30 competitors raced in the Duathlon - 16 members and 14 friends and guests. A new Course Record was set. Thanks to the 14 people who helped to marshal and Timekeep etc.
I'm not sure if Roz or Steve Giles provided the most entertaining moment. Firstly Roz hit Nassington T-Junction too fast, did a 360 spin, and carried on, without putting her foot down, much to the amusement of the marshals.
Steve was the first "Giles" to arrive in T2, and he headed off on the run. Roz then appeared in T2 and we were watching in awe, hoping to gain some tips, as PACTRAC's quickest Transition expert couldn't find her shoes. Somebody had moved them. Where were they? She then found some - Steve's - and was just setting off, when a sheepish Steve headed back in the wrong direction, to confess that he had put Roz's shoes on by mistake!
A special thanks to Bushfield Joggers who turned up not only to race, but brought some spectators with them too.
Eye Runners and BRJ were also racing. 3 Werrington Joggers had to pull out - all injured trying to practice running off the bike in the lead up to the race! Thanks to all 3 for turning up to marshal instead.
This was followed by food and a chat - thanks to Mike for organising all of the food, and manning the kitchen. Ask him where he learnt to wash up so quickly and without moaning too!
We had a good turnout for the Prize Presentation, with 17 of the 21 Trophies being distributed on the day - so I only have 4 to give out still.
Again, the Giles's picked up 5 Trophies between them. The 2 Ride and Tie Trophies will sit side by side in their Trophy Cabinet this year. Roz picked up the Biathlon Trophy for the 3rd consecutive year. Not sure how that happened. Something going on there. Steve picked up the Off-Road Run,Bike,Run Trophy for the 23rd consecutive year, as well as the Long Course Trophy, described by Mike as "stolen in style by Steve Giles"! I wonder what he meant.
Other Trophies awarded by the Committee were:
Best Novice - Paul Vernon. Yes, this was Paul's first year in Triathlon.
Most Improved - Neil Tandy. For the 2nd consecutive year.
Outstanding Performance - Paul Lunn. For being outstanding.
PACTRACer of the Year - Sean Beard. For his Run Coaching, and stepping up to Timekeep at the Mini-Series.
All 4 of the above had some fierce competition, so well done to all.
There then followed the AGM:
All of the present Committee were re-elected with 3 additions. Sue McLeod and Christina Cork came onto the Committee as joint Race Directors, whilst Steve Coombes came on as Vice-Chairman, no doubt prompted by Mike's earlier talk of a Threesome.
Graeme Hall was told that the job of Treasurer was a "job for life". After running through the Accounts, he then asked if their were any questions, and suggested that if anybody thought of any, they could see him outside afterwards. Steve said that he would hold Graeme's coat.
Dave said that he had come across something about "A Triathlete on the Edge" and described his open water swimming experience in the Nene.
Sam got hissed, when, pretending to know about football, she dared to suggest that England wouldn't make it to the Semi-Finals on 12th July next year - the same date that we have set for the Junior Triathlon at Stanground Academy. Marshals will be needed so put the date in your Diaries. Sam needs help to control the parents!
Christina was in favour of "the Board's" (as Mike likes to call us) enthusiastic suggestion of increased coaching days next year, especially on the bike; adding that Matt is often quite pale, after his Photographic endeavours on the Benefield Hill decent in the Mini-Series.
Both Dave and Mike spoke of a Training Weekend or Training Days next year. Dave is also looking to start a specific (half) Ironman training group from January, so watch this space.
Giles went home to see if he could make sense of it all.
Collecting the signs afterwards, the plastic barriers surrounding the roadwork's had all fallen down, so we were lucky to finish the racing when we did.
All of the local's who I spoke to on the day, were supportive and wanted to know how we got on, so thanks to everybody for creating a great impression.
