Despite a great deal of uncertainty over water temperature in the run up to the event a full(ish) length swim was possible with the water temperature soaring to 14.5 degrees on race morning.
307 hardy competitors, many seeking open water training ahead of the World Championships in Vancouver braved the chill and after a mass start a small group of six established broke away to enter transition together with Nick Buis of Southampton Tri Club prominent along with last year’s winner Colin Dixon and pre race favourite James Gilfillan (Primera)
Out on the slightly shortened bike course Gilfillan made his strength pay and with Nick Buis falling back returned to T2 with a clear two minute advantage over Dixon, a lead he maintained over an “undulating” 10k run to win in a time of 1:44:17. Colin Dixon, also running strongly built a three minute cushion over Neil Harris who had just enough in reserve to hold off a fast finishing Nick Buis for third.
First Male Vet home was Des Adkinson after a solid all round performance with Malcolm Hughes second and David Ardley in third place, closely followed by fist “superVet” Mike White.
The ladies race also proved to be a good battle with Sophie Whitworth (Planet X), Anne Hegvold (Belgrave Harriers) and Tracey Cook (Tri Uk) all out on to the bike section in close order.
Once again, as in the Mens race, bike strength proved decisive and posting one of only two sub one hr bike splits, Whitworth established a two minute lead on the field which she held on the run to win in 1:59:42. Behind her Bonnie Morgan and Helen Smith had great bike legs and with Anne Hegvold falling back slightly the chase for the remaining podium places was between them and Tracy Cook. Posting the fastest run split by well over a minute, Cook proved just a bit too strong with Helen Smith easing past Morgan for third.
Despite falling aback from the leaders, Anne Hegvold held on well to be first Lady Vet ahead of Kelda Spratt , Bev Childs (first SuperVet) and Paula Dewar.
In all, over 300 happy finishers were testimony to the joys of hard racing in this beautiful but challenging event. |
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