Hants Fire Service Rowathlon
30 September 2001, Thruxton Race Circuit

Report by Ade Clift

Results (at Hants Fire Web site)

A wet and windy day at the races

Thruxton motor racing circuit held its annual rowing triathlon championships last weekend, in what turned out to be the worst possible weather conditions.
The previous two days had been great weather wise, so it was a bit unfortunate that it had changed for the worst.

The course itself consisted of a 3km row, 21km cycle and 3.5km run around the motor racing circuit. Apart from the weather, it was a most enjoyable and entertaining day, as competitors took part in all age group categories from 8year olds to over 60 year olds.

Most of our gang took part with the exception of Lee Rankin, who had commitments with the netfit dream team in Bristol. Will Whitmore (BG Max Team), Phil McConnell, Jimmy Rankin and myself raced in the mens open whilst Rich Vidgen battled it out in the mens 40+ group.

The best result of the day came from Will who averaged a one minute 45second pace on the rower, biked 42min 14seconds and ran a very creditable 14min and eight seconds for the 3.5km to take 6th place.

Like a 'nutter', Jimmy had decided to compete in his two piece triathlon gear, stating that the weather conditions were not as bad as the Winter Tough Guy event (true).
Jim acquitted himself well by rowing 11mins, cycling 44mins and running 15mins 47 seconds to finish in 12th spot.

After very little training due to work commitments, Phil also performed admirably by rowing 11mins 25 seconds, cycling 43mins and running 16mins 28 seconds, to finish just 3 seconds behind Jimmy in 13th spot.

I had decided to use a mountain bike for the event and an interesting result it provided. Having rowed a 'granny like' 11mins 49 seconds, I managed to average 21.6mph and finish with a 43mins 47seconds bike split, which was only 45 seconds slower than Phil on his Principia race bike!

My run, which is always more of a jog, took only 21mins to complete. In fact I told one of the guys at the gym that I had ran a 21mins for the three and a half, to which he replied 'that's not bad'. He thought it was a 3.5mile run!!

Rich also sensibly cruised the row in 11mins 35 seconds and also competing on a mountain bike, clocked a time of 46mins 28 seconds. His run of 17mins 28 seconds, which has much improved this year, gave him a well-earned 7th place in the 40+ group.

Another fun and successful day, shame about the weather.