One of the UK’s most anticipated season openers, the Oulton Park Spring Duathlon took place last Sunday 15th March at the famous motor racing circuit in Cheshire, featuring a sprint and a standard distance race.
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The race was a qualifying race for both the 2015 ITU World Duathlon Championships and the 2016 ETU Standard Distance Duathlon European Championships and attracted a large field of elite athletes as well as amateur and novice racers. 279 athletes crossed the finish line in the standard distance race and 190 completed the sprint distance race.
The Oulton Park Spring Duathlon is held at one of the country’s finest motor racing circuits and offers many unique features including the mass start on the starting grid, transition in the pits and a traffic free race track. The banked hairpin and the track’s super smooth tarmac guarantee a fast and unique racing experience for all competitors, along with excellent spectating opportunities.
Sprint (4.3km run/21.6km bike/4.3km run)
The sprint race saw some fast times, with four athletes dominating the field and battling it out for first place. Carl Avery beat Christopher Silver of University of Birmingham Tri Club into second place by 10 seconds, claiming the win in a time of 01:01:49. In a sprint finish Ian Lawton secured third place in a time of 01:02:07, one second ahead of Peter Ellis.
In the women’s race, Gwen Kinsey of Stroud Athletic and Hannah Dodwell raced each other for the women’s title, with Kinsey securing the win by crossing the finish line in 01:16:11, seven seconds ahead of Dodwell. Cath Dawson claimed third place in 01:17:14.
Standard (8.6km/38.8km bike/4.3km run)
In the standard race Luke Pollard of RAF Tri Club put in an outstanding performance on the track. Pollard took the lead from the start and kept extending the gap throughout the race, claiming the title in a time of 01:41:02 which is nearly 8 minutes faster than his time last year. Gethin Butler took second place in 01:42:44 ahead of Sean Poulter (Adwick Club) in 01:44:15.
In the women’s race, Dionne Allen of Team Freespeed Skechers Performance dominated the women’s field and secured the win after crossing the finish line in 01:59:26. Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc) took second place in 02:05:32, with Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club) coming third in 02:07:56.
Oulton Park Sprint Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Carl Avery, 01:01:49 2) Christopher Silver (University of Birmingham Tri Club), 01:01:59 3) Ian Lawton, 01:02:07
1) Luke Pollard (RAF Tri Club), 01:41:02 2) Gethin Butler, 01:42:44 3) Sean Poulter (Adwick Club), 01:44:15
WOMEN
1) Dionne Allen (Team Freespeed Skechers Performance), 01:59:26 2) Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc), 02:05:32 3) Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club), 02:07:56
The full results are available here. The Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon takes place on 4th October 2015, giving competitors who enter both the spring and the autumn duathlons a great opportunity to measure their improvement over the season. The National Duathlon Championships will also take place at the Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon.
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Were you racing at Oulton Park last Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
With less than five months to go until the new Para Tri Series holds its first event, we speak to ambassador and star British Paralympian David Weir about his paratri debut, and his search for teammates.
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So you are taking on your first triathlon, which is a bit of a departure for you. Why have you decided to get involved in Para Tri?
I was over the moon when I heard about Para Tri. At last there is a mass-participation sports event dedicated to people with disabilities. Anyone who considers themselves to have a disability – any disability – can join in and have a go.
You don’t have to be elite. My main focus is still the marathon and Rio 2016, but we also need events like this that encourage people to come together and have fun with sport.
What is your least favourite triathlon discipline?
Let’s just say swimming isn’t my strongest sport… but that is what’s great about Para Tri. There are two relay races that allow those who can’t or don’t want to do every stage to join forces with friends, family and colleagues. Anyone can enter the relays as long as there is at least one person with a disability per team.
We hear you’re launching a competition. Tell us about it.
I’ve signed up for the entry-level Sprint Para Tri Relay – 150m swim, 3k cycle/push, 1k run/push – and I’m looking for two relay partners to complete my team. I’m after great team spirit, rather than top speeds. Para Tri isn’t about winning medals, it’s about getting active and enjoying yourself.
Anyone who signs up for a Para Tri race before 30 April 2015 can enter the competition. All they have to do is go on to www.paratri.com to tell me their story and why they think they should be on my team. The two chosen winners will join me on the day.
I’m taking on the groundbreaking Para Tri – join my relay team at http://t.co/HEj8ha4rwX @Para_Tri #DreamTeam pic.twitter.com/iuDoT7kSlL
What top tips would you give to someone doing an event like this for the first time?
Find a sport you enjoy as it’s easier to train for something you look forward to. Secondly, set achievable targets. No one likes to fail! Also, it always helps to find a friend to train with – it’s great for motivation. And lastly, always reward yourself for your training achievements, however small.
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For more information on the Para Tri Series and to register, head to www.paratri.com
The University of Nottingham is to host its first ever sprint triathlon this coming weekend, organised by students to raise money for dementia research project Life Cycle 5.
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The Varsity Triathlon will be held on the University Park Campus on Sunday 22 March and will be open to students, staff and the general public, involving a 400m indoor swim, 15km cycle and 5km run.
“The Triathlon Club is thrilled that our dream of hosting our very own triathlon is coming to fruition this March,” said Ben Beranek, president of the University’s triathlon club and co-director of the Varsity Triathlon.
“We look forward to welcoming the general public as well as students, staff, and alumni from the University and Nottingham Trent University to our beautiful campus and challenging course. We’re also thrilled to partner with Life Cycle 5 in raising money for dementia research through this event.”
The Varsity Triathlon is expected to offer an ideal opportunity for any first time triathletes, boasting a closed course and traffic free roads, as well as allowing competitors the option to enter as a team. Seasoned athletes will also have the chance to excel in a Triathlon England recognised event that takes in the beautiful features of the University grounds, including Highfields Lake and the Downs wildflower meadow.
Registrations for both general and charity entry are open now, with four categories of entry fee:
– General entry – £35 – Charity entry – £25 (commitment to raise £75 for Life Cycle 5) – Team entry – £54 – Charity team entry – £45 (commitment to raise £200 for Life Cycle 5)
For more info and to register, head to www.nottsvarsitytri.com.
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Will you be entering Varsity Triathlon? Let us know in the comments below!
The waiting is nearly over – this year’s British Duathlon Championships will be held tomorrow (Saturday 21 March) at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, with over 1,000 athletes expected.
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The event is part of the 12th Clumber Park Duathlon, which features both sprint and standard distance duathlon races, the latter acting as the British Championships.
Set within Nottinghamshire’s National Trust Country Park, the run sections for both races take place on fully closed tarmac roads, featuring a slow incline on the way out before a fast decent into transition and the finish area.
The bike course in Clumber Park takes place on a mixture of open and closed roads, but with an undulating terrain, the final run is set to be even more challenging. For race tips from Darren Sharpe of RAF Triathlon, head here.
Clumber Park also offers a picturesque location in which to qualify for the Great-Britain Age-Group Team. The standard distance event provides the final opportunity to qualify for the 2015 ITU Standard Distance Duathlon World Championships in Adelaide, with Dambuster Duathlon and Oulton Park Spring Duathlon having decided the initial spots earlier this month.
Both races also act as qualifiers for further ITU World Championships taking place this year and ETU European Championships taking place in 2016. Visit the British Triathlon website to find out more.
Returning British Age-Group Duathlon Champions from 2014 are Joanna Wright (F20-24), Julian Lings (M25-29), Peter Ellis (M30-34), Hannah Troop (F30-34), Phil Melling (M35-39), Jim Burdett (M45-49), Wendy Nicholls (F45-49), Mick Anglim (M65-69) and Vernon Thomas (M70-74).
If you intend to qualify for the 2015 ITU Standard Distance Duathlon World Championships in Adelaide at Clumber Park Duathlon, you must be a valid Home Nation member and register your intent to qualify by 5pm today.
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Will you be racing at Clumber Park this Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
This year’s first Ironman regional champs will get underway in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday (22 March), with a furious battle expected in the women’s race between Kona 2014 winner Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) and defending champ Caroline Steffen (SUI).
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Held since 2012, Ironman Melbourne begins with a one-loop 3.8km sea swim off the coast of Frankston, a town south of Melbourne, followed by a 180km two-lap bike route along the Eastlink Tollway, a major expressway closed for race day. The point-to-point 42.2km run also starts in Frankston and finishes in the beachside neighbourhood of St Kilda.
Steffen has reached the podium for the past three years running, winning twice (2012 and 2014) and placing third in 2013. Carfrae on the other hand has never won it, her best result in Melbourne being bronze in 2012.
“I feel that Ironman Melbourne is my race,” says Steffen. “Every pro likes to pick one race to call their own. I do that with Ironman Melbourne.”
Other female contenders include Melissa Hauschildt (AUS), who won Ironman Australia last year, and Britain’s Emma Pooley, who won Challenge Philippines last month in some hot and challenging conditions and races on Sunday seeded seventeenth. For the full start list head here.
The season starts like the last ended. Missed my connection flight to Melbourne and get the chance to visit Abu Dhabi Airport:-) #GoodOmens
— Nils Frommhold (@nilsfrommhold) March 14, 2015
In the men’s race, Germany’s Nils Frommhold gets the number one slot, after winning Ironman South Africa last year and placing sixth in Kona. His rivals include Tim Van Berkel (AUS), who placed seventh in Kona, and Luke Bell (AUS), who was crowned Ironman 70.3 World Champ in 2013.
Up for grabs at the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship on Sunday will be 75 qualifying slots for this year’s Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – down from 100 last year, as is the case with all M-dot regional championships this year:
– Ironman African Championship – South Africa; March 29, 2015 – Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship – Melbourne; March 22, 2015 – Ironman North American Championship – Texas; May 16, 2015 – Ironman Latin American Championship – Brazil; May 31, 2015 – Ironman European Championship – Frankfurt; July 5, 2015
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Will you be racing Ironman Melbourne this weekend? Let us know in the comments below!
There were some moments of high drama yesterday at the 2015 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Melbourne, with winner Melissa Hauschildt (AUS) stopping to tend to painful blisters on the run and Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) overtaking defending champ Caroline Steffen (SUI) within sight of the finish line for second place.
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Annabel Luxford (AUS) led out of the water with a 1:22mins lead over Steffen and Aussie compatriot Bree Wee. Steffen caught Luxford and the pair pushed clear on the bike while Hauschildt, who enjoyed one of her best swims, powered up to third. She was 3:17mins behind at the 90km mark and 4:13mins back on to the run.
Hauschildt caught Steffen by the midway mark of the 42.2 km marathon run but her 3:30 advantage all-but disappeared when she faltered and then stopped to tend to blisters. The Queenslander recovered and went on to win in 8:52.50.
Steffen slowed over the closing kilometers and within sight of the finish line, she stumbled and almost fell, allowing fast-finishing Dutch athlete Yvonne van Vlerken to grab second, to repeat of her effort of two years ago. Reigning Ironman world champion Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) recorded a time of 9:08:38, placing her seventh and validating her spot at Kona this year.
7th @IRONMANAsiaPac champs today – Got me some fitness & validated my Kona spot. Happy! Now where’s my margarita!
— Mirinda Carfrae (@Mirindacarfrae) March 22, 2015
“That was one tough race,” said winner Hauschildt afterwards. “I got blisters on my feet and by 30kms I was walking and begging for medical. I got some medical help and rubbed on Vaseline that didn’t help at all,” she joked. “I am just stoked. I was ready to pull out at 30kms with so much pain. But I knew I had to keep going. It feels like everyone knows you here. It’s such an awesome feeling, it feels like they are all your family.”
Britain’s Emma Pooley finished a commendable ninth in 9:20:29, emerging from the 3.8km swim in 18th position with a 1:08hr split then making up time with a speedy 4:44hr split for the 180km bike (averaging 38kph) and 3:21hr for the 42.2km run.
Last year’s Ironman New Zealand winner Marko Albert (EST) led former Olympic rower Todd Skipworth (AUS) and top seed Nils Frommhold (GER) out of the 3.8km swim in a record 45:18mins in idyllic conditions in Frankston.
Frommhold and veteran Luke Bell, who lives on the course in Melbourne, dominated the 180km bike to open up a seemingly insurmountable 11min advantage. Bell was first to drop, but Frommhold looked invincible as Australian’s Tim Berkel and debutant Brad Kahlefeldt were joined by Canada’s Jeff Symonds in the chase.
The German faded badly by 30km on the super-hot, point-to-point run from Frankston to St Kilda. Symonds and Berkel forced their way to the front and then the Canadian, an unlikely looking runner, showed his strength to break the young Australian, going on to win in 8:04.28. Berkel was second, 3:27mins behind, with Kahlefeldt impressive in third in his debut.
“I was spent. I have never hurt so much. I just slugged it out and slugged it out,” Berkel said. “I am very happy really. I have ticked the Kona box and can plan for Hawaii now. The pressure is off there and I can really focus on that. There was a few times I could have pulled out but I just slugged it out and I am proud of that.”
Top 10 professional men’s results:
SWIM BIKE RUN FINISH
1. Jeff Symonds (CAN) 00:49:40 04:27:30 02:44:14 08:04:29 2. Tim Van Berkel (AUS) 00:48:06 04:27:17 02:49:20 08:07:57 3. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 00:45:29 04:31:00 02:49:15 08:09:21 4. Christian Kramer (GER) 00:46:47 04:29:25 02:51:27 08:11:31 5. Nils Frommhold (GER) 00:45:28 04:19:08 03:04:48 08:12:58 6. Callum Millward (NZL) 00:46:57 04:29:04 02:54:12 08:14:16 7. Jan Van Berkel (SUI) 00:46:53 04:29:07 03:01:53 08:21:41 8. Marko Albert (EST) 00:45:19 04:31:04 03:02:10 08:21:49 9. Per Bittner (GER) 00:49:41 04:27:31 03:04:42 08:25:17 10. Jens Petersen-Bach (DEN) 00:49:47 04:33:42 02:59:40 08:26:41
For full results from the 2015 IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship, head here.
(Images: Delly Carr / Ironman)
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Were you racing in Melbourne? Let us know in the comments below!
Biting winds greeted competitors for the British Duathlon Championships at Clumber Park Duathlon in Nottinghamshire last Saturday, with Julian Lings (Team Accelerate) winning the men’s standard distance race and Ali Moult (MiRacing/Rugby Tri) taking women’s gold.
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Lings stepped up one age-group from 2014 to the M30-34 category, and repeated his winning performance from 2014 to be fastest man overall, clocking 1:53:02 in the standard distance. Daniel Jenkin (M25-29) and Ben Price (M30-34) finished close behind, in second and third spot respectively overall.
“I really like this course; I had my first national championships here three years ago,” said Lings afterwards. “It was a good day for it today – great bike course and well organised too. I’m happy.”
In the women’s standard distance race, Ali Moult put on an impressive show to cross the line as fastest woman of the day in 2:08:18, picking up the F25-29 title in the process.
Moult, however, was clear to add it was no plain sailing in the process to her feat. “I’m so chuffed with my overall Standard win at Clumber today – that was tough though!”
Following in her path were Jenny Latham (F25-29) and Gill Fullen (F50-54), the next fastest women to cross the line.
The fastest man overall in the sprint distance was Pete Ellis, 30 seconds clear of RAF teammate, Paul Vernon. Ellis added, “I had a strong bike – the wind caused a few issues at points. It was a great race; I managed to hold on in the second run. An RAF one-two is great news for us!”
Emily Whitmore was the quickest of the women in the sprint distance; the Charnwood duathlete crossed the line in 1:03:01.
2015 British Age-Group Duathlon Champions
M15-19, Daniel Bluff, 2:13:43 F15-19, Tamsin Boam, 2:30:30 M20-24, Jordan Skelly, 1:58:51 F20-24, Joanna Wright, 2:18:22 M25-29, Daniel Jenkin, 1:53:53 F25-29, Ali Moult, 2:08:18 M30-34, Julian Lings, 1:53:02 F30-34, Claire Pickersgill, 2:25:50 M35-39, David Thomas, 1:54:32 F35-39, Kate Hodgkiss, 2:13:39 M40-44, Phill Melling, 1:54:11 F40-44, Nici Cahusac, 2:14:35 M45-49, Chris Nicoll, 1:56:37 F45-49, Vikki Silvertsen, 2:21:12 M50-54, Peter Cusick, 2:04:22 F50-54, Gill Fullen, 2:11:43 M55-59, Peter Orme, 2:12:46 F55-59, Mary Twitchett, 2:20:06 M60-64, Sean McDermott, 2:20:14 F60-64, Penny Edwards, 2:43:44 M65-69, Mick Anglim, 2:25:26 F65+, Elspeth Knott, 2:36:49 M70+, Vernon Thomas, 2:43:22
The London Triathlon have today announced a children’s aquathlon (combination swim and run) will kick off the event weekend at London Docklands, on Saturday 8th August.
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Organised by London Triathlon and mi sport, 2015 marks the first time a children’s aquathlon will be hosted at the world’s largest triathlon. The event consists of an open water swim leg in the Royal Victoria Docks, followed by a running leg along the Docklands. The kids will experience the same excitement as the 13,000 adult triathletes and will cross the same finish line inside the ExCeL centre.
The distances are broken down into the following age categories: 9-10 years: 100m swim/800m run 11-13 years: 200m swim/1600m run 14-16 years: 300m swim/2400m run
Offering the opportunity for children of all ages to get active at the London Triathlon, in addition to the aquathlon, children aged 4-14 will be able to enter a duathlon – a run-bike-run event, of varying distances. For under-4s there’s a scootathlon which combines a little bit of running with ‘cycling’ on a no-pedal bike or scooter.
James Robinson, Managing Director of event organisers Challenger World, commented: “Through the addition of the aquathlon, duathlon and scootathlon at London Triathlon we hope to be able to provide parents a fantastic platform to get their children excited about two different sporting disciplines, giving them a taste for triathlon and the excitement of being cheered on by thousands of spectators.”
Taking place on the morning of Saturday 8th August, entries for the children’s aquathlon will be priced at £22 and are available from www.thelondontriathlon.com
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The duathlon takes place on both Saturday and Sunday. Entries are £18 with discounts for siblings. For full details go to http://mi-sport.co/london-triathlon-8-9-august.
Last Sunday saw the first Winchester Duathlon since it moved to its new location of Lainston House and featured a novice, a sprint and a standard distance race.
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Held on Sunday 22nd March, the new location provided participants with a fast but hilly route that took in the sights of the local countryside and picturesque grounds.
Standard (10km run/41km cycle/5km run)
The standard race was won by Southampton University’s Peter Fuller (main pic, above) in a time of 02:23:31, followed home by Sean Scott two minutes later.
Speaking of the new route, Fuller said, “The run course was pretty hilly so that was tough work, and the second part of the bike route was difficult as well. Four laps wouldn’t be my favourite way to run a 10k to start with, but the scenery around here is fantastic,” he added.
Fran Bungay took a comfortable first place for the women with a time of 02:33:43. Her closest competitor, Siobhan Mccolloch was almost ten minutes behind in second.
Sprint (5km run/ 20.5km cycle/5km run)
George Payne, competing a day before his 21st birthday, has only been racing for less than a year but crossed the line in first place with a time of 01:21:30 followed closely by Gary Armstrong in second.
The woman’s race was less tightly contested with Louise Gubb finishing first in a time of 01:33:14 followed by Angela Burnikell in second place.
Novice (2.5km run/13km cycle/2.5km run)
The men’s novice race was won by Martin Andrews who raced in an impressive time of 00:52:00 on only his second duathlon to date. Andrew Robinson took second in 00:56:34, with Richard Lowe coming a close third in 00:56:43.
Emily Slavin won the woman’s novice race in 00:58:29 to ensure she kept her title of reigning champion and then spoke of her plans to move into triathlon. “I actually used to be a sprinter but over the years I’ve slowly increased my distances.
Emily Slavin wins Winchester Duathlon
“I learned how to swim last year, and now I want to get involved in triathlons. The course really suited me as I actually like hills,” she said.
Vicky Claydon followed Slavin home in second in 00:59:39 with Tansy Gill further back in third with a time of 01:01:43.
Winchester Standard Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Peter Fuller, 02:23:31
2) Sean Scott, 02:25:31
3) Tim Smales, 02:29:01
Strava have added a series of new features for their GPS cycling and running app including Strava Photos, My Recent Efforts and improved leaderboards.
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The new features have been created in an attempt to enhance social experience, performance analysis and interface design.
‘Strava Photos’ represents one of the biggest changes and allows users to attach photos to their activities from either their mobile camera or photo album.
Instagram accounts can also be linked to recorded activities so that users can share their experiences visually with as many photos as they want.
Expanding on the recently launched Matched Runs, Strava have added My Recent Efforts to enable athletes to use their mobile devices when comparing past segment performances.
Through the introduction of My Recent Efforts, Strava hope it will be easier for athletes to track improvement and find motivation to train.
With the improved and redesigned leaderboards, athletes have easier access to their rankings among clubs, athletes they follow and the whole Strava community, say its makers.
Strava is available to download for free on iOS and Android and more information can be found here. And remember to check out our guide to four of the best training apps currently on the market.
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Do you use Strava? What do you think of the new features? Let us know in the comments!