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2012 The First Ever Shrewsbury Quad

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A First for Shrewsbury Tri who attached a Quadrathlon to their very successful Triathlon, perfect weather conditions and a great team of organizers certainly put Quadrathlon on the map for Central England!

As it was a trial event we only had 30 places, (sorry for those who had to be turned down, hopefully next year we will have more slots) We had a big cross section of athletes, from our top ranked Quadrathletes to Triathletes giving kayaking a go for the first time, we had Novice Kayakers to some excellent regular marathon paddlers. It was brilliant to see the 12 first timers, its always good to have newcomers to our sport. Everyone that started all finished in fine form, with no problems in the kayak despite the fairly fast flowing river, which had gone down considerably since the previous day!

Mat Stephenson was first out of the swim, but Brendan Reese showing his expert kayaking moved into first place, with Nigel Unwin close behind. Once Mat got on his bike he cycled strongly to move back into the lead, which he held on the run to finish first (and 1st Vet 40) in 1.23.37. Brendan came 2nd 1.25.46 Nigel 3rd 1.28.56. Regular BQA athletes Mark Pryor came 4th 1.36.09 and Tony Runnegar 5th 1.38.31. A great result for first timer Phil Holden in 6th 1.39.20. Peter Chappill was first Vet 50 1.45.02.

The ladies was closely fought with Jean Ashley, Alison Deykin and Sharon Colley, out of the swim and into the kayaks within 15 seconds of each other. Sharon’s brilliant kayaking moved her into a 2 minute lead, which she maintained on the bike, Jean started to chase her down on the run, but Sharon held onto first place 1.41.32, Jean 2nd 1.42.43 with Alison in 3rd 1.49.33, with first timer Elena Ward in 4th 1.55.36.

It was great to see newcomers to our sport, all enjoying the race but for me the highlight was 11 females racing its so good to see more girls out their, I really hope we will be seeing you again!
Full Results Shrewsbury quadrathlon-results

On behalf of the BQA I would like to say a huge thank-you to Gill Otto, SYtri and Shrewsbury Masters for letting us be part of their triathlon, also to the paddlers from Shrewsbury Canoe Club and all the marshalls and helpers who helped make the Quadrathlon a great success. It was an excellent course, very well organised, with so many friendly marshalls it was great to be part of their event and it was so good to see plenty of onlookers enjoying the Quadrathlon!
We hope you’ll have us back next year!

2012 World Quadrathlon Championships

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Congratulations to the 6 members our GB Quad Team who raced in the World Quadrathlon Championships (middle distance) in the Czech Republich. The invincable Miroslav Podborský is WORLD CHAMPION yet again (2.45.56). There was a very tough race between Leoš Roušavý and Stefan Teichert, with Leos getting Silver (2.51.01) and Stefan Bronze (2.51.32). In 4th place Milan Oslik (2.54.32) giving Mat a good race in 5th (2.54.56). Followed by Ian Smith in 7th (3.02.41). Nick Gatland came 10th (3.04.09) and 3rd GB team member, giving them Silver in the Mens Team Event. Tony Runnegar came 24th (3.33.52).

Katrin Burow Won Gold (3.16.03) with Lisa Marie Hirschfelder in Silver (3.31.04) and Ellen Mielke Bronze (3.35.03). Our only female this year was Alison Deykin who came 4th and 1st Vet 40 (3.54.27). We had a small but very successful Team, whilst alot of us were busy watching and helping at the Olympics they were Flying the GB QUAD FLAG, bringing home even more medals.

Vet 40 Gold Mat Stephenson,

Vet 40 Silver Nick Gatland

Vet 50 Gold Ian Smith

Vet 40W Gold Alison Deykin

Mens Team Silver Mat Stephenson, Ian Smith, Nick Gatland.

Sadly the numbers were down at the race this year, probably due to the timing of the Olympics with only 29 men and 4 women racing …… it would be really good to boost the Quad numbers next year …… Lets get our Team together and make it a big GB Quad Team 2013!!! Lets do our very best to build on Olympic fever and get people into Quadrathlons…… keep our sport alive!

 

 

2012 Box End Quadrathlon

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Congratulations to Winners of the Box End Quad, that took part on 5th August. Matt Stephenson won the Mens overall and Vet 40 (1.38.06), very closly followed by Adam Norfolk (1.38.33). Russell Brayer won the Mens vet 50, whilst the young Tom Stead came 5th overall winning the U23. (1.41.42).

In the Ladies Roz Giles won convincingly (2.00.10), with Sarah Roger in 2nd (2.07.43) with Alison Deykin in 3rd (2.13.36)

Race report from Mark Pryor

Sunday morning dawned with a thin vale of mist covering the lakes at Box End as the sun broke through the darkness to make ideal race conditions, even the wind had abated from the previous day.

27 athletes lined up [in the lake] for the Quad and 17 for the Tri for the swim start in the cable tow lake. Matt Chandler was the first out of the water after the 750m swim followed by Matt Stephenson 50 seconds later. After a quick dash in to transition to remove the wet suits and grab the paddles before starting on the 4.4km kayak leg. Adam Norfolk soon showed his special field by gaining any lost ground and paddling skilfully to take the lead. The two portages [between the two lakes] took a few people by surprise as they struggled to get their varied craft over the spit of land, most wishing they had a light K1 racer. Young Tom Stead also put in a good time, much to Matt’s surprise by overtaking him.

Off the water and in to transition again it was time to put on the helmets and wheel out the bikes for the start of the 3 lap [15KM] off- road bike course. This short but surprisingly gruelling circuit was to prove as tough as ever. There were a few frills and spills on the corners as people under estimated the damp grass conditions. The top 6 bike splits were very close but it was young Tom who posted the fastest by about 30 seconds.

It was now all down to the final 5KM run, around the same circuit as the bikes. This is where Matt Stephenson came into his own and set about closing the gap between him and the lead contenders. It was a close finish with Matt crossing the line first in a time of 1:38:06 followed 27 seconds later by Adam Norfolk. Roz Giles was the first lady home after posting some consistent times throughout the four disciplines. Young Tom [sweet 16] came home in fourth overall.

All in all a great race was had by all with some good times posted. All seemed to enjoy themselves, even the nervous first timers. Big thanks to all the helpers and marshals who made the race possible.

Mark Pryor Quadrac Racing

Full results Box End Quad 2012 results.

 

2012 The Norfolk Superhero Challenge

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The Norfolk Superhero Challenge is a unique quadrathlon event designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, from  more experienced athletes who want to push themselves to the limit to individuals who may be first time quadrathletes and wish to set themselves a new challenge and improve their fitness. Now in it’s 6th year, the event continues to go from strength to strength. This years event on Saturday 23rd June had 134 competitors, the race consisted of –

Swim – 1 mile from Gun Hill to the quay at Burnham Overy Staithe with the incoming tide.
Kayak – 4 mile course through the creeks of Burnham Overy Staithe.
Cycle -A new 45 mile circular route on North Norfolk’s most scenic roads.
Run – 8 miles across tracks, sand, mud and marsh.

The forecast had been for gales gusting to 40 mph earlier in the week, but the surprise visitor was the constant sunshine which shone down on the creeks and incoming tide at Burnham Overy Staithe on the morning of the race.  A strong south westerly kept everyone on their toes and held back the start, as tide battled wind.

At 8.30 am, after a relaxed flotilla of boat marshalls had ferried the competitors out to Gun Hill, 134 swimmers took to the water, surrounded by the fantastic support team of the well drilled Fakenham Canoe Club, led by Nigel and backed up by the Wells Inshore Lifeboat, helmed by Coxswain Allen.  Choppy waters and the constant offshore wind meant this year’s swim was the toughest in the Challenge’s 6 year history.  Yet somehow our lead swimmer still beat Peter Bickle and his empty ferry back past Dead Man’s Hole to shore.  He thought his eyes were deceiving him when the first competitor/porpoise/woman was seen to spring from the sea. The incredible time set in our fastest ever swim was 16 minutes and 46 seconds by Abbie Thorrington, a member of the British Triathlon squad.  Quite a few superheroes were seen to walk some of the gruelling swim but hey, there is nothing in the rules about that. The second competitor out of the water was 2011’s leading swimmer, Charles Wilson with a magnificent, normal human, time of 18.21 and Ross Johnson in third position with 18.42.

The kayak phase was wonderfully tightly contested.  On the short course, Saya Sheridan and Johnny Bland pipped Abbie Thorrington and her partner Mark Harrod by a mere 2 seconds with their impressive and well deserved first place with a time of 38.14, leaving only a minute before the 3rd positioned mixed team of Jo and Toby Dean came in.  That wind kept things exciting with proper waves reported breaking over the nose of our lead long course kayak, and last year’s champions, the indomitable Duncan Backus and Rob Stendrup, who recorded a time of 49.30.  A little horse play and pugelsticks on the water gave Mark and James Lapping the disappointment of second place and a time of 49.56.  Whilst, within a minute again, and a very respectable time of 50.48, third place was Phil Ellis’s and Russel DeBeer’s for the taking.

Transition times are always worth a mention when preparation is being made for the bike phase, you may not expect your partner to require a loo break and a cup of tea, but best made plans and all that gave us a staggering spread of times in the break between kayak in and bike out.  The time for bets on overall race placings should have been called when it is noted that the quickest time went to the ultimate race winners (1.30) and the slowest went to our best beloved holders of the wooden spoon (13.40).

That constant South Westerly wind took centre stage in the fight out to Sandringham as the bike course forged it’s way west.  Due to ever improving course times on the bike and the necessity of the tide to have fully retreated in order to open up the run course across the sea straddled creek, the bike course had been lengthened to 45 miles. Many of our wonderful competitors paid for their over exuberance in front of the crowds and on that nasty gravelly swing round the Obelisk with several A&E workers making their living digging gravel out of forearms and jamming shoulders back into place. Marcus Hawkins, Charlie Ward, Tim Heffer and Thomas Courthauld are definately worth a mention in the wounded but still heroes catergory. 2.09.10 was the mere wisp of a time it took Mark Harrod to show his first time partner Abbie Thorrington the sights and smells of our glorious county, Nick Toulan and Dan Pilling, the Lincolnshire Lads, didn’t hang around either to check out their first views of Nelson’s finest backroads, giving them just 2.13.49 worth of worry.  Charlie Ward and Matt Gingell, (2010 Trophy winners, 2011 Local heroes) mixed it up with Niall McCallum and Iain Wilson in the battle for 3rd place, with Revenge sadly being a dish served cold if not a little worse for it after a nasty spill by Charlie on an impressive overtaking manouvere.

Bananas and water stops interspersed with Pink t-shirts and Union Jacks marked out the daunting run route, as competitors again left the field to take to the sea wall, and swing out East to Holkham and the glorious sight of Rachel Symington jumping up and down  and shouting encouragement on Lady Anne’s Drive.  Running was obviously another specialist subject of Niall McCallum and Iain Wilson who powered their way to take the fastest time in 1.06.47.  Nick Toulan and Dan Pilling obviously felt at home on the marsh too when they speeded in with a time of 1.09.27, followed by Kevin Marshall and Darren Thomas hammering 1.11.08 down as their time.

From where the crowd were standing on the hard, there was however only one winning team.  The magnificent duo and now present holders of the Dame Edna Cup, Abbie Thorrington and Mark Harrod romped in with the whole marsh to themselves splashing through the sun glinted water to deafening cheers and congratulations from our wonderful supporters, including Marks previous partner the lovely Rowan Clifford. Those Lincolnshire Lads, and winners of the Lord Nelson looked too strong for our local Heroes Iain and Niall, in second place and our hearts were full to bursting when Phil Ellis and Russell DeBeer appeared to bring home a ‘podium finish’ in  third place.  Poor Jo and Toby Dean were beaten into 2nd place for the third year running in the Dame Edna, but take heart, by a possible Olympic dream.  Tears were wept when the winning ladies made it home, making Milla Beeson and Kate Wharton our new Lady Hamiltons.  The whole field surged out to the finish to see our wonderful wooden spoon winners Sez Hughes and Cath Edgington (Head Marshall, Big C coordinator and responsible for the raising of £6,897 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance).

Our massive thanks go out to our wonderful marshalls, who voted for their winner of the spirit of the superhero prize.  A hard decision when so much love is whizzing past you on bicycles and needing vaseline and bananas thrown at them.  Roland and his son Daniel Bewick’ sunny disposition was just pipped by the Spanish and South African ridiculous double act’s charms.  Alge Williams and Jerry Phillipi strode off easily with the Best Marshall Prize for pure and honest control tempered by slight cheek and naughtiness, with Henry hot on their heels as the new ‘tall-dark-handsome-man-that-can’ in the field.  (Must have been the year of the boys in pink).

Finally, thank you to the Big C who were our charity this year and were a real support to us just as you have made a real difference to them.

 

Category Winners

Lord Nelson Trophy Nick Toulan And Dan Pilling
Dame Edna Cup Abbie Thorrington and Mark Harrod
Lady Hamilton Cup Kate Wharton and Milla Beeson
Local Heroes Iain Wilson and Niall McCallum
Zimmer Winner Susie Towning and Suzanne Read

Special Mentions

Wooden Spoon Cath Edginton and Sez Hughes
Spirit of the Superhero Pablo Sanchez and Peter McShane
Marshall Prize Alge Williams and Jerry Phillipi

Superheros – Every single one of you!

 

2012 Oberpfalzer Seenland Quadrathlon, German Championships

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Russell Breyer is a newcomer to quadrathlon, (albeit a third season triathlete and occasional paddler), what better way to try a new sport than to load up the car and hoik the family right across to Eastern Bavaria for a top level race? The risk, of course, was of coming last by miles. But what the heck.

My German is next to non-existant, so signing up and getting help with general orientation placed me in the hands of Stefan Teichert, the race director. Fortunately, nothing was too much trouble for Stefan, and it was lovely, when we arrived beside the lake, to have him come bounding over, to check we were all OK, a service he repeated throughout the weekend.

The setting was stunning – a clear watered lake, ringed with forests, dotted with islands. The organisation of the event (there were sprint, standard and middle distance triathlons running alongside the quad) was, well, German. Everything worked with precise efficiency, with spot-on timing, no fuss or muck-ups. Stefan was the epitomie of relaxed bonhomie, and raced in the quad himself, despite his key role in proceedings.

Race day was fine and mild with mostly clear skies and a light breeze (while you lot were getting rain-lashed at the Adventure Challenge!). The swim took us on a single lap around an island. Being out of sight of the finish point for much of the swim made calculating progress a little hard, but otherwise it was lovely. The cycle leg took us on sweeping roads through brooding Bavarian forest. The distance was a little shorter than a standard 40km, at 35km, but I have no problem with that!

The 8km kayak leg involved five laps around the island. This was my first ever kayak race so I was a little disadvantaged by my poor technique and uncompetitive craft (my trusty Pyranha Fusion. You could drive a truck over it, but it is hardly a lean, mean, racing machine). But I stayed in touch, more or less, and learnt a great deal.

The 10km run was a delight, two laps through the shoreside forest, on level, lightly gravelled track. It could have been designed with all my preferences in  mind, and I had a flier.

Now, experienced quadrathletes will have a far greater sense of the european quadrathlon scene than I do, but it struck me that it consists of the same 30 or 40 folk racing each other half a dozen times a year at various points in central europe. Am I right? Anyway, they were a very friendly bunch, and I had a great time. The presentation ceremony was interminable, as it covered all the races, including relays, and I understood not a word, except the bit where they called me up to collect a gong for 3rd placed Male over 50, a fair return for 3hrs 45 mins of effort.

I’d recommend this event to anyone, if you can manage the 9 hour drive from Calais. Well, I now have the quad bug, so you will see me at Brigg, and various other points on the compass (at least, you will if you cast a backward glance as you are racing!) PS, I am now on the lookout for a second hand racing kayak suitable for a 6ft lump with so-so paddling skills, if anyone has such a thing going unused.

Congratulations Russel, and excellent first Quadrathlon and a great report, Thanks! We look forward to seeing you at the Brigg Bomber, and hope you become a regular on the British Quadraththlon Circuit.

 

2012 West Wight Quadrathlon

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After a week of gales the weather gods smiled (well frowned) on our first Quadrathlon. 20 to 30 knot winds became 5 to 8knots and a gentle english drizzle met our intrepid competitors. A perfectly formed squad of 11 people started the great adventure. 24 lengths of a warm clean pool at 07;30 hrs was a gentle wake up for the next leg. A mountain bike course over the Tennison Downs trail. By now Mat Trautman had disappeared into the rain and by the end of the bike ride had a lead of 15mins! So as he started the kayak leg (held onthe Solent side of the Island this year) one of the safety boats had yet to lay the turning Mark! But two Honda 90 hp engines can beat even a supper fit South African. But at the end he had set a blistering time of 2:14:41(obviously the course record). BQA GB Team member and 1st Vet Ian Smith came home in 2nd place 2:30:38.

Everybody completed the course the tailenders taking 3:37:06 after a slightly shortened paddle. Prize giving took place as soon as everybody had recovered;each competitor received a small porcelain mug suitably engraved as a momento of the day.

Will we do it again next year? …… you bet we will! So watch the West Wight Sports Centre, IOW Adventure Activities and BQA web sites for next year.

A Big thank-you to Mike Raydon and his Crew for putting on this excellent Race, Ive had some great feedback and this very positive comment from BQA member Philip Nye ‘We had a great race yesterday, with weather much better than the forecast predicted a few days before. The cycle route up the downs afforded spectacular views (for those with the time to look) and although the paddle was changed from the original plan due to forecast gales (which in the end had died before Sunday), it was still a high point with a moderate easterly blowing down the Solent into a gathering tidal flow which made the later paddlers work quite hard. It was a shame not to see some more of the regular faces there – you all need to man up and face some water which isn’t mirror flat! Many thanks to Mike Rayden for a very friendly and well organized event.’

RESULTS

1st Matt Trautman  2:14:41
2nd Ian Smith        2:30:38
3rd Simon Baxter   2:48:14
4th Adam Younger  2:57:32
5th Cathy Allen        3:04:31
6th Phillip Nye         3:27:32
7th Natalie Bee        3:27:30
8th George Huston Roberts   3:32:55
9th  Nigel Selly        3:37:06
10th Sally Pulvertoft    3:31:10 (after a shortened Kayak)
11th Sarah Edminds  3:31:10  (after a shortened Kayak)

2012 Double IronMan – Our Quadrathlete Superstar!

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Double IronMan Gorilla Unleashed

Congratulations to Quadrathlete Phil Binch who has completed the Double Enduroman in 29 hours and 49 minutes, the race consisted of a 4.8m swim, 232 miles in the saddle for the cycle ride and then finishing with a 52 mile run. Finishing in an amazing 7th place out of 40 athletes! Phil has the support of his family (Sarah & Georgie) and Lincsquadders (Dobber Family & Steve Clark). These are a few photos of his amazing journey, taken by his support crew via twitter

6:00am – Winds gone, breakfast here we come!  from @offthatcouch

6:30am – More food…. @philbinch (aka @mrsbinchy)

8:22am – Final preparation and wetsuit on, soon be time!!! from @D088ER

8:53am – Soon be time to unleash the Gorilla…. from @D088ER

9:04am – Start….. they are off, 39 competitors start the double!! (@se7enuk presumes!)

9:18am – Lap 4 done!! @D088ER
9:20am – Phil Binch is in 5th spot after 20 minutes of swimming, Deke Thompson (GrimsbyTri) is current leading. from @offthatcouch

9:46am – Lap 9 done 41:30, still at 4:40 pace and looking good. via @D088ER

10:15am – Second Stop, 12 laps done and 14 to go. via @D088ER

10:53am – Deke Thompson 1st out of water in 1hr 51m from @offthatcouch

11:26am – Phil Binch out of the water and on schedule in 8th place – via @D088ER

11:49am – Phil Binch now out on leg 2 in 2hrs 45m – via @D088ER

12:29pm – 1st lap on bike done in 38 mins, only another 19 laps to go. – via @offthatcouch

12:53pm – Pit Stop!!!

3:29pm – Out on course with Phil Binch.

5:41pm – Looks like he’s enjoying himself… Keep it going mate. Looking good! – via @D088ER

6:13pm – Support Crew – via @mrsdobber

7:14pm – Half way on the bike done (ironman distance) total race time of 10 hours 12 minutes currently in 10th – via @mrsbinchy

8:14pm – Feed time for support crew.

10:22pm – It’s getting dark…

10:39pm – Phil Binch has now been going 13.37 hours and its time for the mini support crew to get some shut eye!!

10:53pm – Support crew keep fluids topped up.

11:41pm – 170 miles done on the bike and a rice pudding stop.

2:56am – Last lap for @philbinch on his little enduroman!!! Only a quick 52 mile run next!

3:54am – The Gorilla has started his run.

5:40am – Aproaching 21 hours racing is in 9th position Still going strong

7:41am – 20miles into the run.

9:04am – 24 hours of racing and still another marathon to run.

9:23am – Time for a change of clothes – via @mrsdobber

10:01am – Lap 26 of 48 and still going strong – via @d088er

11:28am – Looking awesome…

12:17pm – 12 laps top go, only a half marathon left to do. – via D088ER

12:34pm – @philbinch and Ian Tosh battling for 7th and 8th position Phil has him at the moment by 50 metres come on Phil #DIM #Lincsquad 11 laps to go – @offthatcouch

12:51pm – @philbinch puts another 100 metres into Ian Tosh now 150m lead.

1:03pm – We are officially into single figures! 8 plus one glory lap to go

2:50pm – Only a few hundred metres to go………

2:59pm – Phil comes across the finish line in 29 hours and 49 minutes. He is the Gorilla of all Gorillas and now will be known as King Kong. Well done Phil.

2012 North Lincs Adventure Challenge

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Sunday 3rd June 2012 saw the 11th running of the North Lincs Adventure Challenge organised Lincsquad.

Even the infamous Adventure Challenge race day weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 32 competitors bravely taking the start line in the early morning rain, ahead of them a cold and wet 36km cycle, 10km kayak and 10km river bank run.

The Sprint race competitors decided to compete in the full distance race at the last minute and looked like they enjoyed every minute, well done Tom Stead, Alan Cardy & birthday girl Denise Smith.

The Challenge race is different to many other races as competitors set off at 1 minute intervals so know one really knows for sure where they stand during the race, you just go as hard as you can to the end. However technically, the lead changed hands numerous times throughout the race.

Lincsquad’s Steve Dolby started off strong, putting in the fastest bike split of 54:45, followed closely by Lincsquad’s, Matt Stevenson (55:51). Matt Foulger and Ian Smith then put in blistering kayak splits of 45:44 and 47:14 to take 1st & 2nd on the road, followed in 3rd overall by Matt Stevenson (54:27).

The 10km run is no ordinary 10km run, two thirds of the run are uneven grass tracks along the river bank, which make it especially tough, the fastest run split of the day was Matt Stevenson (40:11), closley followed by Lincsquad newcomer Kev Fish (41:46), then Ian Smith (42:09) and Matt Foulger (43:07).

Matt Stevenson’s fast run however was not enough to close the gap on the leaders and meant he came in 3rd overall. Ian Smith overtook Matt Foulger towards the end of the run, but Matt kept Ian in his sights, with the knowledge that he started 1 minute behind Ian, so all he had to do was cross the finsh line less than a minute behind to have a chance of victory.

Matt Foulger – Overall Winner

In the end, just 33 seconds separated the two which meant that the new North Lincs Adventure Challenge Champion was Matt Foulger (Nottingham) in a time of 2:28:58, from Ian Smith (Ross on Wye) 2:29:31.

The ladies title was just as closely fought through the bike & kayak section with only a couple of minutes separating Jean Ashley & Alison Deykin, however Jean pulled away on the run to win the ladies title in a time of 3:01:14. Alison in 2nd  in 3.16.45.

The team race was won by David Durham (bike), David Ashley (kayak) & Chris Spavin (run) in a cracking time of 2:42:31, solo entry next year guys?

The award for the fastest “first-timer” went to up and coming youngster Tom Stead, who stepped up to the full distance at short notice and ranked well in each of the three discipline’s.

The 1st veteran trophies were awarded to Nigel Crowe (4th overall) & Alison Deykin on rolldown.

The local council award for the first local was presented by Carl Sherwood, Mayor of Brigg and was awarded to Adam Moorhouse.

The award for most improved (after some detailed calcualtions) went to David Finch, who knocked nearly 20 minutes off last years time, a massive improvement.

A special well done to Andrew Yeadon and Pete Chappill who are the only 2 competitors remaining who have competed in each of the 11 North Lincs Adventure Challenges, a tremendous effort.

Congratulations to all competitors today, the conditions were poor, but you all gave it everything, most of the time with a huge smile on your face, I’m sure you have inspired and encouraged others to follow you into the wonderful world of multi-sport. Hope to see you all at the Brigg Bomber in July.

Finally, a huge thank you to the many Lincsquad members, family & friends who have helped organise, set up, marshall, time keep and pack away. You have all helped make this event very special and should be extremely proud of yourselves for putting on such a great show, well done.

Final thoughts ….. can I urge everyone who played a part in today’s race whether you competed, marshalled or spectated to help us make sure that events such as these (North Lincs Adventure Challenge & Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon) continue, we need more people to enter these races, you can enter the full distance race as a solo or team competitor, or the shorter sprint version, but we need you, your family, your friends to enter and keep them alive. I guarantee you have a great time.

2012 New Trophy Race Shrewsbury Quad!

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Shrewsbury Triathlon 2nd September 2012

Due to the cancellation of the eXtreme5 Quad the BQA have added this Sprint Distance Quad to our National Trophy Series it is Race no 5, the week before the final Race in Bude.

The majestic town of Shrewsbury welcomes you to the staging of its Triathlon and Quadrathlon. The Triathlon now in its second year, has adapted to your needs and will include family events as well. In collaboration with SYTri and  Shrewsbury Masters , the event provides a unique river swim, then Kayak, followed by fast stretches of cycling on country lanes and a lovely run taking in the River Severn.

The event is held at the Shropshire and West Midlands Showground and offers plenty of parking, toilets and other facilities. Full information – Race Pack

Event Information – Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon and Quadrathlon
Sunday 2nd September 2012
Venue: West Mids Show Ground, Berwick Rd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

The event is an Open Water Sprint Triathlon and a Quadrathon event both being held on the same day.

The distances are; Triathlon: 500m Swim/23km Cycle (undulating)/5km Run.
Cost: £30 BTF Members £33 Non BTF Members
(300 entries, closing date 8th August)

Quadrathlon: 500m Swim/5km Kayak/23km Cycle (undulating) / 5km Run
Cost: £35 all participants
(50 entries, closing date 26th August)

 

 

2012 Devizes to Westminster Race

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Quadrathlete Jean Ashley, along with K2 partner Tamsin Phipps has just completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, the longest non-stop canoe marathon in the world – 125 miles with 76 portages! Her story …….
Ive just about got all the kit clean, sleep deprivation back, and finally feel like eating food again … after a bit of an epic DW …..a journey I had planned and visualised for ages, but didn’t quite go as expected!
Our trip was certainly an adventure, all started very well good weather conditions no wind and drizzle, and going to schedule until…….. a hold up at the long tunnel a slow moving barge took 21mins to clear the 1 mile tunnel …… we got a bit cold but carried on no problems at all. Everyone has dark times and I had mine at about 50 miles, I went through a sick stage…… but just drank and drank and soon pulled out of it. We pulled back all our lost tunnel time by Marlow (70 miles), and moved back into the lead in Vet female catagory (3rd in ladies overall and 3rd in century caagory … ages adding up to a 100, not really sure if I should own up to that one!) … so feeling great and both moving into the night strong and positive! The night was warm and dry but the lack of flow made the Thames feel like paddling through mud, especially building the momentum back up after each portage, the portages were very high so getting in and out was rather tough too, but we were still going to hit the tide 2hrs in so all was fine we were ‘on schedule’. I was getting very excited about the tideway and had already started visualising famous bridges and the Westminster steps …… How wrong was I?
Then going down from Molesy to Teddington (107miles), completely out of the blue Tamsin started to have back pain and stomach cramps. We were just pulling into ‘Royals canoe club’ (400mbeforeTeddington Rollers) for our spraydecks and camel backs and Tamsin cramped up and capsized the boat, we got ourselves together and got back in thinking she was fine ……. anyway pulled out ofTeddington and same happened again….. we went for another swim!
We gave her some food and liquid and a good talking too and she decided she was fine to carry on …….. I don’t know how I kept her going for 10 miles but by the time we got to Hammersmith Bridge she was just leaning on the back of the boat not able to sit up and paddle …… I was struggling to keep the boat going but with only 7 miles to go ….. and being two very ‘stubborn old birds’ ….neither wanted to give up. We pulled over to the side and we lifted her out of the boat thinking she would be ok after a breather …… our support crew said it was too dangerous for us to get back in ….. not finishing the race was never an option so I had to get to the finish somehow ….. so we walked to the finish carrying the K2!
It took us 3hrs to walk 8 miles in, we made a sling to carry the boat out of roof rack straps, Tamsin had to be supported both sides by our support crew, she showed true grit to keep going ….. we even stoped at Costa next to Harrods for a latte … anything to keep her walking!
It was very emotional and I felt so disappointed seeing our vet ladies lead slip away ……… but when you start on the DW journey you never know what’s going to happen, I didn’t expect 119 mile paddle, 7 mile hike and a bit of swimming!!! But we did it ……. and had a wonderful reception at Westminster their were plenty of tears when we got our medals!
It wasTamsins 25th Anniversay since she did her first DW, so I had NO OPTION to get her to the finish line …… she’s just got one more DW to do and she’ll become a member of the 1000 mile club (thats 8DW’s or more)……… so looks like she’ll be out their again …….. and Ive only got another 6 to do!!!!
Our time was 27h 25m 49s we came 5th/12 ladies teams 2nd/6 vet ladies …. and 5th/12 century catagory.

The DW always brings up memorable stories of achievement and sometimes of epic failure, but that is the challenge of the DW Marathon. It made me realise to get to the finish no mater what absolutely epitomises the spirit of the event, that’s everyones dream ‘to be added to that finishers list and to be part of the DW Folklore!

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