Brigg Bomber National Championships 2015
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!
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’.
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
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
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!
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.
Lance Ball
The Overall and Age-Group winners will win the elaborate crystal globe, and the top three finishers overall and in age groups additionally get high quality medals. This should create a further incentive and competition for places.