2018 Round Up
A seemingly quiet year for Chiltern Tri, but fear not, our members have been busy in all sorts of competitions this year; not only triathlons!
It is impossible to document everyone’s exploits, but keep reading for a flavour of the variety of events that some of our members have been involved in – hopefully they will spark your interest and imagination for next year!
Matt and Fred undertook an epic bike ride to raise money for ArcticOne; leaving Tower Bridge in London and arriving 700 miles away at Alp D’Huez ready to undertake the 1000 metre climb with their support driver Emer! An epic ride, with some stunning scenery and all for a good cause. We’ll let them off from missing a few swim sessions for that!
Mark M has been especially busy having cycled 400 kms from London to Bruges via WW1 battlefields, competed in the Humdinger relays with Emma W, Graham L and Heather L, done the Thames Marathon swim, Dart 10km swim, and a marathon 10km swim at the Olympic Pool in Stratford! Next year maybe the Bantham Swoosh and Hurly Burly are on the agenda?
Rob A took part in the Weekend Warrior event at Blenheim Palace…what is this you ask? Well it involves competing in the Blenheim Sprint triathlon – as many times as you like, straight from the finish line back to the start! Rob managed three rounds on Saturday and two on Sunday… Next year he looks forward to the inaugural 70.3 Marrakesh – any excuse for a trip somewhere exotic!
Our cold water queen Di has been leading the way with the sea swimming and cold water swims this year once again. She continues through the winter trying to persuade us into the cold water without a wetsuit – look out for her posts to join in and experience the thrill!
You may have seen our race report from The Grafman earlier this year – a fantastic weekend away for with glorious weather to help. About 15 club members competed in the event and more came just to support; some club members are already entered for next year! Congratulations to Simon H and Chris G who qualified during the race to compete for GB at the European Aqua bike Championships. This event was held in Ibiza in October and despite arriving in glorious sunshine, the race was a bit of a wash out – storm flooding hampering both the swim and the bike. Nevertheless, Simon still finished 12th in his age group and Chris 11th in his age group, well done both!
Simon H has also qualified for the long distance world championships in May next year after finishing with a sub 11 hour time at the Outlaw and is hoping to qualify for a place at the European’s in Amsterdam next September too! Another busy year is ahead.
New club member Serena W competed in the Weymouth 70.3, finishing in a great time and with a big smile, despite the terrible weather! Hopefully it hasn’t put her off more for next year?
Paula and Neil have been keeping busy with lots of runs, swims, sportives and triathlons. Paula competed in her 7th London Marathon on a hot day in April; her 12th Ironman race in the beautiful surroundings in Switzerland where she finished 5th in her age group, and, in October they both ran the Chicago Marathon where they enjoyed the flat course and cool, damp weather as well as the sightseeing!
Heather L has also had an active year with the Humdinger relay swim, Dorney Olympic Tri, Staffordshire 70.3, The Grafman, the Etape Loch Ness 69 mile sportive, a 50 mile cycling time trial and of course, the Santa Dash with Emma W! Lots of PB’s in a year of ups and downs where the IM Florida event she had been planning on was moved to a new date after Hurricane Michael, meaning she couldn’t make it. Two IM next year instead for Heather!
Next year we plan to register early for some team triathlon events, some which have already been discussed include The Grafman, a club to pub swim in the Thames and team relay events at Dorney. For those inclined to plan ever further ahead, possibly Frankfurt IM 2020 or even Channel Crossing 2020/2021? Don’t forget to keep an eye out on our Facebook page if you are interested in joining in.
Congratulations to Arctic One Tri and Para Tri Festival which won Commercial event of the year in the South and Central, at the Triathlon England awards and to Bex who won Technical Official of the Year. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for all the Arctic One events in 2019!
Bex will be keeping on top of all your exploits next year so don’t forget to keep her updated with all your race entries, PB’s, volunteering and organising so she can keep the Merit table up to date.
Lastly, this year we sadly said goodbye to honoured and much loved club member Gill Ralphs. She will be so greatly missed, however, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire everyone who knew her in all their endeavours for many years to come.
Happy New Year to all from Chiltern Tri.
