34). The other ladies swam well with big groups coming in together at around the 16 – 18 minute mark, making the most of the downstream flow. All finished safely well under 30 minutes. Meanwhile at the head of the race, Adele’s prowess in a kayak was soon demonstrated and she passed Jac very quickly on the upstream section and continued to gain distance finishing over 1 minute ahead (23:24) of Jac (24:47). At the same time, other positions were changing and the more experienced quadrathletes’ paddling experience came to the fore with Mary White edging into 3rd (26:40) and Vicky Price into 4th (27:26). Alison held onto 5th (29:40) but Nicola Perrins, Laura Turner and Sandy Bebbington were only less than a minute behind. The rest of the girls all finished the kayak section without any mishaps – this was the first quad in the UK this year where there have been NO impromptu dips – that in itself is a miracle and is a testament to the quality of canoe coaching from Jean, John and Carol!

Back to the racing, Adele was first out on the bike course with Jac in hot pursuit. Jac managed to make the catch just before the turn point and finished the bike course with the fastest split (50:09) with Adele in 2nd place (52:42). Mary, with a strong bike split (52:28) held onto 3rd but all the other top positions were moving around. Nicola moved up into 4th (52:30) with Vicky in 5th (53:39), but Lisa Grantham with the second fastest bike split of the day (50:15) moved up to 6th place followed by Hilary Boxer in 7th (52:57) with Sandy in 8th (59:57). All successfully completed the bike course in under 1:15 and were then out onto the fourth and final (thank goodness!) discipline – the run!

At this point Jac was leading by about 1 minute, but Adele was slowly reeling her in. Jac managed to stay out in front, but only just, finishing in a total time of 1:56:59 with Adele in 2nd place only 19 seconds behind in 1:57:18. Mary, after posting the 3rd fastest run split of the day (24:15), claimed a fantastic 3rd place in 2:04:02. Nicola retained 4th position in 2:07:59, but an astonishingly quick run by Lisa (21:07) posting the fastest run split, ensured she moved up into 5th place overall in 2:08:26. Hilary had a strong run and moved into 6th place in 2:12:41 with Vicky not far behind in 2:14:44 and Alison moved back up into 8th place with a time of 2:15:03. Every single Deva Diva Quadrathlete started and finished with a great deal of determination and panache

RESULTS
1st Jacqueline Davies (Vet 50) – 1:56:59
2nd Adele Blakeborough (Vet 40) – 1:57:18
3rd Mary White (Vet 60) – 2:04:02
Senior 23 – 39 Vicky Price – 2:14:44
Vet 40 (roll down) Nicola Perrins – 2:07:59
Vet 50 (roll down) Anne Collins – 2:17:38
Vet 60 (roll down) Margaret Huyton – 2:24:29

Results Deva-Divas-2017

Photos Deva Divas-2017photos

Film Footage devadivastri/quad 2017

‘As a competitor of this wonderful inaugural Ladies Quadrathlon and on behalf of everyone else who raced, I would like to say a Huge Thank You to Jean, Sally, John, Carol, our own transition/kayak support Dave and Cliff and to Chester Tri and Chester Canoe Club for an amazing ‘Deva Divas Quadrathlon’ yesterday! As Jean has already said, we certainly shared ‘The Quad Passion’. The Quad ran beautifully next to the triathlon and it was lovely to see so many women competing – I’m not surprised it has won so many awards. However, I think we managed to spark the interest of a lot of triathletes yesterday – I suspect the entries next year for the Deva Divas Quad will sell like hot cakes!

And finally ladies, especially those 25 of you who are new to this wonderful sport, a massive congratulations to you all; you are now Quadrathlon Queens – wear those beautiful t-shirts with pride! You are also the ‘Prime of Mrs Jean Ashley’!  …….. written by Jacqueline Davies

‘Feeling Proud’ Jacq’s Trophy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Deva Divas – The First Ever Ladies Only Quadrathlon 2017

Admin

On Behalf of the BQA I Just wanted to say a Huge Thank You ‘Chester Tri’ and Chester Canoe Club for an Amazing ‘Deva Divas Quadrathlon today!  We certainly shared ‘The Quad Passion’ they all just Loved it, as 30 of them took to the water, 25 of them being first timers! The atmosphere was brilliant the camaraderie and racing superb, these girls just had the Best day Ever!

A massive thanks to my Triathlon club ‘Chester’ who agreed to add the Quad to Ladies only Deva Divas, thanks to the all those who prepared the race venue and course, safety and technical teams, all marshals across 4, cake makers, commentators ‘with wonderful banter’, and the list goes on and on! Special mention to our Race director Sally Napthen who held it all together, and for agreeing to add that extra discipline!

A Huge thanks also, to my Chester Canoe Club for organizing the 12 week canoe coaching course, half of them couldn’t paddle at the start, but by race day every single one of the girls paddled a K1! True commitment from the girls and superb coaching  produced rewarding results!

As always I’m so proud to be part of these 2 wonderful clubs, it was so good too see our members giving so much back and encouraging every single athlete along the way … in True Quadrathlon Style!

Also a Big Thanks to my friend Antony Dala for carving our Amazing Trophy!

As the organizer this time, I wanted a race report from one of our competitors,         so  Jacqueline Davies is doing one for us very soon along, with the full results … watch this space!

Special Congratulations go to our Overall winners & Age Groupers   20031707_1349122725201237_1117304957961392633_n

1st Jacquleine Davies (Vet 50)
2nd Adele Blakeborough (Vet 40)
3rd Mary White (Vet 60)

Age Groups
1st Senior Vicky Price
1st Vet 40 Nicola Perrins
1st Vet 50 Anne Collins
1st Vet 60 Margaret Huyton

 

 

Thanks again Everyone … We made Quad History today!   Jean ‘Deputy Race Director’

 

Its here’ Deva Divas Quadrathlon 2017′

Admin

WP_20170713_002This Trophy could be YOURS ….. The Deva Divas Quadrathlon’ is almost here ….. It’s going to be a very special day for ‘British Quadrathlon’ as 30 Ladies take to the water for the ‘First ever Ladies only Quadrathlon in the World’ This race also has the backing of the WQF (World Quadrathlon Association) and ‘British Canoeing’ they wish you all a great and enjoyable race!

Personally I am so pleased Race Organizer ‘Sally Napthan’ and Chester Triathlon Club agreed to let me add this extension to the ‘Infamous Deva Divas Sprint Tri’ …. it will be history in the making and a huge thank-you to all at the Tri Club and Canoe Club that have helped make this possible!

I have met well over half of you and had great pleasure in coaching 16 of you who joined our Deva Divas Canoe Course at Chester Canoe Club 12 weeks ago! Myself and club coaches have been inspired to how hard you have worked and so pleased you have all progressed to K1 race kayaks … showing true commitment!

I am very excited about Race Day … as its a First for many of you, and a first for me as I’ve never been on the sidelines organizing a Quad before! I will be cheering every single one of you, as you complete each one those four disciplines, and will be waiting for you all at that finish line!

The Distances will be 750m Swim, 4km Kayak, 25km Bike, 5km Run. The Quad wave will start at 8.20am followed by the 2 Triathlon waves at 8.30 and 8.40 …. this is a brilliant opportunity for all you Girls who know when 3 disciplines just aren’t enough! Its a real honor to be part of the Deva Divas Race, it has WON the ‘British Triathlon Federation’s 2016 Race of the Year Award’ the only race to have ever won it twice!

Looking Forward to meeting you all, have a fantastic day and believe me there is the BEST Cake EVER waiting for you at the Finish Line …. now there’s an incentive…. who doesn’t just love cake!

See you Sunday … Its time to be a DEVA DIVA!!                                                                                       Jean Ashley

…. and an extra Thank-you to Antony Dala who made me this beautiful trophy, its stunning!

The details are on our Chester Triathlon Website chestertri.org.ukdeva-divas-quadrathlon

 

 

Quadkidz are here to Stay!

Admin

We launched ‘Quadkidz’ at Dearne Valley and it was so good to see those youngsters taking part in the first ever Junior Quadrathlon. We had lots of excellent feedback and the young athletes really enjoyed the challenge, so much so, the BQA asked Mark Pryor at very short notice to add a junior race to his Box End Quadrathlon, so big thanks to Quadrac Racing for giving us the opportunity to put on another race!

It fitted in perfectly and the juniors were included in the Sprint quad, doing a 200m swim, 2.2m kayak, 5km bike and a 2.2 run, a tough but safe off road course for these budding athletes! The eldest athlete 14yrs Max Underwood Frost (Lincsquad) was first home in 48.56, a good strong performance and finishing very well! The Joseph boys (Lincsquad) were out in force too, Ewan 11yrs came next 56.41 a good consistent effort staying focused and strong to the finish! . The two nine year olds did brilliantly, as this course was hard, but both of them dug deep and finished very well, Hermione Ball (Wrexham Tri) struggled in an over sized kayak but she got round, she loved the bike and I caught her smiling and waving to me when I saw her on the run, she finished in 1.19.53. Young Henry took it all in his stride and just kept going all the way, on the odd little rest he recharged his batteries and didn’t give up … I saw him a few times and it was certainly inspirational to see him pushing to the end 1.33.20. Well Done QuadKidz ……….. Just Brilliant and great to see them all on the podium!

We have set up a Points Series, this year we only have 2 races suitable for juniors – under 14. These are the results from the 2 Races this season quadkidz 2017.1

To celebrate the launch of Quadkidz the 3 juniors that did both races received a Quadkidz Kit bag … A Big Well done to Ewan, Hermione and Henry, and also well done to Max on winning Box End!

Lincsquad have a Junior Section ‘Squadlets’ and they are working on a training day with a possibility of a junior race in the future! The BQA are also looking into getting some second hand Lightning childrens kayaks, which will be available at Quadkidz races …. So watch this space ….. Exciting times ahead!

2017 BQA Standings after Race 3

Admin

The Race is certainly on in the Men’s National Trophy Series after 3 races its still wide open! At the moment Cliff Odgers is in the lead, closely followed by John Kavanagh and Andrew Lawson. Lance Ball is leading Vet 40, Cliff Vet 50 (roll down Andrew Lawson) and John Kavanagh Vet 60. There are several athletes that could certainly change the standings if they do the last 2 races! Chasing the leaders are Julian Brewer, after a strong win at Box End, Phil Holden, Pete Chappill and Nigel Leeson … so the race is on!

The Ladies Trophy has already been decided as Helen Russell has won 3/3 with only 2 races left no one can match her score. Vet 40 will role down to Sallie Joseph, Vet 50 Jean Ashley and Vet 60 Mary White. But I never like to think its over until the last race, but it in the ladies event it might just be!

Shrewsbury Quadrathlon is now full so if you need vital points and you’ve not entered make sure you take a trip to Bude and enter the Awesome Foursome … as ever it will live up to its name!

 

 

2017 World Cup Success at Brilliant Box End

Admin

World Cup Success for Europeans, GB athletes and for all Quadrathletes accross the age groups 11yrs to 67yrs!!

A Big Thanks to Mark Pryor and his Quadrac Team for organizing a brilliant World Cup Race at Box End Water Park. We woke up to blue skies and warm sunshine, though a bit breezy, it was ideal race conditions as the ground was dry and hard for the off road bike and run section.

It was a good turnout, and great to see top class athletes from Europe and GB sharing the same race course as the junior ‘QuadKidz’! We had lots of first timers and as always our regular BQA athletes which are the back bone of our great sport!

We had 2 athletes from Europe ‘Tom Svobod’ (CZ) and ‘Ricardo Novel’ (ESP), they came over for vital world cup points and left a great impression on our top athletes, both having outstanding races. Tom had very fast swim (08:10) coming in 2 and half minutes ahead of Helen Russell (10.41). Over a minute later there was a group of top age groupers, Nigel Leeson, John Kavanagh, Jacqueline Davis, Cliff Odgers John Durrant, Ricardo and U23 Billy Fadden, this made it a very hectic transition heading out onto the kayak session.

Tom was well ahead, and although he hasn’t been kayaking very long he made his borrowed stable K1 fly through the water doing the 2nd fastest kayak split (26:38). Ricardo soon pulled away from the others showing us how strong he is in the kayak producing the fastest time (26.02). It was 4 laps, a headwind  down, tailwind back, but very choppy across the top, this lead to quite a few capsizes, but all got back in with a smile! The good kayakers showed their skills coping with the wind and waves and moved up the field, newcomer Ewan Cox put in a fast time (27.05) with John Kavanagh (29.40). the next fastest were the ladies newcomer Alice Clarkson (30.23) and Jean Ashley (30.32). During the 4 laps the race started to unfold with Tom still in the lead going onto the bike, Ricardo 2nd. After a few minutes the next lot of athletes went out onto the bike, there was certainly going to be a battle for the top places as they were all very close. John K.  Cliff O. John D. (despite his capsizes) Ewan C. Nigel L. were all going to have to work very hard to hold there positions on the bike!

The bike was cross country 3 laps (5km laps), hard fast grass, flat at first and then undulating, with a short sharp hill and some long slopes up and down. It made a real interesting challenge and proved to be ideal for cross bikes. Tom kept his lead and was the fastest (35.44) Ricardo working hard but making no ground on Tom remained 2nd. Meanwhile places were being challenged as newcomer Nick Farnell moved up the field with the 2nd fastest split (39.32) and Julian Brewer (42.53) both moved past the others to start looking for that 3rd podium place! Young U23 Billy was also making up great time until a major mechanical stopped him, he had to run back to transition pushing his bike.

Nothing could stop Tom on the run, as he headed out for 1 5km lap of the bike course, again the fastest run (18.16) he went on to a clear win in 1.30.32. Ricardo also ran very well (21.38) to finish 2nd 1.41.01. Russel B. remained strong and took 3rd place, (1.52.20) this was a great achievement for Russel our first GB Athlete home and his first World Cup podium place! Nick F. came 4th (1.53.02) with young Billy having the 2nd fastest run of the day (20.34) to take 5th   (1.53.16) just beating John D. to 6th (1.53.24).

In the ladies race Helen Russell was 1st out of the swim with Jacqueline Davis a minute behind. Helen just stayed ahead in the kayak, with Jean Ashley paddling well to overtake Jacqueline moving into 2nd place. Helen went out onto the bike just 15 seconds ahead of Jean, but with Helen’s biking strength she stayed in the lead. Jean peddling a cross bike for the first time held 2nd place, with Jacq working hard to try and catch her. Meanwhile Mary White our amazing Vet 60 started to catch up as she put in the 2nd fastest ladies bike split! Helen ran well to take the win (1.56.53.). Jean was pushing as hard as she could on the run, as she was being chased down by newcomer Alice Clarkson. Alice overtook Jean on the final run in and I’m really pleased to say she’s now a Quadrathlon Convert and we will be most certainly be seeing her again! Alice 2nd (2.01.30) Jean 3rd (2.01.59) Jacq held onto 4th (2.06.27) and Mary 5th (2.07.20).

As ever race day isn’t only about the winners, it was so good to see lots of ‘first timers’ enjoying the challenge, especially new ladies smiling all the way! Throughout the whole race there was constant encouragement shared between athletes, friendly banter and certainly plenty of Feel Good Factor and Quadrathlon Passion being shared. Great to see clubs ‘Lincsquad’ and ‘MADCC’ supporting this race on mass!

I want to say a Big Thank-you to Mark Pryor for sticking by me and putting on the 2nd ‘QuadKidz’ race of the year! It was a last minute plan after the success of Dearne Valley Quad and it fitted perfectly into the main race.The juniors were inspirational, it’s a tough course for them! Plenty of us cheered them along as we raced, they certainly had to dig deep at times, but they and they all finished, with a smile and a huge sense of Achievement!

So good to see them out there, we are all proud of you …. And lets watch Quadkidz grow and grow, exciting times ahead for our juniors!

Results MENS

1st Tom Svoboda (CZ) – 1.30.32

2nd Ricardo Noval (ESP) – 1.41.01

3rd Julian Brewer (Vet 50) – 1.52.20

Vet 40 John Durrant – 1.53.24

Vet 50 (roll down) Nick Farnell – 1.53.02

Vet 60 John Kavanagh – 2.03.55

U23 Billy Fadden – 1.53.16

LADIES

1st Helen Russell (Vet 40) – 1.56.53

2nd Alice Mary Moore Clarkson – 2.01.30

3rd Jean Ashley (Vet 50) – 2.01.59

Vet 40 (roll down) Sallie Joseph – 2.20.30

Vet 50 (roll down) Jacqueline Davies – 2.06.27

Vet 60 Mary White – 2.07.20

U23 Louise Beedham – 2.45.01

Full Results Quadrathlon Box End 2017_07_02

QuadKidz

1st Max Underwood-Frost (14yrs)  – 48.56

2nd Ewan Joseph (12yrs)  – 56.41

3rd Hermione Ball (11yrs)  – 1.19.53

4th Henry Joseph (11yrs) 1.33.20

Once again a Big Thank-you to Mark Pryor, Quadrac Racing Team, marshals, all helpers and Box End Water Park for giving us this great race, they certainly did British Quadrathlon Proud by organizing this event, so thanks again Mark and Jill! Also thanks to Phil Holden for bringing his ‘Mobile Podium’ really added that special touch to the prize giving … Thanks!! 

It’s very good of the WQF to give us 2 World Cup races in the year, and we hope our European Athletes enjoyed our race and hospitality please spread the news and come back again!

Also a big thank-you to all YOU Quadrathletes that supported the race too, hope you had a great day, you chased your goals, loved the experience ….  and you’ll be back for more next year!

Congratulations to all our other BQA Members that raced!

MENS – 9th Nigel Leeson – 1.55.53

10th Cliff Odgers – 1.58.45

11th Russell Breyer – 2.00.30

13th Peter Chappill – 2.04.22

15th Ken Lovett – 2.07.38

16th Michael Toomey – 2.07.46

17th Lance Ball – 2.09.14

LADIES – 8th Margaret Huyton – 2.26.08

9th Donna Chappill – 2.27.57

10th Mandy Greenaway – 2.28.10

 

 

Quadkidz Points Series

Admin

We launched Quadkidz at Dearne Valley and it was so good to see those youngsters taking part in the first ever Junior Quadrathlon. We have set up a Points Series, at the moment we only have 2 races suitable for juniors (under 14). The next one is Box End, this is very similar to Dearne Valley as it is all contained within the Race Site. Any Junior wishing to take part can you email me – malpasashleys@btinternet.com and also the race organizer markquadman@gmail and let me know you are interested in taking part at Box End on 2nd July.

We now have an official ‘Quadkidz’ Race – so long as you come and support us!                  

SWIM 150m – KAYAK1.2km (1lap) – BIKE 5km (1 lap) – RUN 2km (lower lap of Bike Course) Please contact Mark Pryor for ‘YOUTH ENTRY discount QuadKidz rate £20. 

Any Junior that completes the 2 races in the series will be awarded a special prize in recognition of their achievements in this first year of Quadkidz! Hope to see you at Box End!