Monthly Archives: October 2016

Duathlon season…already?!

Ian Gilham writes with a marvellous report and splendid performance at the Bedford Duathlon last weekend:

‘The race was at the Bedford autodrome car track – which made for interesting racing given the torrential rain and strong winds on the day. Shotgun start (all competitors in all age groups off at the same time) made for an interesting first bend on the run – managed to get into a decent rhythm coming into T1 2nd in my age group. Had a decent bike managing to just about keep warm in miserable conditions dodging lots of riders who had crashed or given up and were pushing their bikes back to transition. Interesting T2 as I arrived at my place to find another athlete putting my run shoes on! Seems he was cold and confused – especially given my shoes are blue and his were green and he was racked at least 50 places from me! Seemed like a nice chap – 20 seconds later into T1 though and I’d have had no shoes and he might not have made my Christmas card list…. Managed to survive the second run (despite ankle deep water in places) regained a few places finishing AG 4th and qualifying for next year’s ETU champs in Soria. Feet up time….’

Many congratulations on qualifying for Soria Ian! And for retrieving your shoes!

Ian, Bedford Duathlon and qualifying for the Europeans in Spain 2017
Ian, Bedford Duathlon and qualifying for the Europeans in Spain 2017

And we have a WIN for Tom Van Rossum (TVR va va voom) at Helwith Bridge Duathlon! Tom returned to the venue of his first du/triathlon and went over 10 minutes faster than his first attempt, and in doing so, took the win and course record! Apparently home made flapjack has something to do with the win (not a TUE we might add!). Super going Tom!

Tom, winner! Looks warmer than Bedford!
Tom, winner! Looks warmer than Bedford!

Turkery and all the Trimmings

A late addition to Jackpot’s news this week…Jess Learmonth was having the race of her life at the ETU Final for the Triathlon Cup at Alanya at the weekend.  With the fastest swim and shared fastest bike, Jess went onto the run guns ablazing….until…her soleus went ping 300 metres into the run.  This very unfortunately ended the race for Jess who is now nursing the nasty injury.

We really wish you the speediest of recoveries Jess! Looks like you are resting up well 🙂

Jess quote: no training means more time for afternoon tea!
Jess quote: no training means more time for afternoon tea!

David Bishop @ Challenge Paguera!

The sun shone down on David Bishop this weekend at Challenge Paguera in Mallorca. The sun greeted athletes for a change (the IM races this year were completely under water in the bike and run as well as the swim and there was no mention of a jelly fish.  It was David’s first race at the middle distance and WOW! Listen to this…

… He crossed the line in 4:03:38, just 7 minutes behind the race leader and took an overall position of 5th. What a start to middle distance racing…what a stunning race David!

David - pudding fest :-)
David – celebrating 🙂

post script: David should have been awarded 2nd place.  Three athletes were disqualified for drafting (they didn’t serve their 5 minute penalty when shown a blue card). However, they were reinstated because the referee showed them all the card at the same time instead of individually.  The athletes protested and were let off on a technicality… poor show we think! 

IM BarcelOna + Oulton Park Duathlon

Eddie Howarth’s Ironman Barcelona was going so very, very well until his sacroiliac joint decided to play absolute havoc.  Eddie’s race until the point of pulling out on the run was simply brilliant. Eddie was 3rd in his age group out of the swim swimming a 53 minute 3.8k and beating some of the PRO field with it. His bike calculates at 23 miles per hour for the 180 kilometres…ridiculously fast! But it was just into the run where Eddie made the tough decision to pull out with pain. Such a shame and robbed of we reckon a grand podium in his age group. Rest up well Eddie.

Pre-race selfie - Eddie
Pre-race selfie – Eddie

Gordon Kilroy was back out in action again this time at the Oulton Park Duathlon. Tough competition was to be had at Oulton and Gordon scored a high 8th in his age group (40-44) out of 42 competitors alone and was 33rd overall.  Gordon was just 4 minutes behind the age group winner! Great going Gordon!