From Tim Wilks

Kevin Harding, Nick Austin and myself competed in this off-road duathlon last Saturday. Run by the same organisers of the Ballbuster Duathlon, this was billed as an extremely tough course at the Army training grounds around Camberley. The event consisted of a 7.5k run, 15k Mountain bike ride, and 7.5k run again. The run course was not particularly muddy but consisted of continuous steep hills which proved murderous on the second circuit. The bike course was fast, with a few technical obstacles and one extremely hairy descent followed by a hill that no-one could climb without dismounting.

In summary, although it was pretty hard work, the variation from normal events or a winter Saturday training routine was really interesting and we all felt that it was a thoroughly worthwhile event. Anyone who owns a mountain bike and wants to keep working hard through the winter should consider the increasing number of events ‘off road’ for a really good workout. The next local one is the Monsterman at Longmoor details at the following site: http://www.gearsandtears.com/races/mm1.htm

Kevin did extremely well to finish 32 out of 146 starters, although anyone who has been unfortunate enough to go mountain-biking with him will understand that having a special gene does help.

From Ian Wells

Sunday morning and the cold rain was falling well, driving to Castle Combe actually wondered why I was going all this way for such a short race. However, the forecast was for the weather to clear, but not sure when. Got there by 10:30 hrs then realised my start, Wave 3 was not until 14:00 hrs, so back into the car for some sleep and to warm up out of the chilly North wind, then the sun came out. Met up later with Kelvin Storey who was here to give his new tri bicycle some punishment. Racking the bicycles into transition the storm clouds were back and the wind even colder, now questioning the why this. Slight delay for the start, then off, managed to get going well maintaining 5^th position during the first 2 miles, running tactically by picking tall people to lead when it running into the wind. Onto the bicycles and cranked up to the highest gear with a strong tail wind behind me, felt a little madness weaving in and out cyclist from wave 2 who were still on the 2 mile Castle Combe track. I was pushing hard and focused in trying to spot the lead runner in our wave wearing a yellow vest, it transpired I passed him early on in the cycle leg. Kept pushing hard and counting my laps, we had to do 5 laps. Then into transition, I was the first into transition, now unsure had I really done 5 laps!! Set off running now feeling the cold wind, got overtaken in the last 500 metres by one of our younger wave runners. Relief, I had done 5 laps, never like these courses where you have to self count! Managed a good time of run;12;14, cycle 25:05: run; 13:20 came 2^nd in the 50+ age group to Peter Wheddon, BAD, who managed a time of 47 mins to my 53 mins. Pleased to have had the 14^th fastest bicycle leg. Kelvin was pleased with bicycle performance in 27 mins, and overall time 61 mins; now off to clean the machine. Then it was rush back home for the STC dinner and a few beers and good food!

Update on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 09:42PM by David Ardley

Results from Kelvin Storey