Waterland Aquathon Series 2008 round up

27th May 2008

More Waterland info can be found here

The first race of the 2008 Cotswold Aquathlon Series was cancelled last month because of the water being too cold but after having a little dip before the race yesterday (Wednesday) it was difficult to see how the race was even going ahead. At first they were saying it was 15 degrees, then 13 degrees and then 12. Just as a guide, British Triathlon say that the maximum swim distance in open water at 12 degrees is 1000 metres and at 11 degrees is just 500 metres.

Looking at the swim course before the start of the race we were all thinking it looked longer than 750 metres and looking back at the times it was probably 100 metres too far, possibly more. There had been heavy rain most of the day leading up to the race so paths around the lake were very slippery and the abundance of puddles made the run fun.

Onto the race, first up was the mass start swim which got under way cleanly and despite two club regulars, Rhys Davey and Jon Rawlings, heading the wrong way and having to get diverted back everyone followed the same route. A front group of 4 was established and were quite far ahead of the rest of the field, the club had Rhys and Jon in this group, next back was Chris, closely followed by Roddy with Maz and Leigh not far behind.

Chris managed to gain a place in transition but just behind, Roddy struggled to get his wetsuit off, Maz was next out, with Leigh not far behind, an excellent achievement given it was only his 2nd open water swim. Everyone was feeling the cold as they struggled to put on their shoes, as one competitor put it "thank god for elastic laces!"

On the run it was hard to get into a rhythm after such a cold swim and given the condition of the course was very difficult, it was a minute or so slower than when dry.

Overall the club did very well, occupying 3 of the top 4 slots. Roddy is regaining form following Australia and finished a fine 10th yet did not seem fazed by his shoes tearing his heals to shreds. Leigh had an excellent race finishing in just over 36 minutes which is a great starting point for the season and after a full summer will be flying at Newent (no tapering just yet though). Maz had an excellent race to finish as 3rd female on the night and with little difference in swim times with Roddy, I'm sure there will be further debate as to who leads at training.

An excellent race, more so when it is warm but a great practice for people looking at venturing into open water swimming and with the next race on 25th June (mid week between South Cerney and Eastnor Triathlons) hopefully we can drag a few more members down.

Rhys Davey 28:10
Jon Rawlings 29:10
Chris McMahon 31:26
Roddy Gosden 33:38
Leigh Bichard 36:16
Marianne Day 37:15