Whether or not to go ahead, given a weather forecast of showers, strong winds and possible thunder storms? Tough call. In mid-afternoon, taking a second opinion from Tim Goodyer, I decided: “it’s on”. I crossed fingers and toes that I wouldn’t need to turn the race into a run/bike duathlon (it’s not first prize to swim with lightning nearby!)
I struck lucky–the conditions were windy but almost dry, and a squall came through only when I was locking the BTA shed with the race done and dusted. I was also fortunate to receive help from Tammy Ingham–many thanks.
Given the weather it was no surprise that the field was limited to 8 hardy athletes. Let’s see if we can give each of them a mention…
Tim Goodyer was the fastest finisher. I believe that Matt Claridge, close behind him, had the distinction of being the first competitor in the long history of these Super Sprints to wear a wetsuit. (For a 200m swim. In August. In Bermuda. In fairness, Matt and Tim are about to take part in the Worlds in London, and Matt wanted to practice with his new wetsuit. That’s his story.) Best of luck in the Worlds, gents.
Otis Ingham followed them home. Otis likes to give the field a head start during the swim and then play catch up. He does it very well. Mark Brown, making his triathlon comeback after a long hiatus, showed his cycling protege Robin Horsefield how to do it. Robin wasn’t far behind him. He has become a strong cyclist and will excel in triathlon with more experience. Nancy “Consistency” Swart, smiling as always, was the fastest female finisher–and don’t let the fact that she was the only female finisher detract from that glory.
In the shorter race, Caleb Ingham decided to lighten the weight of his bicycle by dropping his water bottle. The unorthodox tactic worked as he finished strongly, but don’t make it a habit, Caleb. It’s dangerous to those behind you. Marie Taylor followed him home as the fastest female finisher in her triathlon debut (although see comment about Nancy above!)
Thanks to everyone who turning out in sub-optimal conditions, and for pitching in to help with set-up and break-down–and see you next week.
200m swim/3 lap bike/2 lap run
1 Tim Goodyer 25:00
2 Matt Claridge 25:51
3 Otis Ingham 26:37
4 Mark Brown 29:09
5 Robin Horsefield 30:29
6 Nancy Swart 32:08
100m swim/2 lap bike/1 lap run
1 Caleb Ingham 23:07
2 Marie Taylor 23:27
