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Norfolk Superhero Race Report 2017

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Post Superhero Event

It was only the weekend we had been waiting for all year and here it was, forecast was good, no wind, no rain and maybe a little too much sun.  Riddy had done her back in dancing in heels the previous Saturday and Head Marshall Cath was on crutches with a shattered hip. Luckily Jess had rung round and we had the best set up to a Superhero ever. As per usual, the RUDD MARQUEE boys, Peter, Cliff, Seany and John all had their tops off and by Thursday the Marquee was up, ANTON WIMMER  had bought in the drinks, PHIL ELLIS had set up the WATER (Thank Goodness – never so much needed by so few for so long!) and bought the Monster Superhero Bar that lives in a barn, ALEC LOCHORE had set up the transition zone and and the flags were flying against a blue sky and a green marsh.

We also had extra help from ‘Super Steward’ WILL GARNETT, who was shimmying up tent poles to attach ADNAMS banners,  VICKI RINGER  setting up the bar, LUCY BIRKBECK doing all the heavy carrying round the office, SARAH GREEN dropping in prizes for the HOLKHAM COUNTRY FAIR, stayed and ended up unloading 98 kayaks with NIALL who had just popped in to show his face. MARK LAPPING, PHIL ELLIS and SIMON WILSON STEPHENS were out marking the course and everything was feeling calm. CHARLES and BRYGIDA BOURNE of URBAN ARMOUR, our wonderful  medal sponsors even treated us to a delicious HERO pub take out.

Friday check in and the rumours were flying around… Was Niall really doing the superhero again, and who is this Alan Hill bloke….? Apparently it was going to hit 30 degrees on Saturday at about 2pm when everyone was on the run. What colour are the t-shirts this year? Who had got last minute places from the waiting list… there were two new Brothers whose name began with B, someone said they were from Yorkshire?  Were the red and white kayaks faster or slower than the others?  One of our sponsors couldn’t make it to the safety briefing so we worked out which was last years winning kayak from the curled up old stickers and baggsed it for him.  That caused quite a bit of consternation. Bikes and Ironman t-shirts were being openly paraded through the field. There was the sound of annual superhero friends greeting each other, ALGY’S POPCORN being scoffed and PINK LADIES taking scissors to their t-shirts, obviously wary of suntan lines.
CAPTAIN MARTYN FLITCROFT treated us to an excellent safety briefing, stressing the importance of hydration and common sense and MARK AND SIMON gave us all a good chat about sandbar tactics on the swim and outlined the importance of comradeship. Delicious carb loading supper prepared by SARA STOCKS of GREAT GRANOLA, who we are so pleased to get to help us with our food every year, as this is the only event she caters for. (Lucky us) Lots of new faces both amongst the marshals and competitors meant we were looking at the biggest event we had ever staged happening and we couldn’t wait.  We are always so happy to welcome new people to the superhero, but we also realise that the same people returning every year gives us that unique atmosphere that is always commented on. (We are thinking of bringing out a 10 year t-shirt so do get in touch anyone who wants and deserves one.)
We woke up in our Jess-painted bespoke pink, blue and star painted caravan to an even hotter morning than anticipated. A later start due to the tide meant Marshall safety briefing and bacon butties started at 8.30. When ‘tags out’ opened in HQ at 9.00, the field came alive to the smell of sun cream, fear and rubber.  DANNY and his mate from HOLKHAM were there on parking, TRI HARDER were in the field (even bringing a wetsuit for Nic Bizley who had forgotten his), FAT BIRDS were sorting out bikes, IAN WILLIAMSON and the massage crew had set up their tent. The boat marshals started turning up, always a good sign as it means the tide is coming in. Huge thanks to our new boat marshals, ROGER and ASH as well as SIMON, KEVIN, JIM and the ever loyal PETER BECK.
The walking party set off slowly in the sunshine, past the lovely marshals on the wall.  The boats were loaded with competitors and slowly Gun Hill became not just a place for nesting terns (thanks for not disturbing them) but for massing superheroes. A nice man from NATURAL ENGLAND  came to make sure we were all alright. Looking back to shore we could see the Lowland rescue boats, visible against the groynes and slight sandbar shadow, the tide was still coming in but it was never going to be a big one. ROLAND BEWICK’S FAKENHAM CANOE CLUB and NORTH NORFOLK RNLI PADDLE BOARDERS led by Liam were perfectly positioned on the beach when the call came through that the RNLI INSHORE LIFEBOAT was in the channel. We were were all ready to go, including JIM WHITESIDE and LOWLAND RESCUE. Someone hadn’t got a wetsuit , Stafford Proctor had a spare one, Someone hadn’t bought their goggles, Robert Gurney had some spare ones, photos were taken, bags stashed. The lifeguards formed a funnel and the count took place… 195!  Someone hadn’t made it to the start but it didn’t matter – The competitors dove into the water at 11.15.
Ideal swimming conditions on top of the water but maybe not enough water below meant we had a lovely calm CHEQUERS INN swim leg with absolutely no panicking swimmers and a wonderfully controlled escort of safety craft. Despite the fact that a lot of competitors could be seen walking the straightest line, it showed that it paid to stay in the channel, as this year, Abbie Thorrington set a new course record of 14:48.  Sam ‘shoulders’ Kendrick, last year’s paddle boarder leader, was on her tail but just could not catch her with 15:23. Second and third for the girls was Eve Dewsnap with 19:29 and Rachel Symington, our own swim coach with 19:59. Second and third for the boys were Tom Vickery with 15:51 and Rob Lines with 15:54. Pretty impressive.
We think we might have quite a lot of video footage on the LIVING LEADER kayak leg of PETE NAYLOR’s old teammate  from last year, Ben Jackson, as he was operating the drone camera of DRIFT MEDIA  alongside PAUL JOY which was up above you a lot of the time. Several kayaks went into the water backwards but the marshals did a wonderful job of creating a funnel of pink for ease of launching. All the kayaks turned at the right place, there was the usual scrum to get over the bank, and the short course was won by Lucy and Harry Hitchcock with a time of 36:30, followed by Saya Sheridan and Nicholas Bertrand 37:46, and Diane Swanepole and Rob Lines in hot pursuit with 38:39.  The long course obviously took a longer time with Dan Guppy and Simon Riches clocked round in 49:05, Paul Forster and Tom Vickery in 49.29 and Lex Brun and Matt Noble-Clarke squeaking third with 49.33.
Back in the field the marshals were working hard with James Holden and Stuart Cameron especially taking kayaks on the run from you all and stacking them all up in the trailers, whilst simultaneously directing spectators and beaming happily. The marshals were numerous, cheerful calm and strong throughout and that is what makes the superhero such a unique event in the triathlon and endurance racing world. You don’t get such great marshals everywhere apparently.
By the time the BARRATT & COOKE bike leg started, the day was getting hot. A lot of water was being taken by the competitors from all the marshal points. We were ready for you, water was moved around the course by our excellent NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK 4×4 boys and on the back leg of the course chilled bottles of water were being delivered personally by HQ.  Niall McCallum’s watch apparently beeped every 15 minutes; whereupon he would feed his partner, Alan Hill energy snacks or empty water bottles down him, this caused great hilarity of all surrounding them. Sadly the bike was calamitous for some, with Dylan Bogg and Roger Canham having a inter-team collision with each other on a corner, and poor Roger came away with a broken collar bone. Emma Littmoden came off at Sandringham and need 15 stitches (sorry, by the prize giving we had exaggerated that up to 17) in her shoulder. Finally, Ant Ringer came a cropper on the cattle grid and also broke his collar bone. Ow Ow Ow… we hope you are all making a good recovery.  David Horton Fawkes and Ben Hunter Watts proved that two surnames are better than one, when they won the bike leg with a time of 2:05:45. Jamie Carter and Andy Nunn came second with a time of 2:06:02 and Robert Gurney and Tim Hansell came third with 2:06:20. Well done to you all. That is always a contentious leg, well fought over.
The paramedics were busy dealing with the bike falls, so we were lucky to have amongst our marshal team, several other medical professionals, including, DI BLACK, KAREN SNOOK and TIM MORTON all of whom voluntarily stepped up to the challenge of keeping you safe; being alert to your physical and mental state and stepping in when required. Thank you to them and to you for heeding their advice. We had also trained up 12 of our marshals as first aiders on a course run by MARTYN FLITCROFT back in May for which we are very grateful. Good job none of them were required when Clare Birch got shot at whilst on her bike past Sandringham by someone shooting pigeons. Literally a piece of shot hit her face! She says she is going to dine out on that story.
So to the HOLKHAM run, it is often dispiriting for those runners to be leaving the field only to find the crowd has their backs to them as they have spotted the lead runners already coming back across the marsh having completed the epic last leg.  So how marvellous to have the GRESHAM’S Band powering through some very uplifting music which was floating out across the village.  Water that had been left in transition boxes for this final stage was by now at almost egg boiling temperatures, so it was wonderful to have jugs of cold water and more bottles available at bottom gate as dehydration would have been a bad move at this stage. big disappointment was felt to anyone who left their partner on the run, usual suspects guilty again. The conditions we had on Saturday were just the time when it is important to stick together, the buddy system which Simon talked about in a ‘mental health’ situation was just as relevant on the beach.  (We will not be inviting anyone back in 2018 who left their partner on the beach.) But luckily our true stalwart marshals were there for them, equipped with sun cream, bananas, cheers and even a fancy dress outfit or two. (What happens in the woods stays in the woods so we are told.) Our trailing pair of runners were given two bottles of chilled water at every checkpoint, which they found miraculous, as the temperature had indeed soared. A special mention to Ladies Marshall prize winners SAM GURNEY and VICKI RINGER who were at the beach outpost. Luckily though, there was wind on the Sahara straight and it was blowing right in your faces. The race for 1st place was tight, tighter than anyone wanted, wrong turns, lost partners, mirages in the desert – it was all happening out on the beach. The winners of the fastest run were Andrew Nunn and Jamie Carter with a time of 1:09:45, 2nd in the run leg were Simon Able and John O’Neal  and third were Lex Brun and Matt Noble-Clark with 1:13:26. Last year’ previous winner with Niall, DAVE WALKER came and was the medal giver as you all came over the finish line as Superheroes and were rewarded with VITACOCO
Ian Williamson and his massage team were having to work hard as the day was still hot.  The RQ CAPITAL ‘champions supper’ was delicious with GRAVES HOG ROAST and the usual scrum of extra Supper ticket administration.  BEN ZAVEN CRANE bought the party to the marquee with his eclectic and spot on prize giving sound track.
Mark and Simon did a great job of the speeches, the stories came out of the missing partners, the puncture repairers, and the new friends made along the way. The Lord Nelson Trophy had passed on to new hands, Niall has stepped away from his unbroken line of wins. The Ormegoddon Boys, Chris Langlois and Jon Holt had bought a special Guernsey bottle of Gin to hand on as the Spirit prize to the newly voted favourites, who had won the hearts of the marshals and competitors for taking part in the event in the true spirit of the Superhero.
LORD NELSON TROPHY

To Be Advised        Jamie Carter & Andrew Nunn        4:33:57

Ugly Five Zero        Matthew Noble Clark & Lex Brun        4:34:29

Cold Chips n Dip        Simon Riches & Dan Guppy            4:37:29

 

DAME EDNA TROPHY

No Payne No Gain    Matt Payne & Sheila Oxtoby            4:42:23

Small and Hall        Nick Littmoden & Frankie Hall        4:59:23

Tri Harder            Ben Walker & Eve Dewsnap             5:06:23

 

LADY HAMILTON CUP    

In Preparation         Emily Lochore & Nicky Knowles         5:16:09

The Brunettes         Emma Lloyd-Davies & Abbie Brun        5:34:08

Science Friction        Rebecca Hornby & Abbie Conway        6:04:38

 

ZIMMER TROPHY

Blood Sweat & Beers    Sam Kingston & Tim Murdoch        5:13:31

Beer Brothers        Philip & Martin Beer                5:17:52

Zimmer of Hope        Will & James Acworth                5:25:50

 

LOCAL TROPHY

Cold Chips n Dip        Simon Riches & Dan Guppy            4:37:29

 

WENSUM PLATE  

Cheese Crumpets    Tiffany Turner & Matt Turner-Jarvis        5:42:53

 

SPIRIT OF THE SUPERHERO

Young Guns        Oliver Jurascheck & Jack Pearce        6:25:39

 

WOODENSPOON

Moobs Like Jagger    Mark Widdowson & James McIntosh    7:39:13

 

MARSHALL PRIZE

Boys               James Holden & Stuart Cameron

Ladies             Vicki Ringer & Samantha Gurney

Our results are all posted on RESULTS BASE
Then all decorum went out of the window – tables were dragged outside for the view of the flags on the marsh, the pink ladies were back behind the bar, crutches were being raised above the dance floor and the teenagers were night swimming in the creek. The ‘Charles Miller Rose’ moment came at 2pm, after the gate crashers were ousted, Superhero hats were awarded to the special clearer uppers and a translator was required in order for us to communicate with pink lady Matthew. It was the latest after party we have ever had and did we mention your t-shirt s GLOW IN THE DARK! You have all been marvellous and posted all your photos on Instagram and Facebook – Thank you for your messages, we really appreciate them and will try, in the next few days, to pass as many as possible on to the PINK LADIES.
The great fact of it was, that we all had a lot of fun, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time.  It was a hot, gruelling, some say the hardest Superhero yet, some didn’t make it, but all of those who tried, all of those that did – and those that helped make it happen for everyone else, are all Superheroes.
In order for us to keep helping people, keeping that Superhero spirit alive: please could you keep fundraising, passing on those well wishers sponsorship to the following fund. The Norfolk Superhero Foundation, raising money for small local Mental Health and Well Being charities.

Here is our Virgin Money Giving page link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=norfolksuperhero2017

Or you can send us a cheque paid out to
“Norfolk Community foundation’
c/o Norfolk Superhero Challenge,
Painswhin Farm,
Helhoughton,
Fakenham
Norfolk
NR21 7BZ
And to end it all and to say thank you to you all for all your brilliant enthusiasm and thanks – have a little look at the video DRIFT MEDIA has put together for us.

P.S. We have got the date for next year and its the 16th June 2018, which is a BIG tide, but ‘shhhhhhhh!’ don’t tell anyone else, otherwise how are we going to fit you all in?
P.P.S. There are masses of photos on Facebook and Instagram do have a look – Click on the buttons below to bring them up and contact JEZ BATCH, our marvellous photographer, if you want any copies of this fantastic photos.

2017 GB World Cup ‘Box End’ & Quadkidz!

Admin

World Cup Action! All of you that raced individually at the Brigg Bomber will have World Cup Race points … its a GREAT feeling! If your Inspired and want more come to Box End Sprint Quad – 2nd July ….. there are more World Cup Points to be gained!

We now have an official ‘Quadkidz’ Race SWIM 350m – KAYAK1.2km (1lap) – BIKE 5km (1 lap) – RUN 2km (lower lap of Bike Course) Please use the entry form below, but state clearly ‘YOUTH ENTRY agreed with Mark Pryor – discount rate £20. 

box_end_quad_entry_form_02_July_2017

A very well established and superbly organized by Quadrac racing, the whole event held within the Box End Waterpark. It’s ideal for youngsters, beginners as it’s a sprint distance and support crews can see the whole race from the lovely lake side café. It’s the second time it has been give World Cup Status so we need to give this race the backing it deserves. Excellent camping on site too …. And you can even try your hand at wake boarding!

Don’t Miss this Great Race and enjoy the venue  with a lovely weekend of camping too!

Options open for Junior Entries but contact Mark Pryor for more information- markquadman@gmail.com

box_end_quad_entry_form_02_July_2017 

More information  Quadrac Racing

2017 BQA National Trophy Points

Admin

We have just seen the 2nd Quadrathlon in our National Trophy Series … and we have 7 athletes that have competed in the first 2 races, 3 male and 4 female. Cliff Odgers (Frome/BQA) is in 1st, John Kavanagh MADCC/BQA  2nd and Andrew Lawson (Lincsquad) 3rd.

In the ladies event we have Helen Russell (WorcesterCC/BQA) in 1st, Jean Ashley (Chester Tri/BQA) 2nd and Jacqueline Davies (Frome/BQA) in 3rd and Sallie Joseph (Lincsquad in 4th)

Race 3 is Box End … make sure you enter … plenty of BQA points to be taken and also WQF points, so you will have a British ranking and a World ranking if you compete! What an amazing sport we take part in … Be Part of the Quadrathlon Family! 

Just to remind you all The BQA runs a National Trophy Series of 5 events which contributes points towards finding a National Champion, with the best three results for each individual to count. Trophies are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and must be a current BQA Member. (In the event of a tie the 4th race points will count to decide the winner)

Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy for Male and Female. BQA Kit vouchers for winners Male and Female in each age category, Juniors (u23), V40+ V50+. V60+ V70+ (Role down if the overall winner is an age group athlete)
Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’ given to an athlete showing his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon.

 

 

 

Everyone’s a Winner at Dearne Valley Quad 2017

Admin

What a brilliant day a Dearne Valley Quadrathlon, there was so much passion for our sport, with non stop smiles as juniors, first timers, and seasoned quadrathletes crossed the finish line! Organizer Mark Benton and his ‘Team’ of volunteers and marshals hosted a great race for us all, there enthusiasm and friendliness shone through, to make this event a huge success, thank -you you did your selves proud!

Well done to under 12’s Ewan Joseph (Lincsquad) winning the Boys and Hermione Ball winning the girls. Alanna Barron and Chris Thoday (Manvers Tri) in the under 15’s had a real battle, but it was Alanna’s kayaking skills that gave her the edge as she paddled very well into the lead, I’m sure they will both be back with even more determination and skill next year. A huge achievement to all that took part!

Results Quadkidz (ages 9 to 12):100m Swim, 2k Bike, 400m Kayak, 2km Run.
Ewan Joseph – 28:12

Hermione Ball – 33:33

Sophie Portess – 36:09

Henry Joseph – 42:28

Laura Portess – 52:12

Charlotte Clements – DNF

 

 

Results Quadkidz (ages 13 to 15):200m Swim, 4km Bike, 800m Kayak, 2km Run.
Alanna Barron – 35:00

Chris Thoday – 38:31

Fran Ball – 45:55

Matthew Portess – 50:35

After watching the juniors fly past, we were all motivated and ready to get going, the wind had picked up slightly but it was a warm and cloudy so a good temperature for racing, even though the water was a bit chilly at about 15 degrees. It was a real mixture of athletes racing 50 in total, with 28 doing the quad and 22 the Triathlon, we had 9 seasoned BQA Members and plenty of triathletes giving the quad a go for the first time, plus some amazing first timers new to racing but certainly looked like they had given everything and had a great time! It truly was and all-inclusive race, showing the onlookers what an amazing race Manvers Waterfront Boat Club had organized!

BQA members took the top 6 places – Helen Russell was first out of the swim and went onto the bike with a good lead. Cliff Odgers started to chase her down, but it wasn’t until the return leg of the bike course he over took her. The bike was off road and using part of the Trans Penne Trail which consisted of unmade tracks, despite it being muddy in parts it was ideal for cross bikes, as they proved to be the fastest over the course. Cliff went into the kayak first, followed by Helen, Jacquline Davies, John Kavanagh and Jean Ashley, there were a couple of other bikers in between but once they got in the kayaks the seasoned quadrathletes started to pull away. It had started to get a bit choppy in the wind which favored the stronger paddlers. Cliff held onto his lead in the kayak, and went into the run 1st with Helen not to far adrift. Jean in her strongest discipline the kayak, pulled back 2 and half minutes to catch Jacquline and John by the end of the paddle. Pete Chappill another BQA member had a good solid paddle overtaking a lot of paddlers in sea kayaks and plastic kayaks, they were all doing really well in the conditions, but having to work very hard in these smaller kayaks without rudders. Meanwhile on the run Helen took the lead from Cliff and went on to win in 1.45.42, Cliff ran well and finished 2nd in 1.46.24. Jacquline having a swift transition went out in 3rd place, but very close behind was Jean and John. John tried to hang on to Jean, but with the Long Course Quad still in his legs he had to drop back. Jean moved into 3rd finishing in 1.52.05, with John 4th just 15 seconds behind 1:52:20. Jacqueline held onto 5th 1:54:44 with Pete in 6th 1.57.44.

Other BQA members – 9th Lance Ball – 2.04.53

14th John Redmond – 2.07.54

It was also good to see Athletes racing from Lincqsquad, well done to first timers 7th Wayne Smith – 1.59.38, 11th Andrew Lawson – 2.06.05, 12th Sallie Joseph – 2.07.04, and a fantastic first time achievement to 26th Amanda Clements – 2.36.47.

It’s always good to perform well on race day, but the real Stars of the day were those first timers that gave it their all too, it was so good to see people from all walks of life participating, and to see those juniors taking on the challenge, every single one of them finishing with a great sense of achievement afterwards.

A huge thanks once again to Mark Benton and his support crew at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club, an excellent day full of ‘Firsts’ for many people, everyone finished safely and with a smile which were Mark’s wishes, so bask in your glory, keep training and we hope to see you all next year or maybe Box End Quadrathlon2nd July in Bedford!

A very special mention must go to John MacLeod our first ever Vet 70 competitor he finished  22nd in 2.24.32. In his younger days John was a GB Slalom Paddler and competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He successfully coached junior & senior GB kayak teams from 1979-1981 culminating in 7 medals being won by GB Team at the 1983 World Championships he worked through to the Barcelona Olympic Games and beyond, all voluntary. Within his coaching and management years, 8 World Championship GOLD medals have been awarded to GB team. In 2009 he was appointed as Canoe Manager for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Rio 2016 responsible for both Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom, both events being extremely successful. John has been a key player in design and commissioning of both Nottingham (1987), Lee Valley (2011) canoe slalom courses, and the very lake you have all been competing on Manvers Lake! Well Done John you are now the number 1 GB Vet 70 QUADRATHLETE!!!

 

 

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

Admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by John Kavanagh

Emotional victory for Leoš Roušavý

Emotional victory for Leoš Roušavý

Hardest long distance for 20 years for Thoralf Berg

Hardest long distance for 20 years for Thoralf Berg

Strong performance also from David Jílek

Strong performance also from David Jílek

Laurent Martinou again only in fourth place

Laurent Martinou in fourth place

Fastest swim and kayak time: Dennis Möller

Fastest swim and kayak time: Dennis Möller

Radka Štýbnarová and Eliška Vondráčková

Radka Štýbnarová and Eliška Vondráčková

Results

Men

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

Women

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

2017 GB World Cup Race 2 ‘Box End’

Admin

BOXENDPublication1

World Cup Action! All of you that raced individually at the Brigg Bomber will have World Cup Race points … its a GREAT feeling! If your Inspired and want more come to Box End Sprint Quad – 2nd July ….. there are more World Cup Points to be gained!

A very well established and superbly organized by Quadrac racing, the whole event held within the Box End Waterpark. It’s ideal for youngsters, beginners as it’s a sprint distance and support crews can see the whole race from the lovely lake side café. It’s the second time it has been give World Cup Status so we need to give this race the backing it deserves. Excellent camping on site too …. And you can even try your hand at wake boarding!

Don’t Miss this Great Race and enjoy the venue  with a lovely weekend of camping too!

Options open for Junior Entries but contact Mark Pryor for more information- markquadman@gmail.com

More information  Quadrac Racing

Race 2 coming up Dearne Valley Quad 2017

Admin

RACE 2 – 11th June – Dearne Valley Sprint Quad the next race in our National Trophy Series is almost here! – This race takes place around the Manvers Waterpark and its surrounding area, all the racing takes place within this lovely venue. The aim is to deliver, a Quadrathon where people from all walks of life can participate. Mark Benton (organizer) quotes ‘All that we ask is that you enjoy your training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards’.

The Junior Quadrathlon will run along side the sprint event, the BQA are very excited to launch ‘QuadKidz’ the first Quadrathlon for youngsters with various distances for the 3 age groups. A Big thanks to Mark Benton for hosting  this for us … it will be time for our ‘QuadKidz’ to Shine!

Last Chance to get your Entries in  Dearne Valley Quadrathlon

A Sunshine Start to the Season The 2017 Brigg Bomber

Admin

Once again Lincsquad did us proud, and even organized the good weather this year! This race is always superbly organised, a credit to the club and to ‘Dave Hinch’ and his Race Organizing team, a Big Thank-You! They make everyone very welcome and the marshals have never ending smiles and encouragement for all the competitors. It was good to welcome two European athletes ‘the forever young’ Peter Appelt (GER) and Ricardo Noval (ESP), sadly Alvaro Villen (ESP) was due to be racing but was unfortunately knocked of his bike the week before, he came out of hospital over the weekend and is on quiet a long road to recovery, but we hope to see him back racing next Season. Sending you our Very Best wishes Alvaro!

The sun shone and the weather was just ideal for the first quadrathlon of the British Trophy Series, it was also our National championships and the third race in this year’s World Cup Series. This is a small market town in Lincolnshire, a particularly flat part of the UK so it makes for fast racing. The weather was perfect, little wind, dry and sunny. The recent warm weather meant that the river was warmer than in previous years so the swimming conditions were also good.

First out of the swim was newcomer to Quadrathlon Alan Cole (GBR) with  Michael Mason (GBR) 2nd followed closely by Helen Russell in 3rd. They had about a minute’s advantage over the following group. The Kayak section (7Km) was crucial as Michael,  Nigel Unwin (GBR) and particularly, Ricardo Noval (ESP) took a lot of time out of the rest of the field. Michael and Ricardo set of on their bikes neck-and-neck but from here on Michael steadily built up a strong lead with the fastest bike (35Km) and run (10Km) splits (2.31.47). Nevertheless, Ricardo, (2.41.58) followed by Nigel (2.48.00) were well clear of everyone else. Alan Cole finished in 5th, (2.59.31) which was a great result for his first Quad, especially as he was paddling a heavy sea type kayak!

It was good to see excellent performances from other BQA Members which will lead to some tough competition in this year’s Trophy series. Well done to Phil Holden 8th (3.02.03), Nigel Leeson 9th  (3.06.28),  John Kavanagh 10th (3.16.22),  and Cliff Odgers 13th (3.34.39).

In the women’s race, Helen Russell (GBR) was going well and ahead of all the others throughout, and went on to a solid win (3.02.13) , Jean Ashley (GBR) was very strong, as ever, pulling a bit of time back in the kayak. Jacqueline Davies (GBR) was 2nd lady out of the swim however she lost time due to a capsize at the awkward kayak get in. Jean pulled away and maintained her lead on the bike and run to take 2nd place (3.13.23). Jacqueline held on to 3rd place comfortably, (3.19.52) with the amazing Mary White running a very solid 10km to close the gap slightly (3.25.56).

Again lots of female BQA members performing well, Victoria Price inspired by her Dad ‘Ned’ was pushing hard in 5th (3.38.46) Donna Chappill 7th (3.52.55) and back to defend her Youth title Louise Beedham in 8th (4.05.19).

There were some very fast performances in the Team event, and some real battles along the way, the local Lincqsquad team won ‘Conn Menn’ (2.36.22) with strong opposition from Portsdown Hill CC, Southampton taking 2nd, along way for them to come, but worth the trip having left with 2 prizes 2nd overall (2.54.37) and fastest bike split! A special mention must go to ‘The Dream team’ the ladies who performed with the biggest smiles all the way round … in true Quadrathlon Spirit!

Once again a Big Thanks to Lincsquad and to all the Marshals for giving us a great race, and to all the athletes that took part, gave it their all and put our sport on the map …..  And become part of our unique ‘Quadrathlon Family’

Mens Overall Winners
1st Michael Mason National Champion (Vet 40) 2.31.47
2nd Noval Ricardo 2.41.58
3rd Nigel Unwin (Vet 50)

Age Group Winners
4th Jason Frary (role down Vet 40) 2.56.40
6th Julian Brewer (role down Vet 50) 3.00.00
10th John Kavanagh (Vet 60) 3.16.26
11th Simon Beedham (U23) 3.24.33

Ladies Overall Winners
1st Helen Russell National Champion (vet 40) 3.02.13
2nd Jean Ashley (Vet 50) 3:13:23
3rd Jacquline Davies (Vet 50) 3.19.52

Age Group Winners
4th Mary White (Vet 60) 3.25.56
5th Victoria Price (Senior ) 3.38.46
6th Sallie Joseph (role down Vet 40) 3.40.03
7th Donna Chappill (role down Vet 50) 3.52.55
8th Louise Beedham (Junior) 4.05.19

Plenty of National points to be won and also World Cup Points too!

Links to more photos Photos 1  Photos 2

First in the finish: Michael Mason

Winner Michael Mason

Ricardo Noval with strong performance

2nd Ricardo Noval with strong performance

Men podium: R. Noval, M. Mason, N. Unwin

Mens podium: R. Noval, M. Mason, N. Unwin

Great race form Hellen Russel

Great race form Hellen Russell

Still a fast woman Jean Ashley

Still going strong Jean Ashley

Women podium: J. Ashley, H. Russsel, J. Davies

Womens podium: J. Ashley, H. Russsel, J. Davies

 

 

Are you ready Brigg Bomber First Trophy of the Season 2017!

Admin

The Quadrathlon Season is fast approaching and Entries are now open for all our Trophy Series Races.  The first race is on 28th May – Brigg Bomber Quad – National Championships/World Cup – A superb race to start the season, extremely well organized by our Top Quadrathlon Club ‘Lincsquad’ a fast flat and safe course, which consists of a 1.5k river swim, 7k kayak, 36k bike & 10k run. For solo entries, the event will be the British National Championships, and part of the BQA National Trophy series and also a World Quadrathlon Federation World Cup race so lots of points to be had! It is open to all Athletes, minimum age for standard distance 16 years, parental consent is required for under 18 years.

Team Entries are available too, you can enjoy being part of a Team with a combination of 2, 3 or 4 team members. The winning team will not only take home the Bomber Team Trophy, the winning team members (maximum 4) will receive free entries to the 2018 Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon.

Just to top it off they have an excellent T- shirt Tour of the Brigg Pubs to celebrate … certainly not to be missed!

Entries Open Now! 

keyo-brigg-bomber-Entries

For more information and course details visit LINCSQUAD’s Website

Here’s a quick rundown of our Trophy Races, so get those races in your diary and Enter Now!

BQA National Trophy Events for 2017

RACE 1 – 28th May – Brigg Bomber Quad – National Championships/World Cup – A superb race to start the season, extremely well organized by our Top Quadrathlon Club ‘Lincsquad’ a fast flat and safe course, its the British National Championships and World Cup race so lots of points! Just to top it off they have an excellent T- shirt Tour of the Brigg Pubs to celebrate … certainly not to be missed!! Entries open enter now! 

RACE 2 – 11th June – Dearne Valley Sprint Quad – This race takes place around the Manvers Waterpark and its surrounding area, all the racing takes place within this lovely venue. The aim is to deliver, a Quadrathon where people from all walks of life can participate. Mark Benton (organizer) quotes ‘All that we ask is that you enjoy your training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards’. The Junior Quadrathlon will run along side the sprint event, this will launch ‘QuadKidz’ with various distances for the 3 age groups … it will be time for our Quadkidz to Shine! Entries OPEN

RACE 3 – 2nd July – Box End Sprint Quad – World Cup Race – A very well established and superbly organized by Quadrac racing, the whole event held within the Box End Waterpark. It’s ideal for youngsters, beginners as it’s a sprint distance and support crews can see the whole race from the lovely lake side café. It’s the second time it has been give World Cup Status so we need to give this race the backing it deserves. Excellent camping on site too …. And you can even try your hand at wake boarding! Options open for Junior Entries contact Mark Pryor for more information- markquadman@gmail.com Entries OPEN

RACE 4 – 3rd September – Shrewsbury Sprint Quad – This race just keeps getting stronger and stronger, an excellent fast, flat sprint race, running on the back of a very popular Triathlon. A great day out with a superb race atmosphere, with lots of support especially on the 3 lap run course around the Showground! A real ‘feel good friendly race’ instigated and organized by one of our very passionate quadrathletes along with SYTri … one not to be missed! Entries OPEN

RACE 5 – 16th September – Awesome Foursome Quad – This is one of our longest running established Quadrathlons, in beautiful Cornwall in the surfing town of Bude. It never ceases to amaze me, I have raced it in all weathers …. it is always a brilliant exciting and challenging race and a great end the race season! Swimming in the sea, there’s plenty of hills on the bike, a historic canal for the kayak and amazing coastal views on the run! 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! Entries OPEN

All links to these races are on our ‘events’ page. I hope I have tempted you …. keep you eye on the events page as some race organizers may offer early bird race discounts!

Quadrathon – Training Session at Manvers

Admin

 

Quadrathon – Training Session at Manvers

British Quadrathlon and Team Manvers join forces to bring triathlon and quadrathon back to the Dearne Valley. The aim is to deliver, a Triathlon and Quadrathon 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. Mark Benton and his Team of volunteers are organizing 2 training days at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club.

Saturday 20th May and Sunday 4th June (9.30)

Program

9.30 – Arrive and sign in
10.00 Open Water Swimming practice session
10:45 Transition Tips (T1)
11:00 Group ride on the off road cycle route
11:45 (T2) Walk through
12:00 Kayak training
12:30 (T3)
12:40 Group Run/Jog – Run the run route
13:15 Group discussion and questions

Free to club members, £10 to non members (U18’s £5)

Email: manverslake@gmail.com for more information or to reserve a place (stating which date is preferred).

Contact Mark on 07704 111414 if you need any further information.

http://www.mwbc.org.uk/dearne-valley-triquad.html

Regards Mark