A fantastic day's competition in West Wycombe Park for the 8 hour off-road Duathlon. With team mates Phil Holland (2010 European AG Duathlon champion), Juliette Minter (2010 World AG Duathlon champion), Stuart McGowan (2007 World LD AG Duathlon champion) and Paul McKeating, JC's Team Bike + Run came 2nd to Jez Cox's Team Bike + Run!

A fantastic day's racing in the sunshine on a demanding 8km mountain bike course and 5km off road run course.

Sadly I was DQ'd for wearing calf guards at the World Championships despite being allowed to wear them at the European Championships and despite being told that I could race with my Doctor's certificate. Thanks to support from Zara Hyde-Peters, the Chief Executive of the BTF, I have been able to quickly appeal against the Competition Jury's decision. A copy of my second appeal to the ITU Executive Board is here.

Here is the Blog from John H and Jon P

TCA attempt a Duathlon
As avid readers of this web site will know, earlier this year in a moment of madness John H and Jon P signed up to compete in the New Forest Duathlon http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/ .
So after a successful Google search John came across a company called British Duathlon, who told us that they could help us prepare and train for this event http://www.britishduathlon.org/index.html
The two of us as previously reported headed off for a weekends training in July.
Well with our heads full of what we should do and how we should do it, and with us both knowing our weaknesses (Jon running like a pissed giraffe and John cycling like a bandy legged cowboy to name but a couple) we both set about trying to prepare for the event.
Each week we would discuss where we were, or more appropriately where we weren’t with our plans.
John’s travelling and a bad case of the Cairo craps and Jon’s general lack of planning and frequent piss ups, and bird watching trips got in the way.
All too quickly the 25th October arrived, and the intrepid pair arrived at Sandy Balls just outside Fordingbridge at a ridiculous time on a Sunday morning (ridiculous that is if you don’t have kids as Al keeps reminding us all!)
With numbers and time measuring chips collected and fitted, bikes racked in the transition area, all was ready for the event …………………………. Well almost! as Jon was running around like a deer caught in the high beam of an approaching truck and John had about 5 visits to the loo.
John’s brother in law, Mathew also was entered, and approached the event in a clam and collected manner (well that’s what it looked like anyway!).
It must also be said that he had run the course and cycled it many times so was well prepared.
It should also be noted that in true Jon form, he had left it up the very last minute to borrow a proper road bike from Ade.
His infamous wish to keep his hard earned !!!! tax payers funded wages under his mattress of course meant he would not buy his own bike. so had little practice on it, and had not checked that the cleats on his shoes would suit the pedals!!!!!
All the assemble athletes (and us two!) were assembled for a proper briefing on the race format, rules and general house keeping.
From the briefing we were lead down to the start of the race, this in itself was interesting as the gradient (downhill) would have suited the need for climbing gear!
With a shout of GO! we were all off, yes back up the bloody steep hill for the start of the 6km run stage ( a trend involving hills was soon to emerge on both runs).
So not wishing to bore the reader with a step by step appraisal of the event (because it felt like each step was harder than the previous all too soon!) both of us were running almost side by side into the 1st transition stage, although for the assembled world’s press (well Mrs John) John had to make sure he was just in front.

30 secs or so later John was out on the bike and heading out into the New Forest roads, 3 or 4 minutes later as is traditional Jon got his act together and also got out on the bike.
Jon soon caught up and took the lead, but John kept him in sight but as drafting was not allowed had to hang back (well that’s my excuse)

The route was undulating and over 21km, although not technical the very strong head and cross winds affected all the competitors significantly.
40 or so minutes later, separated by about 30 secs the two of us made it back into the 2nd transition stage, where again John stormed through transition and Jon piffled around like a school girl in a make up shop.
John made it out onto the road about ahead, for the 2nd 5km run stage; the same hilly route was used.
During our training weekend the importance of what is known as brick training was extolled, i.e. conditioning you to the move from a cycle stage and action to a running stage and action.
Well the name brick is very appropriate as both of us later agreed that our legs felt like bricks as we tried to get them running again.
26 or so minutes later John ran in followed a minute later by Jon.
The final results are below, which include the transition times.

1st run cycle 2nd run overall time overall position age group position
John Helyer 29:37.3 00:48:03.90 00:26:30.85 01:44:12.10 112 26
Jon Parsons 29:37.7 00:47:44.35 00:27:26.85 01:44:48.95 113 27
Mathew had finished about 9 minutes earlier.
All in all we were both glad we had done it, but also that it was over.
On paper individually the distances were not too long, but collectively and directly after each other they become very challenging.
The organisation both before and during the event was excellent, certainly miles ahead of the Helly Hanson challenge that John signed the TCA up to a couple of years earlier.
The event was also friendly; although tough it seemed to me that all the competitors (including the 2 or 3 elite world champions that turned up!) were all very approachable even whilst competing.
The training camp certainly helped us prepare for the event.
As always circumstances seem to conspire to cock your best laid plans up, but both of us knew what we were in for, and the lessons learned during training and the event will help us in future physical challenges.
As this will go to the Web, John is now thinking about a suitable challenge to aim for next year

Another fantastic Big-Cow event as they hosted the National Duathlon Championships for the third time. As per last year the weather was chilly but otherwise perfect for this early season event. Former World Champ and fellow Bike+Run racer Stuart McGowan had spent the night at Thursby and we met up with Ros Viner in the morning. Fellow Olney Multisporters, Phil Holland, Henry Catchpole, Juliette Minter, Oli Wright and Pete Humphries were also competing. Sadly, David McDougall was sick in the week and would not make the start line. To help us on our way a large crowd from Olney Runners were there to cheer us on for our home event!

Now being in Cat I, two waves of athletes set off before us and the final wave, the ladies, came two minutes afterwards. Could I get into transition without:
a)being run down by the fastest of the male seniors
b)being run down by the fastest ladies

The answer was no on both counts! Race leader Adam Bowden came storming by quite soon into the race (lap 3 of the 4 laps?) and Kat Grimmett follwed just before T1. Kat wanted to engage in some casual chit chat as she ran by but gracefully accepted my gasped replies as something like "Perhaps not right now, eh?."

On the plus side I had selected a sensible selection of clothing for the conditions but on the negative side I was already feeling out of sorts and posted a slightly slower than predicted 37:17 for the opening 10km.

Into transition and, despite its layout - which I am at pains to explain to the ITU, BTF and nowadays just about every race organiser - I posted a good time and, after barging by Kat, I was onto the road and away.

Of the others, Stu and Ros were well placed, Phil had missed his start but still posted a club record for 10k, Juliette was well up in the ladies and all the rest were comfortably round.

Sadly for me, I never quite got into my form on the bike. I settled quite early and made some initial gains but thereafter I was in no man's land and just tried to remain focussed on the few I saw ahead. I had hoped to keep pace with the best of the cyclists but only 1 person came by - Rob McLean - and I simply could not respond. By the second lap I was struggling for breath and losing time. I limped over Chichely Hill and was pleased to be back into T2.

Another good transition and I was out for the final 5km. The temperature had risen from the morning chill and it was an almost pleasant jaunt around the lakes of Emberton. Just the pain in my chest as I struggled for breath and the pain in my shin as I cope with my adapted running style.

At least by being out of the running the pressure was off and, although I overtook a couple of people, similarly to the bike I pretty much had the course to myself.

So, not the result I wanted - the 2nd time I have finished 6th - and not the time I wanted either, some 2 - 3 minutes back from where my form would otherwise have suggested. Oh well!

Despite this less spectacular showing, I lead the Category in the National Duathlon Series for the first time in my life and share the top 20 overall with Phil and Henry who both qualified for the European Championships!

Stuart won his category but Ros was perhaps a little disappointed with her showing although with her injury ridden start to the year it was to be expected. Great showings also from Oli and Juliette but sadly Pete withdrew after a puncture.

Phil and Henry are heading to Round 3 at Steyning and I will join them, Stu and Ros at Round 4 in Cambridge.

Once again my thanks to Martin Archer for the excellent photography!

The Clumber Classic was an outstanding day for Team Bike + Run, Olney Multisport and British Duathlon!

Top finisher Phil Holland (pictured in blue) from Olney Multisport, came 19th in just his 4th Duathlon and finished 5th in his category in a time of 2.01:35.

JC from Team Bike + Run/Olney Multisport finished 26th overall and won his category for his first National Duathlon Series win in a PB of 2.02:22.

Meanwhile, Olney Multisport's Henry Catchpole (pictured left) finished his 3rd duathlon in 35th position in a time 2.04:32 and 6th in his category. These performance will allow Phil and Henry to represent Great Britain at the World Duathlon Championships in North Carolina in September this year!

Not to be outdone, former World Champ Stu McGowan and European runner up, Ros Viner, both picked up victories in their categories. Stu finished 73rd overall in 2.11:24 and Ros was 109th and the 8th lady in finish in a time of 2.188:33. Both Stu and Ros will also be heading off the the World Duathlon Championships - perhaps they will both come back for another British Duathlon Training Camp to help in their preparations.

Olney Multisport and British Duathlon Coach, Jon Cowell, was very pleased with everyone's performances: " With Jez Cox also finishing 8th for Bike + Run, this was an excellent day for Bike + Run, Olney Multisport and British Duathlon. Roll on the National Duathlon Championships in Emberton on 5th April!"

After a delay of 7 days due to the dangerous road conditions, this year's first training camp got under way with attendees Ros Viner and Stu McGowan.

Hosting a former World Duathlon Champ and last year's Euro Duathlon Silver Medallist was an honour for Sarah and I and we pulled out all the stops to ensure that their stay was educational, nutritional and physically challenging.

Even as I type this, my fingers are feeling the impact of an action packed, non stop training weekend. Taking in the Cowman cycle and run, race day nutrition, an introduction to strength and conditioning training and even a turbo session where Stu produced some amazing figures on the Elite Larciano GP route, recording a max wattage of 901 watts and a max speed of 71.3kmh on his way to a 24:20 finish at an average 35.9kmh and 333 watts!

I close with Stu's feedback to the post camp questionnaire - do you feel you have had value for your money? For sure, but that feeling is bolstered by being totally physically and mentally exhausted.

And that from a former World Champ. Why not come and find out for yourselves!

JC
1 March 2009

What a start to the year!

The last time my Team Bike + Run strip got an airing I picked up first Vet at the Big Cow Summer Duathlon. Out it came again for the first of the 2009 Winter Series and I managed to bag another!

The weather was perfect for once at the MK Bowl and it was standing room only with probably the biggest field yet taking part. Good signs for the health of a sport that gets so little support.

The PA system failed so there was a slightly eerie silence surrounding the pre race activity. As ever I looked along the start line and made my predictions...top 5, I thought, top 3 perhaps.

On the gun, Steve Townsend and Paul Douglas took to the lead with John Dennis, Steve Hacking, Mark Taplin and I at a respectable distance. For once I made a calm start and felt comfortable alongside Furzton lake and therefore decided to close the gap to the leaders who had remained 5 seconds ahead. By the turnaround I had closed the gap and felt strong enough to stay with Steve Townsend as he pulled away on the homeward journey.

In the last 1/2km I made a slight move so that I could get into transion first and hopefully get away on the bike. The fastest first transition of the day achieved this and I had the bowl to myself and the white Cervelo.

First lap complete, no sign of Steve. Second lap complete, no sign of Steve but the bowl was now filling with the remainder of the Vets and Ladies wave. A slight delay negotiating back markers around the twisty post descent gate on lap 4 and Steve had caught me.

He had 5 seconds by half way and 10 by lap 8. This time he was delayed at the turn and I closed the gap sufficiently to overtake on the 8th climb. He gave a hard stare as I went by, the moment beautifully captured by the photographer Martin Archer.

Steve went by again at the turn and I was then able to keep him pretty much in sight to the end.

Another quick transition, making best use of my New Balance 920s (when will someone design a replacement for these excellent multisport shoes?) and I was ahead by 1 second going out on the run.

Steve quickly caught me and we ran together for the first km before he moved away by 3 or 4 seconds at the turn. I am still nursing tight calf muscles and the residue of my Plantar Fasciitis and therefore was happy to settle for a solid 2nd place when Steve slowed with cramp. I don't have too many victories to my name (but do have too many runners up trophies!) and so took my chance gaining a few seconds before he recovered and started to re close the gap.

Despite now tiring and reverting to a heel strike to cope with an incresed stride length (I have been working hard with my Newtons to get onto my forefoot this year) a quick burts of pace with 200m to go ruled out any potentially embarrassing sprint finishes!

So - a good start to the year. A victory by 7 seconds and a pb on the Winter Bowl route -58:50. Once again, however, the victory was gained in transition:

JC
21 Feb 2009.

Photographs by kind permission of Martin Archer

Best wishes to Howard Vine on his reappointment as Age Group Team Director on the BTF Committee.

I offer him my full support in his second term but remind him of the need for better clarity and integrity surrounding the selection and participation of Age Group teams this year and better VFM in the National Ranking Series. Now he has his feet firmly under the table I would hope to see some real progress being made.

JC
19 Feb 2009

I am grateful to Howard Vine who has not only confirmed that Age Group placings will still pre qualify for European competition but has also updated the British Triathlon website and made the relevant pages much clearer.

Full details can be found here:

http://www.britishtriathlon.org/age/page.php?article=81&category=/age/


Howard was out of the country when he received my latest request but now this has been actioned it will help to encourage greater participation in the National Ranking Series.

JC 13th Jan 08

Despite my request of last year, there is still confusion over the pre qualification status of National Ranking Series runners up and third placed athletes for European places. I have again written to Howard for clarification and will keep you all posted.

JC 6 Jan 08

The ITU have now updated their website with a confirmed date for the Concord ITU Duathlon World Champs 0f 26 September 2009.

The Budapest ETU Duathlon European Championships will take place on the weekend of 23 - 24 May 2009.

No news about a Long Distance Duathlon yet, I'm afraid. I will email the ITU again when they return from their winter slumber on 4th Jan.

JC 30 Dec 08

Thank you to Sarah Springman for highlighting the importance of duathlon in her President's report in the December issue of Tri news.

Congratulations to her on her appointment to Vice President to the ITU. We wish her well with this appointment and, as we suggested when she took the hot seat at the BTF, there is great expectation.

I hope that she can carry forward the BTF's recognition of duathlon's importance onto the world stage. As I type, the duathlon page on the ITU website has not been updated since the $3,000 funding announcement at the beginning of the year. There are no details of either a World Duathlon Championships or a Long Distance World Duathlon for 2009.

I am delighted to see, however, that the 2009 World Triathlon Championship Series has a $2m package attached. I hope Sarah can encourage some of that sponsorship to filter down.

Add your comment: jc@britishduathlon.org

JC 11 Dec 08

One athlete at the start of a career and one athlete at the very end.....oh, and Simon Lessing as well! A great night out at the awards!

Prompted by British Duathlon, Howard Vine (BTF Director - Age Group Teams) is looking at the Age Group pre-qualification policy statement which accompanies the Mazda National Ranking Series and Age Group pages on the BTF web site.

Unfortunately there is a slight discrepancy for pre qualification for the European Championships. Howard's version states that only each Age Group winner automatically qualifies whereas the National Ranking Series states that the top three in each Age Group gets the nod.

This will affect over 30 duathletes for next year's European Championships in Budapest and perhaps even more for the European Triathlon in Holten.

Howard has now removed his version.

JC Oct 08

Whilst regretably the Mazda National Triathlon Series was hard hit by the weather, so too was the National Duathlon Series where snow and sleet hampered athletes progress around the delightful town of Steyning on Easter Monday and the middle race at Swindon was an even greater challenge just to get to let alone compete in!

Despite this, affilated competitors in the Duathlon Series outnumbered their fellow triathletes as follows:

Triathlon Race Average: Men 91, Ladies 30
Duathlon Race Average: Men 115, Ladies 35

Congrats to all those who took part in both Series and well done to the category and overall winners:

• Victoria Wilkinson
• Lee Piercy
• Nicola King
• Nick Buis

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