For of few of us that chose not to join the mass club exodus to South Wales, it was a somewhat shorter trip to the 25th Anniversary Newent Sprint Triathlon. Just about ideal conditions greeted us, and all of us seemed to arrived with some kind of personal goals in mind however, for one gent among us it was just getting out of the pool without the aid of a lifeguard ;-).
Angela Sonn was first up for FODAC and making her triathlon debut set out to have herself an enjoyable morning around Newent, a 14.07 swim (400m) and a 1hr07m bike (18km) was backed up by a solid 31min 5k run – is there no end to this ladies vast variety of sporting achievements. Well done Angela hope you enjoyed it.
Vanessa Pegler-Marfell, stepped up to her 1st road cycling triathlon distance after a couple of ‘tri in the park’ taster events. Swim 9.13, bike 43.57 and a 28.06 5k saw her home in 1hr21min16s – I believe she now has the bug – and tells us the open water is her next target!
Hubert Ashleytowell – self titled ‘the crab’ was next in…….but his story must wait til the end
Richard Pegler, a veteran of 1 previous Tri – Blenheim in his distance past which he completed on a mountain bike – if you know triathlon you’ll know that was a brave choice! To say he arrived without his heart in it would be fair…..something about far to much kit, too much to think about…..he certainly didnt match Mrs P’s enthusiasm. Until that was the gun went – race brain took over and he put in an all round solid performance to see him finish 30th overall. Swim 8.29, Bike 37.39, Run 19.02 – 1hr05m02s
I was next up – and set out to put myself underway with a swift (for me) swim – 7min05s saw this achieved and set off in chase of Mr P who remained just out of sight for the entire ride – I actually enjoyed the run, yes you read that right Claire Morgan! 7.05 swim, 38.10 bike, 25.07 run saw me home in 1hr10min22s – 64th pos.
…….and finally, the most hottly anticipated debut of ‘the crab’ Hubert, fresh from completing his 50m kellogs swim badge and 8months of thursday night swim sessions he was ready….and boy was it worth the wait! ‘I just dont wanna drown’ was the cry as he headed for the wet stuff – a rapid 8mins50s later he was out and climbing aboard his shiny new steed – from here the course was at his mercy, and he stuck in an awesome 33min10s ride posting the 7th fast time of the day – awesome. Of and running and you all know that means only one thing – more speed an impressive 18min47s brought the new boy home in 1hr00m47s – an outstanding 12th overall for the new boy – well done hube, we need say no-more.
Also a HUGE well done to Josh Dowle who despite losing his chain on the cycle still posted a great time of 1 hour and 5 mins with a fantastic swim time of 5.23, fourth fastest of the day.