Tag: featured

Brigg Bomber National Trophy & WQF Race

Jean Ashley
Winner Ferenc Csima
Big Thanks to Lincsquad and their Team for hosting the Brigg Bomber, our first National Trophy Race of the season and the WQF European Championships. Congratulations to all that competed in the Standard Distance Race, and especially to the winners! 
MALE – 1st Ferenc Csima 2.28.23 – 2nd Leos Rousavy 2.36.13 – 3rd Erik Meilak 2,46.01
FEMALE – 1st Rose Durrant 3.01.14 – 2nd Hermione Ball 3.28.46
Winner Rose Durrant
Also well done to all that competed in the shorter distance, and especially to the ‘Manvers Squad’ who were out in full force … big thanks to their captain ‘Dave Jones’ who certainly keeps them extremely motivated! 
 
MALE – 1st Peter Connolly 1.37.38 – 2nd Jason Frary 1.40.15 – 3rd Graeme Tiffany 2.08.15
FEMALE – 1st Lorna Quinn 2.14.54 – 2nd Donna Frayer 2.22.42 – 3rd Geraldine Richards 2.23.19
See Full Results Results
And also link to the Bomber photos.google.com
The BQA Trophy points HERE BQA trophy 2026 RACE 1
At Brigg and Bude Full points will be awarded to the STANDARD Race and slightly reduced points to the SPRINT Race.
 
The WQF points have been produced, big thanks to John Kavanagh for continuing to do these after each WQF Race, Individual placings and National Trophy Team placings 
 
Sorry I dont have more details about the race, I was hoping to get a race report of any of the competitors, no mater how short it would be good to spread the word and share your experience …….Thanks.
 
Next National Trophy Race is at Manvers Dearne Valley ‘Swim Run Kayak’ 21st June –
Entries still open Event Details
 

The New Season awaits …!

Jean Ashley

Its offically Spring …. so lets hope the sun shines a little more, and the warm air starts to warm our lakes and rivers back up! If you haven’t started to think about this years racing here is a little reminder to get you motivated!  Our Race organizers are waiting for YOUR entries! The National Trophy Calendar and the World Cup Series are for 2026, at the moment we will have 4 Trophy races here in the UK, including a National Championships and we have 1 WQF World Cup Race  which will be European Middle Distance Championships! 

‘The Brigg Bomber’ will be hosting the European Middle Distance Championships, and will also be a World Cup Series Race. The Brigg Sprint will be our National Championships.

So get these dates in your diary’s and entries in, then have a reason kick start your training right now, having a goal does wonders for your motivation!

BQA National Trophy Events for 2026

RACE 1 – 7th June – Brigg Bomber Quad – EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1500km river swim/40km road bike/8km river kayak/10km road run. A superb race to start the season, extremely well organized by our Top Quadrathlon Club ‘Lincsquad’ a fast flat and safe course, its the European Championships so certainly not to be missed, Lincsquad will certainly pull out all the stops to make this a brilliant day! Entries OPEN Brigg-Bomber

The Keyo Brigg Bomber Sprint is running along side the Bomber and consists of a 750m river swim, 18k bike, 4k kayak & 5k run. This Sprint distance is not a European WQF Race, but will carry qualifying points for BQA trophy series (slightly less points than the Bomber) Entries OPEN Brigg-Bomber-Sprint

RACE 2 – 21st June – Dearne Valley Sprint Quad QuadKidz – 800km lake swim/4.4km lake kayak/5km trail run.

As most of you will know there was a bike incident last year on the cycle leg of the bike course. This has been looked into in great detail, and their have been big discussions to try and find a solution with the ‘Trans Pennine Bike Trail committee,  and the Manvers Team have also looked carefully at a road course, but the logistics are impossible within the area of Manvers Lake. The Team are really sorry about loosing the bike leg and they have not taken this decision lightly, they have looked at many other options to accommodate the bike leg, but sadly there are no other options.

In the past this event has been a great motivator for many people and youngsters alike who use the Centre, it has always been the aim to deliver an event where people from all walks of life can participate, athletes enjoy their training towards it and feel a great sense of achievement afterwards. So Instead of cancelling the event completely it is now going to run in a new format – Swim 800m, Run 5K and Kayak 4k.

The BQA would like to thank Mark and his Team for continuing put this event on for everyone. We hope you all understand, it will still be part of the BQA Trophy Series but it will not be a WQA Cup Race.

The Link to the Event Page Manvers-swim-run-kayak

RACE 3 – 6th September – Brigg Sprint NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – 750km river swim/18km road bike/4km river kayak/5km road run. This is a great sprint event organized by the dedicated Lincsquad Team. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced quadrathletes and those wanting to race the shorter distance. Its our National Championships, so great racing is guaranteed! Entries OPEN Keyo-Brigg-Sprint

RACE 4 – 3rd October – Awesome Foursome Quad – 800km sea swim/30km road bike/10km canal kayak/10km mixed terrain run. 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! 

Running Alongside ‘The Sprint’
“A little smaller but just as Awesome” This shorter-course quadrathlon will be run at the same time as the full Awesome Foursome but will be roughly half the distance. It will start with the main event and be based at the Canal Wharf but will follow similar routes for the swim, cycle, and run as the Shoreline Triathlon. The swim will be one lap of the Bay, the cycle ride will only go as far as the Widemouth Manor before returning to Bude on the A39, (eliminating the severe cycling hills around Millook). The Kayaking will be one lap of the canal and the Run will only go as far as Rodds Bridge before returning to Bude via Lynstone Road. Entries OPEN Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon

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 offer Early Bird race discounts!

You must be a BQA member to race for the ‘GB TEAM’ at the World Championships or in a World Cup race, and also to qualify for all BQA prizes in the National Trophy Series. We do need your memberships to help fund our sport. Money goes towards various areas within the organization, one being our website, where we keep you updated with the latest news and events. Our biggest annual outlay is insurance, which we use to cover the races on the British Quad Calendar, without this insurance many of our races wouldn’t take place. We also affiliate to the World Quadrathlon Association ‘WQF’ so our athletes can race at World Cup Races the World and European Championships. The future of British Quadrathlon is in our hands, so please support the BQA and you will be helping to keep our small sport alive!

Membership

BQA 2026 Trophy Series

7th June – Brigg Bomber EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS plus Brigg Bomber Sprint Race
21st June – Dearne Valley Sprint & QuadKidz
6th Sept – Keyo Brigg Sprint NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
3rd Oct – Bude Awesome Foursome Quad plus Mini Awesome Foursome Sprint 

Races supported by BQA (not Trophy Races)
? May – Montgomery Canal Triathlon (Charity Event)
21st June – Norfolk SuperHeroes Quad Norfolksuperheros
5th July – Deva Divas Quad Deva Divas Quad

Bude’s Awesome Foursome

Jean Ashley

Big Thanks to Simon Hammond and his Team for organizing the last race in the BQA Trophy Series for 2025. Thankfully they were blessed with good weather, the main race was well supported especially with some fantastic Team combinations in pairs and relays of 4. Running along side was a sprint version which also went well with 9 individual competitors and a team from the local Bude Library!

Phillippe Jumeau

Congratulations go to Nigel Unwin winning the individual full race in 3.05.48, with Matt Rayment in 2nd place 3.13.48, and Nicholas Farnell in 3rd 3.16.48. Phillippe Jumeau took 4th place in 3.33.38, which secured him enough points to take the Overall British Trophy Championships, well deserved he has been flying the BQA Flag for many years, and has had a great consistent race season this year!

Kate Robson won the ladies event in 3.24.01 with the BQA’s young star Hermione Ball in 2nd place 3.43.30 with Pennie Channing in 3rd 4.04.52.

In the sprint race James Block took the win 1.26.07 with Russel Breyer in 2nd 1.39.52, the first lady home came 3rd overall in 1.42.45. Well done to all competitors, individuals, teams and pairs, its a fantastic achievement to get over that finish line in this iconic Quadrathlon, its now our longest running Quad in GB and a true testament to the commitment from Simon Hamond and all at Shoreline Events!

Full Results Awesome-Foursome-Quad-results-2025 

Russell finishing!

Report from – Russell Breyer one of our ‘long time supporters of Quadrathlon …. Thank You!

The Sprint is a brand new addition to the Bude calendar and a welcome one in my book. If, like me, your knackered 63 year old calves will no longer power you up Milook, or even round a 10k, then the Sprint is just the thing. Somehow Simon has managed to create all the fun and excitement in a half pint pot. Same swim and kayak routes (just one lap of each), shorter bike route that still tests you on the hills out to Widemouth Bay before hooking you back on the A39, and shorter run route that let’s you find your stride along the towpath before routing you back in to town via a very cheeky hill. Then the same glory run down to the canal lock and round to the finish by the little green.

His Kayak Leg

I liked that the transition zone and kayak entry are now on the other side of the canal, and that the one lap kayak route still works in three turns. I also liked coming second, but that may be a one-off as more accomplished athletes are drawn to this race, as I hope they are.

It was also great to see people attempting the sport that probably are unlikely to ever have entered the extreme  Standard…the Sprint is a real plus and my dream would be that Simon continues to run both the Sprint and Standard versions but that I guess will be based on the demand ….. and I was proud to have Won a great bespoke trophy, as ever!

Happy Quadding…. Russell

Final Trophy Standings 2025

Jean Ashley

Big Thanks to John Kavanagh for working out the Trophy Standings for us again in 2025, the Results are finally in! Remember its 3 races to count and you MUST be a BQA Member to be legible for a prize, if you win the Overall Prize we role down in your Age Group.

Huge Congratulations to Phillippe Jumeau,  and Helen Russell for taking to overall BQA Trophy Prizes! I’m really pleased for Phillippe, he has been involved in our sport for as long as I can remember … that’s at least 26 years, such a well deserved achievement Phil! Also congratulations to Helen who has now won the overall trophy several times! Your Trophies will be engraved and sent out to you along with a £30 BQA Clothing Voucher ASAP.

Well done also to our AGE GROUP WINNERS, they will all be receiving a £20 Clothing Voucher  ASAP

Men

Vet 50 Wayne Smith

Vet 60 (Role down) Graeme Tiffany

Vet 70 John Macadam

FEMALE

Under 23 Hermione Ball

Over 40 Tora Oetgen

Vet 50 (Role down) Caroline Jones

Vet 60 Janet Green

Final Results BQA Trophy 2025 final tables

Next Event Lincsquad Festival of Sport including the Sprint Quad … Get your Entry in!

Jean Ashley

Fabulous News from our Lincqsquad Team – They are having a Festival of Sport 6th September 2025!

Lincsquad’s Keyo Brigg Sprint Latest News, ‘We are having a ‘Ready to Sprint Event with 5 Awesome Events’. We’ve bounced back from Brigg Bomber 2025 with FIVE epic events including 2 brand-new challenges!

The Quadrathlon: BQA NATIONAL TROPHY RACE The race consists of a 750m opening water swim in the river Ancholme followed by a 4km Kayak, 18km road cycle and finishing with a 5km road run. Subject to weather the swim may get changed to a 400m pool swim depending on the river temperature and condition, so please train and be prepared for both. A fantastic way to start your Quadrathlon journey or take your skills to the next level.

The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced quadrathletes and those wanting to race the shorter distance. (BQA Trophy Points will be awarded to this race only) brigg-sprint-quad details

The Triathlon: The Race consists of a 400m pool swim (16 lengths) in the Ancholme Leisure Centre’s 25m pool followed by a 18km road cycle and finishing with a 5km road run. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced triathletes and newcomers to the sport. Lincsquad are also pleased to provide limited spaces for Standard and TriStar Teams were each team member will complete one leg: see website page for more details. Brigg-sprint-tri details

The Duathlon: race consists of a 2.5km run, 18km bike and 5k run. Great for beginners and a serious challenge for those looking to push their limits. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced and novice athletes alike. Brigg-sprint-duathlon details

 

 

OUR NEW EVENTS –
The 2 Up Duathlon: race consists of a 2.5km run, 18km bike and 5k run and there’s 2 of you doing it! Great for pushing each other and having a bit of fun or competition!

Run together, Bike together (drafting not allowed!) then finish strong side by side!
Your team’s time is set when the second person crosses the line! This event is packed with action, camaraderie, and competition! Get involved and sign up NOW Let’s hear those team names! Who’s in? brigg sprint-duathlon-2 up


The Aquathon: Well Dive In Our Fifth Event Just Surfaced!  This race consists of a 400m swim followed by a 5km run. Call it splash and dash if you want to! One seriously refreshing combination, whether you glide like a dolphin or splash like an enthusiastic Labrador, this event’s for you! And don’t worry—wetsuits aren’t required and high-fives always welcome. brigg sprint-aquathon

Don’t just tread water—sign up now!
All the details are waiting here: Lincsquad Events
Any Questions send to: Lincsquadevents@gmail.com!

 

Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon with a NEW Sprint Course too ….. Get your Entry in!

Jean Ashley

The BQA are pleased to see that Bude Quad will be also adding a sprint course quad to your usual Awesome Foursome course.

The BQA have decided to include this as a separate race in the BQA trophy series and it will also get Trophy Points. As we did with the Brigg Bomber in June, who also ran two length courses. We will award slightly fewer points for the Sprint,  starting at 100 rather than 120, for the short course. This will help people only wanting to do sprint distance races to get 3 races in and be eligible for our National Trophy Prizes.
 

BUDE AWESOME FOURSOME 11th OCTOBER 2025 – Every year since 2002 we’ve run the Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon, an extreme multi-sport race for individuals, pairs and relay teams to enter. This is an established event in the British and European Quadrathlon calendar regularly being a World Cup ranking event or the European Short Course Championships.

The race makes the very most of Bude’s geography and features. The open water swim takes place within the shelter of Bude’s breakwater. The cycle ride includes some amazing coastal hills (including the 1 in 3 climb at Millook). The kayak leg takes place on the tranquil Bude canal. And the final run follows the canal towpath onto the coastal path and back to Bude. The fastest athletes will take around 3 hours to complete the course with most finished within 4 hours.

Route Description on YouTube

NEW for 2025: The Sprint

“A little smaller but just as Awesome”

This shorter-course quadrathlon will be run at the same time as the full Awesome Foursome but will be roughly half the distance. It will start with the main event and be based at the Canal Wharf but will follow similar routes for the swim, cycle, and run as the Shoreline Triathlon, therefore eliminating the severe cycling hills around Millook. The swim will be one lap of the Bay, the cycle ride will only go as far as the Widemouth Manor before returning to Bude on the A39, the Kayaking will be one lap of the canal and the Run will only go as far as Rodds Bridge before returning to Bude via Lynstone Road.

Entries for either event must be received in advance and you can register using this link RACE ENTRY Quadrathlon

Deva Divas Quad 2025

Jean Ashley
Inspirational Race Briefing from Ravi

Another special Deva Divas the only Ladies Quadrathlon in the World, the 8th year in the making! The rain was torrential at 6.00am but by the time the athletes started to arrive it was only light drizzle, thankfully as the race got underway the rain cleared and the sunshine came out! But whatever the weather there was always going to be sunshine in everyone’s heart and as always plenty of very happy ladies!

Chester Kayak Group at the ready
Transition ready for Action
Kayak Transition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m very proud to be part of Chester Triathlon Club, and Sailing & Canoeing Chester Chester Canoeing and the ‘Special Team’ who gave up so much time to make this event ‘just one of the best!’ Big Thanks to John Hatton and Carol Hatton who played a huge part in coaching the Deva kayakers, and helped out all weekend to! Along with BQA members Dave Ashley, Lance Ball, David Jones, plus some extra help from Manvers! As always there are a long list of volunteers, and a Key Team who give so much time to make the Deva Divas Event so special, huge well done to our new Race Director Nicola Perrins, she left no stone unturned and everything went brilliantly!

Happy Manvers Finishers

19 years on and 8 years of Quadrathlon it’s been yet another memorable Race Day! Thank you to all you Deva Quad Girls for giving it your all, you pushed hard, smiled all the way and inspired many onlookers with your enthusiasm to take on 4 disciplines, it’s been a great pleasure to be part of your journey … and I’ll say it again, I’m so proud of you all … wear your T-Shirt & your medal – Bask in Your Glory … You did it!!✊ Don’t Cry because its over, Smile because it Happened!

There was some great competitive racing in the top half of the field, most have their own goals, agendas and ambitions, many race for charities but one thing is fore sure …. there are smiles all the way and every single one of those Devas are Winners! But Congratulations also must go to our Winner Rose Durrant, with Katy Walker in 2nd Place,  and BQA Member Tora Oetgen in 3rd place.

 

Full Results Deva-Divas-2025

Overall Rose Durrant, Katy Walker, Tora Oetgen

OVERAL WINNERS
1st Rose Durrant (Senior) – 2.00.25
2nd Katy Walker (Senior) – 2.08.00
3rd Tora Oetgen BQA (Vet 40) – 2.08.24 1st Vet 40

AGE GROUP WINNERS
3rd & 1st Vet 40 Tora Oetgen BQA – 2.08.24
4th & 1st Vet 60 Pauline Percy – 2.10.59
6th & 1st Vet 50 BQA Helen Adams – 2.11.20
32nd & 1st Vet 70 Gill Otto – 2.49.47

Seniors Rose, Katy & Lorna
Vet 40 Tora, Stefania & Lesley
Vet 50 Helen, Diane & Jacquline
Vet 60 Pauline, Liz & Coral
Vet 70 Gill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR SUPPORTIVE BQA MEMBERS 
11th Lorna Quinn BQA – 2.25.06
19th Janet Green BQA – 2.35.58
22nd Caroline Jones BQA – 2.40.43
23rd Geraldine Richards BQA – 2.40.48
39th Elaine Oliver BQA – 3.05.11

It was also great to see past BQA members – Liz Dawson (7th 2.13.34) Jacqueline Davies (16th 2.31.29) and Gill Otto (Vet 70- winner 2.49.47) who was the instigator of the fabulous Shrewsbury Quadrathlon, thank you for supporting the Deva Divas.

 

 

Watch our amazing Race Video … captures the Event Just Perfectly! https://www.facebook.com/devadivastri/videos/712810748054630

An amazing selection of photos available for Free Downlads THANKS Mick Hall Free Downloads – mickhallphotos.photohawk.com/galleries/deva-divas-2025

We have had some Amazing Race Tributes hear are just a few from the Wonderful Divas … Thank you Girls!

What an amazing day yet again doing the Deva Divas Quadathlon! The most friendly and inspiring event with incredible Marshalls and supporters, yes I’m well down in the second half of the finishers and I will admit getting down when others aren’t happy and yet they beat me hands down. But I have to remember that I’m fit and healthy enough to still take part. Thank to Marshalls who sorted me a new chip when I left mine at home! Thanks to the incredible Jean Ashley and Dave, Carol and John who coach us kayaking and give up race weekend as well. And to the other Diva Kayakers for their friendship. Thanks to Wrecsam Tri friends who marshalled or biked out to support us, when I was at the end of first lap and coming up the the finish and heard my name being shouted I felt like the luckiest girl in the world ❤️ …. Sue 

Just want to say a great big thankyou to everyone for putting on such a magnificent event. The organisation, Marshall’s, safety crew, volunteers and everyone worked so hard to ensure all competitors had the best experience ever. It was a joy to take part among such inspirational and motivating ladies, from the young and spritely to the old and definitely not past it! From start to finish there were words of encouragement and positivity from supporters and fellow competitors. Everyone had a chance to succeed at their own level and be proud at the finish. To anyone out there who is thinking about it…just do it! Another great big thanks! 👏👏👏 Geraldine
 
Thank you (and David Jones & Co. and Chester Tri Club) for yet another fabulous Deva Diva! Really appreciate all the hard work that goes into making this such a friendly and empowering event. So much inspiration out on that course 🤩 Love it and can’t wait for next year! Tora
 

I am a member of Lymm Tri – we were there in force. This event is our reason for existing. Its a magical, life affirming experience and I will be there next year xxx Nicola

It was the best experience. I loved every minute. Thank you so much to everyone that made it happen. The marshals were so lovely and encouraging. Thanks again I will wear my t-shirt with so much pride 🤩 Deb

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped me achieve something yesterday that I never imagined I could do your all amazing see you next year 💖 Nicola

The Ever Enthusiastic Team Manvers, inspirational ladies in fine form!
Feeling Proud
I’m Still looking for words after reading so many wonderful messages from my Deva Diva Quadrathletes, as always there have been so many inspiring journeys that the ladies have taken to get to that start line. A huge well done to every one of you, It was so emotional watching you all. Finish lines are incredible places to be on, for many it’s only the start, their comfort zones are truly left behind and new seeds of courage and determination arrive! 💜 Keep pushing those boundaries girls and see you Next Year! 
Jean XX

Václav Marek

Jean Ashley
GB Team 2007

I was so sorry to hear the news that Václav Marek has passed away after his illness. Václav formed and led the European Quadrathlon Association from 1997, this eventually became the World Quadrathlon Association in 2001. When I first represented GB in Quadrathlon back in 2004 I went over to the World Championships in CZ, Václav greeted the GB Team with open arms, he was a wonderful human being, so kind and very passionate about his sport, his family helped him organize the World Championships and always made it a very special event, renowned for its post race parties!

The GB Team had a regular trip over to Sedlcany for many years, I feel very honored to have known Václav and have lots of wonderful memories, one year in particular is when Dan Corner and Helen Parkinson were crowned Overall World Champions in 2007! We certainly Celebrated in Wild Style having GB taken of the top podium places and many Age Group Golds too!  … Thank You Václav for all you have done over your Years in Quadrathlon… he will be greatly missed.

World Champ Dan
World Champ Helen
World Champ Vet 50 Jean

Thanks to his efforts quadrathlon sport became popular in many countries. His excellent organizational work helped establishing quadrathlon races in many locations. Václav Marek was president of WQF until his illness in 2024.


WQF preserves the memory of Václav Marek. The National Trophy award – which is given every year to the most successful country – will be named Václav Marek National Trophy from 2025.

Dearne Valley Quadrathlon WQF Cup Race

Jean Ashley
 
Special thanks to Mark Benton, David Jones and the Manvers Team for organising this great quad event, you are a wonderful ‘Team’ of people thank you for your enthusiasm and for inspiring so many to take to the water and embrace the challenge, you have put so many smiles on peoples faces at Manvers. As always the BQA are extremely grateful to everyone involved, we are a small sport, and its good to see so many competitors without a doubt it’s such a fabulous feel good event, enjoyed by everyone, from seasoned athletes to first timers and looking at the photos looks like you had a great day!
 
The Race this year was part of the BQA Trophy Series, but for the first time ever it was part of the World Quadrathlon Cup, so competitors were given BQA points plus WQF points, this is great to see so many British athletes with World Cup points. The GB team are now in 2nd place in the World Cup Trophy now  “The Vaclav Merek National Trophy” this is given to country with the most the points at the end of the year. So huge well done to everyone who has raced so far this year! 

 

Sharing the Quad Love as always!

Also huge thanks to ‘David and Caz Jones’ who have been organizing Quad Training Days throughout the year and encouraging newcomers to our sport, they do a fantastic job to introducing people into our sport!

 
 
 
 
 
Dearne Valley Quadrathlon Results
With the Winners Below Congratulations, lots more photos on the BQA Facebook page
Jules Vet 60 Winner
Stuart Vet 50 Winner
John Vet 70 Winner
Helen Ladies Winner
Tora Vet 40 Winner
Helen Vet 50 Winner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natalie Vet 60 Winner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BQA TROPHY RESULTS  BQA Trophy after 3 of 5
TEAM WORLD CUP RESULTS R7 WQF world cup after 6 of 9
 
BIG THANKS, to Jules Taylor for his Race Report, we always appreciate our athletes stories and its a great report… Thank You Jules! 
 
Swim Start
Here we are at Manvers Lake, second venue in the National Race series , and not in my usual confident frame of mind.
I had a horrible experience in the swim at Brigg and having to pull out , I didn’t feel ready to race, and the past couple of weeks training have been all over the place .
Parked up at Manvers Lake, I tried to relax and had a ride around the run course, had a lovely equinox swim in the twilight trying out a new better fitting wetsuit for the first time…. then had a rubbish restless sleep. Come the morning the sun was out and things seemed a bit better.
As others arrived it was lovely to catch up and chat, the Quad community is great and I started to relax a little.
Race briefing over, into the lake , and wait for the start. I put myself on the edge of the main bunch to give me as clear a swim as possible to the first buoy. This was a good plan, and the swim went well, a couple of little hiccups as I didnt feel 100%, and out into T1.
It had gone well , as I came out in the lead group with Helen (ladies winner) and Phillipe Jumeau …both strong swimmers.
I was Pleased!

Overall Winner Adam Norfolk
Helen was out of T1 swiftly, but I was struggling with a helmet catch that wouldn’t play ball, and didn’t catch Helen up till near the turn around. It was a fast bike course, unfortunately a couple of incidents occurred but all were ok apparently, and into T2.
There were a couple of kayaks out already, Adam and Stuart, and I didn’t realise that Oli was literally on my heels into T2 , time to race !
The lake was a bit squally with the wind and I was more than happy with my choice of Kayak…a Carbonology Flash X surfski…which easily ignored the bouncy water.
By the third lap I was settled paddling hard , and had put a bit of distance between Oli and myself (although I still wasn’t aware of that ), and had passed Stuart to put me into second place.

Jules in his Surfski
Adam was well clear , exiting the lake as I started my last lap ! Very strong paddling .
Out into T3 , and all I knew now was I had second place , felt shattered, but had to get moving as I knew Oli would be running me down as fast as he does. Couple of kilometers done, and I was running as hard as I could, at the end of every straight I glanced behind and so far no one else in sight .
Around the end of the lake and it wasn’t long before the finish was in view with about a kilometer to go. I honestly thought I had this , second place ….awesome! A few hundred meters to go, another glance behind  and there was Oli, I knew it …. Aarrgh….have I got enough of a lead, could I run any faster? Another look behind and only a few meters between us now …. then he was past and over the finish line for second place, followed by myself 5 seconds later for third overall and first V60. I could not have gone any harder! What a race, right down to the wire ….fantastic!

Great racing from everyone, amazing strong performance from Adam in a league of his own today, super strong running from Oli , excellent result again for Helen, and a great relay effort from Erik and Rose ….true sporting spirit there as Erik recovers from his injury . How he paddles so fast with just one leg doing all the work ….amazing.

It was a brilliant day for all competitors, lots of smiles and fun . The weather gave us everything except snow, and a big round of applause for the Manvers community putting on another awesome event, thank you also to all the volunteers and helpers. A super day,
headed home later in the afternoon, feeling all was well ….it was a great reset for myself,  back in a racing frame of mind at last…Yay!

European Championships at Brigg Bomber 2025

Jean Ashley

A HUGE THANK YOU to Donna Jeff and the Team at LincsQuad Quadrathlon Club for putting on a great race for the BQA and the WQF yesterday as always they pulled out the stops! Despite having such a small team of helpers, there’s one thing for sure they are 100% committed to make sure these events happen for our small sport of Quadrathlon.

Thank you to everyone who supported the race, all BQA members and competitors, those International athletes too, all helpers marshals time keepers and key event organizers ……. you put a smile on everyone’s faces, made a lot of athletes very proud and gave us all a day to remember.

Big Thanks on behalf of the BQA … Jean 💜

Race Results – Brigg Bomber Middle & Sprint Results

National Trophy Results – BQA Trophy after 2 of 5 races

WQF Results – 

WQF race 3 of 9 results with point

World Cup Race 3

WQF National trophy after 3 of 9 races 

A Big Thanks to Ian Cooke for his excellent report of the day – European Middle Distance Quadrathlon Championships
(and accompanying sprint distance BQA points quadrathlon)

It’s 08:29 on the 1st of June 2025 in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, the first day of meteorological summer and a fine and warm day with a little bit of breeze blowing in from the west.

In the river Ancholme, around 110 multi-sport athletes are awaiting the start of their events, now just 1 minute away. The athletes are participants in one of four events being held on that day.

Firstly, there is the prestigious third international quadrathlon championship event of 2025, the European Middle Distance Quadrathlon Championships. This event also doubled up as the third of the 2025 season in the World Quadrathlon Federation World Cup series, following earlier races in Kassel and Gyekenyes. Secondly, this one day championship event was accompanied by its slightly shorter sibling race, a sprint distance quadrathlon, with points being awarded and counting towards the national British Quadrathlon Association series awards. Finally and separate to this race report, there was an accompanying standard distance and sprint distance triathlon.

The Race – Suddenly, the race director, Jeff calls out loud and clear to the athletes in the water…….

‘Is there anyone here doing the duathlon?…….. If you are, you’re in the wrong place……’ So much laughing and smiles from everyone and then bang, we’re off. Two laps of a 750 swim for the European Champs race and one lap for the sprint event. As ever, the swim was a fast affair for those at the front, with the top athletes looking to establish an early lead position.

I settle in, concentrate on breathing, find your own rhythm, count the buoy turns and then back to the landing stage, Here, friendly and familiar faces and voices carry you on your way past the boathouse into transition.

Onto the 30k bike stage and the course was just excellent. For me personally, I’d checked out the bike course on the previous Friday, so it was full gas all the way, tuck in, shrug the shoulders narrow and get aero, every second counts. The loop out of Waddingham and through Snitterby was just excellent fun. 49:24 later and I’m rolling back into the sports center, thinking now about the kayak leg.

One thing that is an absolute pleasure about the Brigg quad races is the boat leg on the Ancholme, 7.8k’s to the wooden bridge and back for the middle distance and just short of 5k’s to the red bridge and back for the sprint competitors.

Paddling alongside Oli Fairbairn on the outward leg, a figure was rapidly approaching us and coming into view on their return, pushing their boat at circa 12-13kph. This was Ferenc Csima, at that point around 20 minutes ahead of us, the eventual overall winner and an absolutely phenomenal kayak racer. Next to cross us was Laurent Martinou, eventual 2nd place and around 10 minutes behind Ferenc at that stage. ‘Bravo Laurent! Allez, allez, allez…..’ was the shout out as we crossed.

As a side note, chapeau to Laurent, who drove north from his home south of Paris on the Saturday, raced the event and then drove back to the south coast after the race for the 19:30 Sunday evening ferry, top effort! On the return leg, it was great to see Helen Russell in her GB tri-suit on the outward leg, pushing on in the boat on her way to the overall win.

So here we go, the day’s getting done now, just the run to go, 5k’s for the sprint and 9.8k’s for the middle distance event.

This is the classic time to check in with the body……. ‘legs, how’s it going, are you thinking about cramping? No we’re fine. Achilles, how are you? Any tightness? No, we’re alright just now. Ok lower back how are you after the kayaking? I’m a bit sore, but I think I’m good for 10k’s, lets do it…….’ So check the watch, put it on 4 minute 35 second k’s and tick off the distance.

And just like that, the day is done, off the river path, past the petrol station, over the bridge, careful on the little grassy slope and the finish line is there. This sport is just fantastic and the people are just so lovely. Cross the line, go and hug everybody and then look for family supporters.

OPEN RACE RESULTS : The open race overall was won by Ferenc with a fantastic time of 2:29:29, with Laurent 6 minutes behind in P2 (1st O40 – 2:35:45) and James Block of GBR completing the podium (1st O50 – 2:48:40).

Overall Mens European Champions

Helen won the female event overall with a time 3:03:33 (1st O50), with Rose Durrant in P2 (1st Elite – 3:08:13) with Orna Otoole completing the podium (2nd O50 – 3:16:50).

AGE GROUP RESULTS: Tora Oetgen was 1st female O40 (4th overall – 3:26:46), Hermione Ball 1st female junior (5th overall – 3:31:25), Oli Fairbairn was 1st Elite (4th Open overall – 2:51:37) Ian Cooke 1st O60 (5th Open overall – 2:54:02), John Macadam 1st O70 (23rd Open overall – 3:29.18) 

Overall Womens European Champions

In the accompanying sprint event Jason Frary was 1st in the Open (1st O50 – 1:39:06), Graeme Tiffany was 2nd (1st O60 – 2:03:07), Dianne Hubber 1st female, 3rd overall in the event and 1st O50 (2:10:35).

In positions 2 to 7 in the female sprint came the fantastic group of friends and constant training partners, Janet Green (2nd 1st O60 – 2:12:31), Geraldine Richards (3rd – 2:23:34), Sue Turner, Sue Pilling, Amanda Lord and Lynn Simpson. These women have inspired each other and trained together so hard all winter and spring in all conditions and weathers, nailing every aspect of this demanding sport. Just brilliant, massive well done and be so proud of what you did, experienced and achieved on that day in Brigg.

Sprint Womens Winners

As always with these events, nothing would ever happen without the input, leadership and expertise of so many people.

Thank you to Jeff and Donna for making it all happen, along with all those brilliant marshals, timekeepers, transition managers and a million other roles that the team at LincsQuad provided.

Thank you to David, Andy, Evo, Janice and their team in covering all aspects of the swim and kayak management. It makes such a massive difference finishing the boat leg, knowing that it will just get taken care of as you continue to the run.

Finally, thank you so much to Jean Ashley and all at British Quadrathlon Association for providing the overall organisation and everything to make these races and race series possible.

Massive well done to all the competitors in both the middle distance and the sprint event. These events are demanding and take courage to toe that line alongside your mates, putting yourself on a canvas showing who you are and what you can do that day. The results are hard won and accordingly, massively satisfying to get.

That was the Brigg Bomber, now onto the rest of 2025!  …… Ian Cooke

Photos of the race – thanks from Trevor

Bomber photos.google.com