A scorcher of a weekend at Dorney Lake - 23/24th May 2009
In complete contrast to the previous weekend's wet and windy conditions for the Super Sprints, athletes were treated to the hottest weekend of the year so far at Dorney Lake for two brand new events from Human Race.
Saturday - Eton Half Olympic
Saturday saw the action kick off with the 'Eton Half Olympic' event - an interesting distance comprising a 750m swim, 20.4km bike and 5km which included an exciting new 'Club Wave' to spice things up a bit for the 400 triathletes taking part.
Some members of the top clubs in the South East (including Thames Turbo, Ful-on-Tri and Eton Tri club) were out in force battling it out over the distance, with the 'club wave' providing a bit of 'intra-club' competition. Taking overall individual honours however was Josh Daniels (pactrac) in a super fast time of 59:29 including a swim split of 09:15. In the women's event it was Helen Cawthorne (and former British Champion) of Asics TFN who was victorious in a superb 1:13:11.
2nd Richard Legge (Thames Turbo) 1:00:44 Claire Chapman 1:13:56
Sunday - Eton Three Quarter Olympic, Youth Drafting, Scootathlon and Zoggs Open Water Seminar
Youth Drafting Selection
The triathlon stars of the future were in action first thing on Sunday morning with a special 'Youth Drafting' qualifier event. Some of the fastest youngsters in the Country were fighting it out for a place on the GB team for the European Youth Relays in Italy in June. Organised by Human Race on behalf of the British Triathlon Federation, the event gave these 14-17 year olds a unique opportunity to practise legal drafting over a short, sprint distance of 400m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run around traffic free Dorney Lake. The quality of the racing showed these youngsters have the maturity, potential and talent required to take the triathlon world by storm in a year or two. With the evident support of their parents and coaches and some seriously impressive performances, they certainly looked like the stars of the future.
Results can be found on our Results Page and www.britishtriathlon.org.
Scootathlon
Somewhat younger 'future stars' were next to take the limelight, with the kids scootathlon for 4-8 year olds. Over 150 children had signed up for their first 'triathlon' comprising a 400m scoot, a 400m bike ride and 250m run. Set off in age group waves, the boys and girls (with their excited parents cheering them on!) scooted, cycled and ran their way around the course. The focus was on fun and participation with a t-shirt and medal for taking part. Oliver and Robbie Usher from London certainly had fun! They were taking part in their second scootathlon at Dorney Lake and watching their mum take part in the 3/4Olympic distance later on... 'I've had the best day of MY LIFE' said a beaming Robbie wearing his t-shirt and medal with pride! With mum later winning 3rd place in her age group, it certainly was a great family day out for the Ushers.
Eton Three Quarter Olympic
The hottest day of the year so far, saw over 200 triathletes battle it out in another brand new event for Human Race. The 'challenge' distance or 3/4Olympic comprised an 800m swim, 30.3km bike and 7.5km run. Nicola Boyd (see last weeks Romance story at Dorney!) from Optima Racing Team, took another win in less than a week - winning both her age group AND the overall womens race in 1:42:52. In a great performance and a sprint finish, she held off Emily Low (Tri-Anglia) by 6 seconds who had been chasing her down on the run, with Sarah Russell (Tunbridge Wells Harriers) taking 3rd in 1:47:43. Michael Marzetti took the honours in the mens event in a superb 1:28:43 with Richard Brooke (1:30:19) in second and Piers Constable (TVT) third in 1:31:45.
1st Michael Marzetti 1:28:43 Nicola Boyd (Optima RT) 1:42:52
2nd Richard Brooke 1:30:19 Emily Low (Tri-Anglia) 1:42:58
3rd Piers Constable (TVT) 1:31:45 Sarah Russell (Tunbridge Wells Harriers Tri Club) 1:47:43
Meanwhile on the other side of the lake, nearly 150 athletes were taking part in the ZOGGS open water seminar, coached by elite triathletes and top coaches from TheTriLife. Ideal preparation for those new to open water swimming, athletes were treated to top tips, practical sessions and confidence boosting coaching to get them ready for the season ahead.
COMING UP NEXT - The Fastest Half Marathon in the UK?? The Eton, Dorney, Windsor Half Marathon and Half Iron Aquathlon (2km swim, 13.1 mile run) takes place on 7th June.
More great events for the Summer- the blueseventy Great Big Open Water Swim, Timex WomenOnly and more ZOGGS Seminars and Triathlon Training Days from Human Race.
