On Sunday 6th May, 28 athletes from UoN tri took part in BUCS Sprint Championships, held at Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, Gloucestershire.
It was an early start for triathletes, setting off from Portland at 5:30 am, but spirits were high at the prospect of getting back to racing. The club has run several open water swimming sessions at Spring Lakes in the lead up to the event, but for many the swim was still the most daunting part of the race – especially as the water temperature was a chilly 12 degrees. Nevertheless, all members of the team reached transition in one piece, helped ashore by a very enthusiastic race official.
Due to social distancing, transition was frozen for 4 minutes allowing a more relaxed transition from swim to bike, however time was added after 4 minutes which unfortunately caught a few athletes out. The bike course was scenic and flat, taking us on quiet countryside roads. No drafting was allowed, but this didn’t stop UoN athletes from laying down some fast times on the bike.
Similarly, the run course was very scenic in comparison to that at BUCS Duathlon at Castle Combe Race Circuit a few weeks ago. Despite Covid limitations, the atmosphere was great with UoN athletes cheering on one another as they crossed the finish line.
Out of the 28 UoN triathletes who competed, for 12 it was their first triathlon. Everyone who attended completed the race and there were some great achievements all round. Toby Fernandez was Nottingham’s highest placed boy, finishing an amazing 16th, and Hannah Stewart our highest placed girl, finishing 24th.
The next race is BUCS Standard in less than 5 days now, this will be a great opportunity to try out a standard Olympic distance triathlon.