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2013 Brigg Bomber National & European Championships

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An Excellent Race, and well worthy of its National and European Status, a big thank you to all the Marshalls, and Race Committee who worked very hard to give us this great event …….

Just a few days before the race, the river conditions caused major concern for the organisers, the river level was exceptionally low due to flood management controls by the Environment Agency, and at low tide the river flowed extremely fast, making swimming upstream impossible.

Decisions were made, telephone calls conducted and new paperwork completed, the swim, kayak & run routes would all change and centre the start, transitions and finish all around the Brigg Leisure Centre for the first time ever. The new course was a big winner with competitors supporters to the delight of the organising committee. The weather was kind and we all had a great days racing!

Thank-you Lincsquad! Congratulations to National/European Champions Mat Stephenson and Becky Schofield, and also the all the other athletes that competed, some excellent performances accross the board well done to Everyone, and lets hope we see the new quadrathletes at more of our races!

Matt Stephenson

Steve King took an early lead in the swim, followed closly by Matt Stevenson & Stefan Teichart. Steve extended his lead with an awesome kayak and newcomer to quadrathlon Brendan Reese recorded the 2nd fastest kayak split to move up the field, Stefan recorded the 3rd fastest kayak to move up into 2nd place. Matt Stevenson with the bit between his teeth then set to recording teh fast bike split and movied into 2nd place only a few hundred metres behind the leader Steve King. Matt the set to recording the fastest run split to cartwheel over teh finsih line to become the British & European Quadrathlon Champion.

 

The ladies Championship was won by new comer to quadrathlon & GBR age group triathlete Becky Schofield who recorded some of the fastest kayak & run splits of the day.

A quick run down of the Title Holders

MALE

NATIONAL & EUROPEAN CHAMP (plus VET 40) Male Mat Stephenson GBR

2nd Stefan Teichert GER

3rd Steve King GBR

4th Brendan Reese GBR

NATIONAL & EUROPEAN CHAMP VET 50 Nigel Crowe

NATIONAL & EUROPEAN CHAMP Under 23 Tom Stead

FEMALE

NATIONAL & EUROPEAN CHAMP Becky Schofield GBR

2nd Kathryn King GBR

3rd Lisa Maria Heirschfelder GER

4th Jean Ashley GBR NATIONAL & EUROPEAN CHAMP VET

 

You can still get National Trophy points at 3 more of our BQA Races – Next race is Boxend Sprint off-road quadrathlon, a great weekend of racing, all in an enclosed venue, with camping actually on the race course, awesome, bring the familiy.
Then followed by Shrewsbury Quadrathlon 2nd Sept and The Awesome Foursome, Bude 8th Sept.

WORLD MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 11th August Sedlcany CZ

Middle Distance – 1.5km swim, 7km kayak, 40km cycle, 10km run

WORLD SPRINT DISTANCE RACE 1st September Ratscher, GER         

Sprint Distance – 0.75km swim, 20km cycle, 4.6km kayak, 5km run

If you want to join the GBR Quadrathlon team racing in Sedlcany, Czech Republic in August, or Ratscher Germany in September at the World Championships races please contact Steve Hook or Mat Stephenson ‘Team Captain’ see their email address on Contacts page. Both are great events very friendly, good racing, and excellent courses.

 

2012/13 Quadmire Series – Wadenhoe Race 4

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Well they say a picture says a 1000 words, I guess that is true, either that or Steve decided to have his yearly bath!

It seems that the Met Office severe weather warning put off a lot of potential athletes for the last race of the series as we only had 9 enter the Duathlon and 1 brave soul [Tom Dawson] enter the Quad. However the weather was not too bad: wet and cold, but that is normal for Wadenhoe.
As we can see the quagmire was well and truly on form with plenty of mud and spatter for all. Unfortunately I was manning the warm Village Hall [what a bummer] and did not see the ins and outs of the race. I do know that by the time the mud spattered humans [well almost] returned for tea and cakes they seemed extremely grateful to be out of the elements.

Jez Cox won the Duathlon and in fact he won the overall series with Matthew Wootton the second overall man. Steve Giles [AKA the mud swimmer] took MV40 with Keith Read picking up the MV50 award. Unfortunately no ladies completed the required number of races this year. In the Quad Tom Dawson was the overall winner with Steve Saunders second overall.

Full Results Race 4

Final Series Results

I would like to thank all the marshalls and helpers who have made the series possible by braving the elements. A special mention to the members of Colworth Striders who helped and made it all possible.

It is with regret that we announce that this will be our last Wadenhoe Quadmire series. The competitor numbers and logistics no longer make it viable for us to continue with the series. However; it is not all bad news as we are going to run a 3 race series at Box End Water Ski Park [Kempston, Bedford]. We also intend to run a one-off race at Wadenhoe [probably in Feb 2014].
All race reports and details of our summer races can be found on our website: www.quadracracing.co.uk

I would like to thank you all for your continued support

Mark Pryor, Quadrac Racing

The BQA are very gratefull for all the effort and dedication of the ‘Wadenhoe Team’ over the past few years, they have organized an excellent race series, and without a doubt the BEST POST RACE REFRESHMENTS … EVER!!! Thank-you so much and we wish Quadrac Racing all the very best with the New Series at Box End … and knowing Mark, he will find a ‘Mud Bath’ somewhere on the new course!

2013 West Wight Quad Confirmed

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The West Wight Quad will take place on Sunday  30th June 2013, the distances will be Swim 600metres (pool); Mountain Bike 12miles; Sea Kayak to the Needles 6nm; Run 4.5k.

Update from Mike Rayden. Organiser  

We decided just before Christmas to hold the second West Wight Quadrathlon so despite packing for a trip to see family in OZ and preparing for Christmas we decided on a date for the Quad and announced it on our website and told the BQA. To our delight we have been asked to be part of the BQA series for 2013! and we also had our first two entries on the website.

So now we start advertising the event to hopefully, this year, reach our entry limit of 30 competitors. Whilst the event is technically hard in the mountain bike and sea kayaking stages because the swim (indoor pool) and the run (short and flat) are easy, it is suitable for less experienced Quadrathletes.  Also being able to hire a sea kayak and /or a mountain bike locally (see our partners) could suit and make life easier for some competitors.

This is only a preliminary notice. Futher details will follow from West Wight Sports Centre.

IOW Adventure Activities, Sea kayak and transport details http://isleofwightadventureactivities.co.uk/

Wight Cycle Hire http://www.wightcyclehire.co.uk/

Mike Rayden. Organiser   01983761371 ( afternoons)

 

2012/13 Quadmire Series – Wadenhoe Race 3

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It was a cold & frosty start to Wadenhoe 3 and we waited with bated breath to see if we would be subjected to the snow that was forecast.

22 people in the RBR [Run Bike Run] and 7 in the Quad were not to be put off by the weather as they raced across the frosty fields to be the first to the style [the first obstacle].

Jez Cox decided to swop from the Duathlon [were he had dominated the first two races] to the Quad.  He took an early lead and was the first to arrive at the kayak transition a good 2 minutes ahead of second place Neil Cooney.

In the RBR it was Ian Turner who was the first mud spattered athlete to arrive in transition [after two run laps] followed by Matthew Wootton. It had not taken long for the frost to be worn away by the passing of pounding feet and the surface condition became muddy and slippery. By the appearance of the many strange things that returned to transition [monsters from the swamp] the quagmire was living up to its reputation, with particular sticky/ glutinous mud today.

The slippery conditions made for an interesting ride [understated] with many slips and slides [some not so controlled] and a lot of pushing bikes up the short steep hills. Over at the Quad, Jez had maintained his lead and was the first to head out on the bike leg. Stiff Father  & Son competition was afoot as Tom Watt & his son Zak both arrived into transition together to battle it out on the bike course.

In the Duathlon Ian Turner maintained his small lead throughout the race and crossed the line first in a time of 01:05:23 with Matthew Wootton taking second place in a time of 01:07:58. Justin Burrell was the first MV40 to finish, unfortunetly no Ladies were up for the challenge today.

Jez Cox was the first to finish the Quad with a vast lead over his nearest rival, Neil Cooney. In the Father & Son race  it was age and experience that triumphed over youthful energy as Tom beat Zak to the line [I am sure it will not be long before the roles are reversed, just as well Tom can paddle well]. Lisa Dunne, did very well to finish her first Quad.

I think we must have sold a record number of soups and Bacon butties at the end as we were totally wiped out of food. The last Wadenhoe race is on Sunday 10th Feb, when the series positions will be decided.

Big thanks to all the Marshalls who braved the cold conditions.

Full Results Race 3

 

We hope to see you all at the last race. Mark Pryor Quadrac Racing

World Cup Races & Championships 2013

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The WQF have been working hard during the past few months to put together a brilliant race schedule for the WQF Quadrathlon World Cup 2013. The coordination of the races is not that easy and really time consuming – but 2013 promises a lot of excitement and adventure in the various international Quadrathlon races.

IBIZA, ESP 4th  May – The World Cup is traditionally opened up by a Quadrathlon (middle distance) on the Spanish island of Ibiza,  although the information in the run-up to the event is often sparse, the organizer Pepe Ribas ensures the best care on location for every athlete. The  competition offers the possibility to be combined with a small training camp too.

BRIGG BOMBER  GB, 26th May – The next stop for the World Cup will be Brigg in England. Same as last year, the European Championships over the middle distance will take place in Brigg on the 26th of May. The organizers of the Lincsquad-community offer a great competition, which will certainly be one of the highlights of the season.

OBERPFALZER SEENLAND, GER  2nd June – Only one week later, another middle distance will take place at the Steinberger See in Germany. The Upper Palatinate region offers not only a picturesque landscape, but also a race at the highest stage. Located near to the Czech border, the competition site is easy to be reached by athletes coming from the neighbouring countries.

BALATON, HUN  8th June – After a long time in history, its good to have a World Cup race represented in Hungary. Near to the famous Lake Balaton, another middle distance will take place. The date will be Saturday, 8th of June. However, depending on the conditions on the lake (concerning the kayak-part), the organizer reserves the possibility to change race-day from Saturday to Sunday.

TYN nad VLTAVOU, CZ  22nd June  – The first sprint distance can be found on the agenda: in Tyn nad Vltavou in the Czech Republic. The traditional event receives a special honour this year with the organization of the World Championship over the sprint distance, which will certainly be a further highlight of the season.

SAMORIN, SLOVAKIA 3rd August – An exciting race is also expected on the 3rd of August, when the European Championships over the sprint distance will be held in the Slovakian Šamorín. Next to Bratislava, the young organization team has provided a fantastic event in the last two years and has much going for the European Championships, too.

POLSKAMAN WOLSZTYN, POL, 17th August -A world premiere is going to take place in Wolsztyn (Poland) next year, as the World Cup schedule lists the PolskaMan as a Quadrathlon middle distance on 17th of August. The WQF is very pleased about this race, because the organizer is very professional in the run-up to the event. The race will be interesting, especially for German and Czech athletes, because Wolsztyn is suited only 100 and 200 km respectively from the German and Czech border.

With regret the WQF has to accept the decision of the organizer Václav Marek: in 2013 there will be no Quadrathlon in Sedlcany (Czech Republic). Lack of sponsors and increasing regulatory burdens weight the organisation of a quadrathlon. Looking ahead to 2014, the WQF hopes that this is not a final decision. The World Championships will now take place in Ratscher.

 World Championships – RATSCHER, GER 31st August – The races in Ratscher have always been superbly organized, it’s such a wonderful venue! The WQF are looking forward to this big highlight in the World Quadrathlon callender.

VELENCE, HUN  7th September – The World Cup will make a second stop in Hungary, this time on a long distance – the first since 2010. Once again, it remains to be seen whether the race will take place on Saturday or Sunday (depending on the conditions on the lake). Furthermore, it is still unclear if this long distance can even be a World Championship – this detail is depending on the organizers’ will to pay prize money. The final decision will be made by the end of January.

AWESOME FOURSOME BUDE, GB 14th September – Finally promises to be a grand finale of the World Cup 2013. In Cornwall a demanding middle distance is waiting for the athletes: steep climbs and difficult trails need to be overcome. However, the beautiful countryside with a lovely sea sight makes up for all the hardships.

For all international championship races the organizers have committed themselves to paying prize money so that as many good athletes as possible will participate.

During the WQF Congress in November, also a slight modification of the World Cup concerning the points in each race was decided. For international championship races and the last World Cup race of the season the points are enhanced by 20 points for each place. For example: instead of 100 points for the 1st place, the winner gets 120 points and the 30th receives 21 points instead of only 1 single point. This will help to design the championships even more attractive and the battle for the World Cup will remain a bit longer open to changes. Furthermore, it is ensured that in the last race of the season as many athletes as possible are standing at the starting line in order to have a condign celebration ceremony for the overall World Cup. The rule that a maximum of 4 races come in the final rating with up to two results from one country was confirmed.

Another point that has been changed were the age requirements for single entry in longer Quadrathlon distances. Although the WQF still recommends that longer distances are only attempted by adult athletes, younger athletes can take part in longer distances if they can show a written parental consent. The age categories for the Masters in 10-year steps was confirmed once again.

In the end, the WQF asks all athletes to register early for the competitions. By registering as soon as possible, you help the event hosts to organize a well-planned race – only then, a great competition can take place!

For more World Cup Information visit the website http://www.quadrathlon.com/index.htm

The WQF wishes all athletes an injury-free preparation and is looking forward to exciting competitions in 2013!

Regards

Stefan Teichert, WQF Executive Board

Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013

Admin

The entries have been opened for the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2013 organised by Lincsquad.

The date has been brought forward to the bank holiday weekend of Sunday 26th May, so that the event can become even bigger & better. This has meant that the North Lincs Challenge has been suspended for 2013, last year we saw very low entries for the challenge and although not an easy decision we have decided that we must put all our focus & attentions into building the Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon for the future.

The Brigg Bomber will once again be the British Quadrathlon Championships and BQA National Trophy Series race, as well as a WQF World Cup series race.

We are also pleased to also inform you that the Brigg Bomber has also been awarded the status of European Quadrathlon Championships 2013, thanks to our new sponsors Keyo Agricultural Services we are also able to confirm a total prize fund of 500 euro’s for the European Championships.

Although the race has increased its profile & status it is still very welcoming of newcomers to the sport of quadrathlon, either as solo, team or for the first time in 2013 as a corporate team.

The Corporate team can be made up of 2, 3 or 4 members of the same company, the winning corporate team will not only be awarded the corporate trophy but each winning team member will receive free entries to the Brigg Sprint Triathlon in September, now that’s an incentive !

If you have any queries regarding this event please email events@lincsquad.co.uk

So get training, get your entry in and see you in May.

2012 BQA Annual Report

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CHAIRMANS REPORT 2012 by Mark Pryor
2012 gave us a great feel good factor, with the likes of the Olympics and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, with numerous GB athletes leading their field winning medals and World Titles . However, the UK Quadrathlon scene had highs and lows, ranging from the prestige of hosting two World Cup races, to some disappointing low turn outs at other races.
The Deeside Race was the first race of the season [and the National trophy Series] but only a few hardy athletes braved the Scottish elements. Mick Weir was to win the race with Colin Calder coming second. Unfortunately no Ladies took up the challenge this year.
The Adventure Challenge [organised by Lincsquad] was the second race in the
National Trophy Series and was hampered by bad weather, but the athletes were not to be phased. Matt Foulger was the first male to cross the line with Ian Smith coming a respectable second. In the Ladies event the infamous “Jean Ashley” was first with Alison Deykin taking second.
Unfortunately the Extreme 5 Quad was not able to be run this year. However, we
were lucky to have a new Quad over on the Isle of Wight which, unfortunately, was subject to high winds [the weather seems have played a big factor in most races this year] and the proposed paddle route around the Needles had to be changed. The southerly location and bad weather seemed to reduce entry levels. However, we received some good reports about this being a worth while quality race Ian Smith was the overall winner. It will be joining us in the Trophy Series next year. It is fantastic to see a new race on the south coast.
In June Russell Breyer travelled over to Germany to take part in the Oberpfalzer
Seenland Quad. This was only Russell’s third ever Quad and he came away with
third place in the MV50 class. He thoroughly enjoyed the race and definitely
recommends it.  June also saw the Norfolk Superhero Challenge take place. This team Quad challenge [its not open to individuals] was well attended and raised some well deserved money for charity.

July saw our third National Trophy Race, in the form of the “Brigg Bomber” which also doubled up as the National & European Championships, as well as being a world cup series race. Yet again the British weather showed its ugly head and high water levels on the Ancholme meant that the race format had to be changed. Some may say it was an even better race. This was to be a hard fought race with some high quality athletes from abroad pushing up the standards and giving our guys a run for their money., Matt Stephenson showed his racing colours and came away with the National & European Championship trophies, with the World Quadrathlon President, Stefan Teichent, coming second. In the ladies class, Becky Schofield became both the National and European Champion, with Kathryn King coming second. We also had some age group winners in the form of: Nigel Crowe [Vet50 M]; Tom Stead [U23 M] and Jean Ashley [Vet50 Ladies]. It has been recently announced that the “Brigg Bomber” will again both host the National & European Championships next year.
At last we had a race without any weather related problems [unfortunately it did clash with the Olympics], the Box End Sprint Quad. This enclosed X/C course saw a closely contested race with Matt Stephenson crossing the line first a mere 27 seconds ahead of Adam Norfolk. Roz Giles was the first lady home. Tom Stead, now an incredibly old 16, was improving with every race and was fourth overall.
Unfortunately we did not have an organised G/B Team to represent us at the World Quadrathlon Championships over in the Czech Republic. However, a few enthusiastic individuals took up the challenge and put on a good showing for the UK. Matt Stephenson was our highest place athlete coming in 5th place. We did pick up Silver in the men’s team event. Hopefully, next year we will be able to field a bigger team.
In early September we saw the first ever Shrewsbury Quad. This brand new sprint saw a full entry and, possibly the fastest swim on the race circuit, in the fast flowing waters of the River Seven. This was the 5th race in the Trophy Series and showed excellent potential and pedigree. Matt came first yet again [he really has dominated the UK race scene this year] with Sharon Colley taking the first ladies slot. We look forward to seeing this new race again next year.
On the same weekend as the Shrewsbury Quad, a few G/B athletes travelled over to Germany to take part in the World Sprint Quadrathlon Championships. The UK’s own “Tom Stead” became the World Junior Champion, to add to his growing list of achievements.
Mid September saw the 6th and final Trophy Race in the Bude Awesome Foursome, a truly fitting and challenging setting for the last race. Bude was also
designated a World Cup Series race. Unusually Bude was blessed with calm weather and flat seas, this is unheard off! This was to be another strongly contested race where Matt’s skill in the swim and speed on the bike could not hold of Stefan’s supremacy in the kayak that lead to Stefan’s eventual win. Yet another hard fought and excellent race, this again will have World Cup status in 2013. At the end of the trophy series, Matt Stephenson and Jean Ashley both respectively won overall, with Phil Binch, Alison Deykin and Tom Stead picking up age group wins. Tom Stead was also awarded the Eric Hatliff trophy for Endeavour for his success at National, European and World levels.
Bude was the last Trophy race but not the last race of the year.

This was the Fabian 4 race which turned out to be the hardest race of the year in extreme weather. With gale force winds, gusting up to 55mph, and torrential rain the race was interesting to say the least. The Estuary paddle, fell run and MTB ride in the hills of North Wales turned out to be an epic adventure which everyone enjoyed. The team at “Map 7” put on an extremely hard race in harsh conditions. This race will be joining us as part of the trophy series next year.
It has been an interesting year with the UK holding two World Cup races and holding the European Championships.

Some challenging weather at a lot of races and the ever so present economic down turn hampering the racing scene. I would like to thank all the race organisations who throughout the year put on some excellent races and I look forward to next year.
Also a big thanks to everyone who helped out with the running of the BQA, especially Jean Ashley, whose constant hard work is the back bone of our organisation. Looking ahead to next year I hope to see increased numbers at all events to make them worth running. You can all support the BQA by joining us, details can be found on the membership page: Membership and affiliation fees remain the same for 2013.
Next year will be my last year as Chairman and I hope that it is a successful one for the sport of Quadrathlon. A big thanks to everyone who organised and took part in Quads this year and I look forward to seeing you all at a race next season.

Election of officers- the following have been elected for 2013
Chairman – Mark Pryor (standing for 1 more year)
Membership Secretary – Jean Ashley
Secretary/Treasurer – Jean Ashley
Event Co-ordinator – Mat Stephenson
GB Team Manager – Steve Hook
Team Captains
Men – Mat Stephenson
Ladies – Alison Deykin
Kit sales – Steve Dolby
Website – Paul Carvill

Trophy Races 2013
1. The 6 Races for our Trophy Series are –
Brigg Bomber, West Wight, Box End, Shrewsbury, Fabian 4,
Awesome Foursome.
2. National Championships awarded to Brigg Bomber for 2013, to be
selected yearly.
3. Trophy Prizes and Rules to remain the same
Perpetual trophies for Overall National Trophy Winners (plus Thule
vouchers, if they continue to sponsor the BQA in 2013).
T-shirts for Senior, Vet 40, Vet 50, under 23.
Eric Hatliff Endeavour Prize” (plus Thule vouchers in sponsorship
continues).
4. Only give prizes to winners who’ve done 3 races and are BQA
Members.
5. Only British Athletes will get allocated Trophy points for 2013.
6. Juniors will only get Overall Trophy points if they do a full Trophy Race,
(less laps do not count). However we do have a separate Junior league
to cover the junior/sprint races for the junior prize.
Race Affiliation in 2012

GB Team Leader/manager – Steve Hook
Hi all, as many of you know I had a slightly rough year, well now that things
are settling, and even though I am very busy, I want to work with as many as
possible towards getting a competitive team for the Worlds, the Europeans
(now at Brigg), and to see if we can get the numbers ramped up in our home
events. We want to spread the word amongst the triathlon events and
kayaking events, that the true sporting challenge is in Quadrathlon. I do want
to have a training weekend in the spring, all details will be sent out to BQA
members and put on our BQA website and facebook page, so please contact
me if you’re interested and would like to attend.
regards
Steve Hook
BQA Kit
Race Kit – we have 3 (small) Tri suits in stock, there is a minimum order of
10, I have 3 orders on a waiting list, as we are hosting the European
Championships and if we have a team for the World Championships we hope
to be able to get an order together for 2013. It’s great to see athletes racing in
GB Tri suits, please let Jean Know if you are interested. The new suits will
have a rear zip now and will cost about £65 but payment will be needed
upfront.
Leisure Kit – Steve Dolby
Steve has set up this on the website, and is going to continue this service for
us. Athletes can order ‘one-offs’ and pay direct to the company -Tech T-shirts,
Hoodys are available, maybe look at doing a fleece in 2013.
Matching Team Kit does help raise the profile of the BQA, the new Hoodies
and Tech T-shirts look really good.
Website and monthly Newsletter, and facebook page – Jean Ashley
They are all up and running very well, though we would like to encourage
more members to send us race reports, photographs or articles linked to
quadrathlon or Multi-sports, its always good to share your news, reports and
race experiences with us …… please email to Jean.
A.O.B.
AGM dates to be confirmed, if we have a training weekend in the Spring we
could review this Annual Report then. Hopefully the AGM for 2013 can be held
at the last race of the season, Bude or Chester if it takes place.
Membership forms attached to this email, all fees remain the same please
support us in 2013.
Results of 2012 Trophy Series
Congratulations to all our 2012 Athletes, and prize winners.
Numbers racing in the Trophy Series were down on last year –
Matt Stephenson – Overall Ladies – Jean Ashley Overall
Phil Binch – Vet 40 Alison Deykin – Vet 40
Peter Chappil – Vet 50
Endevor Trophy Tom Stead

2013 SEASON
05/5/2013 DEESIDE Scotland – Approved by BQA
26/5/2013 BRIGG BOMBER Brigg – BQA Trophy 1 National Champs
Europeans & World Cup BQA
30/6/13 WEST WIGHT I of W – BQA Trophy 2
29/6/2013 NORFOLK SUPERHEROS Norfolk Charity Race – Approved by BQA
4/8/2013 BOX END Bedford – BQA Trophy 3
1/9/2013 SHREWSBURY QUAD Shrews – BQA Trophy 4
8/9/2013 FABIAN 4 Conwy – BQA Trophy 5
14/9/2013 AWESOME FOURSOME Bude – BQA Trophy 6
World Cup

Please download BQA Events poster and put up in your club, to help us spread the Quadrathlon Events Thank-you BQA Trophy Events 2013

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital”
Happy and Safe Training over the winter … We look forward to seeing you Racing in 2013 … see you in the spring!

2012 Quadmire Series – Wadenhoe Race 2

Admin

Wadenhoe Quadmire Race 2 Sunday 2nd December. The week leading up to this, the second in the four race series, saw torrential rain and significant flooding of the Nene valley, so much so that pictures of the extensive flooding around Aldwincle were featured on national TV bulletins.  We had to make a decision early as to whether to go ahead with the run/kayak/bike/run and decided in the interest of safety that we should run the R/B/R only.

By Thursday the rain had cleared and the sun came out.  The water levels began to recede and by race morning we had a very cold frosty morning.  The course was still very wet and the infamous ‘quagmire’ next to the river was ready to drag poor unsuspecting runners into the mire.

The start of the race saw Jez Cox and the Young Tom Stead vying again for the lead, but it was Jez who was the stronger and gradually built up a lead by T1.  Steve Giles and Glynn Preston  led the next grouping with Roz Giles, the only lady in the race, looking strong and maintaining good pace.

By lap 3 of the bike, Jez was building a 3 minute lead over Tom who was now looking decidedly tired. As each lap progressed, competitors became increasingly mud-spattered head to foot but actualy looked as though they were enjoying it!
By the last lap of the bike, Tom had had enough and retired (speaking to him afterwards he had been on a bit of epic bike training session the previous day and this had finally caught up with him).  In the words of Arnie “He’ll be back”.

Jez pushed on and finished in 1hour and 4 minutes with Steve Giles (1st MV40) finishing just over 4 minutes later.  Glynn Preston finished a strong 3rd, just a minute behind Steve.  Dave Rayment and Martin Hamilton finished in 4th  (1hr 14m) and 5th  (1hr 14m 43s) Respectively with Keith Reid first MV50 in 1hr 18.48.  Roz Giles, 1st lady finished tenth overall in 1hr 21.45.

With the race over, most of the competitors headed straight for the village hall for the spicy sausage soup, hot coffee, cakes and bacon rolls.  What (weather) will the next race bring?  1 foot of snow?
See you all on 13th Jan (and bring your mates!!)

Full Results Race 2

Richard Piron

2013 Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon

Admin

The Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon will be in its 13th year in 2013 (hopefully not unlucky for us as it also takes place on the 13th of the month!)  It’s a quadrathlon with a bit of a twist, including a fish & chip stop along the way, slicing a watermelon in half with a sword to stop the clock and the most spectacular fireworks display to finish the evening off!  There’s certainly a competitive side to some of the participants but for many, the main aim is to get through the day in one piece.

We’re keen to spread the net and get word out to as many quadrathletes as possible at our event, join us for one of Scotland’s toughest one-day events and an unforgettable weekend in the spectacular Scottish Highlands.  The Quad is an exhilarating test of stamina, strength and fitness, combining swimming, walking/running, kayaking and cycling.  The challenge will take teams in, over and around Loch Tay, including the summits of the Ben Lawers range.  For those who wish to join in the fun of the weekend but don’t fancy all four disciplines there is an exciting new relay team option.  Celebrate your achievement on the banks of Loch Tay with a real Scottish knees up, complete with feast, ceilidh and fireworks.  Why not make a weekend of it and bring family and friends along to support you in your quest to complete the 2013 Quad.

Swim – 0.8 mile
Run/Walk – 15 miles (including 7 munros)
Kayak – 7 miles
Cycle – 34 miles

For more information visit Artemis Great Kindrochit. Quadrathlon
Or contact – Fiona Kirkwood, Event Manager
WildFox Events, Kindrochit, Ardtalnaig, By Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2HX

T: 01567 820 409
M: 07742 052 154

2012 Quadmire Series – Wadenhoe Race 1

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It was certainly a challenging start to the 2012 Quadmire Series with temperatures hovering around zero and lashings of the wet stuff, it was not for the faint-hearted. This was probably reflected in our low turnout for both events, only the toughest survived.
At 10:30am the inclement weather-reduced field set off on what was to be a gruelling test of stamina and mind over hyperthermia. From the start a breakaway group of three people made their presence known by taking an early lead in the first two-lap run stage. Leading them out young Tom Stead was hotly pursued by Jez Cox and Troy Garrity. All three arriving in T1 within 5 seconds of each other but all equally covered in mud and filth. Despite the constant torrential rain, at least whilst running most people managed to stay relatively warm.
Over in the quad, only four people were brave enough to enter this longer event on this day. Their first run being two and a half slippery laps before they reached the kayak start point. Ben Wynn was the first to arrive at the kayaks after a run split of 16:10 closely followed by Steve Saunders 30 seconds later. Both set off into the quickly rising and fast flowing current on the River Nene (which had drastically increased in volume since the race and the rain had started). A few minutes later Sonja (our only lady Quad entry) arrived and set out followed by Glynn Mayley. It was to be a challenging two-mile paddle for all against strong flows and blustery conditions, however the biggest challenge was to be the wet and cold with everyone returning from the paddle shaking but not stirred.
Returning to the Duathlon the entrants were slipping and sliding their way around the course. The fields had been in pristine, virgin condition before the start of the race as it was the first race of the Season; however it didn’t take long for the racing line to become a slippery mayhem of chaos with plenty of thrills and spills. This is more like the Wadenhoe Series that we are used to, unlike last
years’ unseasonably dry conditions. The majority of people had to push their bikes at some stage up the steep but short slippery slopes; it certainly wasn’t going to be a record-breaking course today. Young Tom still managed to maintain his lead by posting a bike split one minute faster than his nearest rival (Jez Cox). Everyone was doing their best to stay on their bike and in control but the ground conditions and prevailing weather was doing their best to hinder all efforts.
After the cold gruelling bike stage most people were glad to be able to leave their bikes behind and start to warm up on the final two laps of the run. By now the Quadmire section down by the river was well and truly on form with mud-sucking puddles up to knees and almost becoming man-eaters. However, all prevailed and fought their way through with young Tom crossing the line first in a time of 1:08:06 followed less than a minute later by Jez Cox and Matthew Wootton coming in a commendable third. Unfortunately, there were no ladies brave enough to take on the challenge today.
Back to the Quad and all the Quad athletes were certainly glad to be back on dry land and running up to T2 to find their bikes, however, they were probably were not looking forward to more wet and cold conditions. Ben and Steve both battled through to complete the bike section. Unfortunately Sonja had a mechanical and was unable to complete the course. Ben was the first to finish the Quad in a very respectable time (considering the appalling conditions) of 2:08:23.
After finishing, most athletes took no time to change into some warm dry clothes before heading home or down to the Village Hall for some well-earned warm refreshments.
I would like to say a big thanks to all the marshals who braved the appalling conditions for a lot of hours during the race. Their efforts made the race possible. We look forward to seeing everyone at our second race on 2.12.12 and hopefully the weather conditions will be kinder and entry levels will be up.

Race Results Race 1
Mark Pryor Quadrac Racing