Box End Sprint Quad

Despite the entries being low, (compared to the World Cup Race last year) there was certainly some great Racing at Box End Sprint Quad on Sunday 17th July. Our top GB Quadrathletes were out in force and over two thirds of the competitors were all BQA members all supporting this great race! Superb conditions warm with a slight breeze and excellent under foot and tyre for the cross bikes! Once again great organization and all within the Watersports Park, ideal for spectators …. You couldn’t wish a better way to spend a morning, dressed in Lycra, surrounded by the best crowd of like-minded athletes!

In the men’s event Steve Rust was first out of the swim (11.19), with Steve King (non wetsuit) and Adam Norfolk close behind. Steve and Adam soon took the lead in the kayaks producing the joint fastest split (26.50). Steve Rust and Oliver Main also had good kayak legs, but once Steve King got on the bike he started to pull away (split 38.00), Adam chased hard but Steve held him off to keep the lead in to the run. Julian Brewer, Phil Holden and Steve Rust also had good bike legs and the final positions were to be decided on the run. Steve King maintained the lead to win (1.40.21) also winning Vet 40, with Adam in 2nd (1.43.17). Julian Brewer having worked his way up the field was now running very well and moved into 3rd to take Vet 50 (1.54.37) leaving Steve Rust, Phil Holden, and Oliver Main to fight for 4th 5th and 6th place. They finished in that order Steve (1.56.30) Phil (1.57.17) Oliver (1.57.47).

In the Ladies event Jacqueline Davis had a very strong swim (12.30) with Jean Ashley in 2nd place. Jean chased her down in the kayak (her best discipline – 31.37) to move into the lead. It was the twins Mary White and Margaret Huyton who were the ‘super cross bike stars’, both of them putting in very creditable bike splits. Mary chased Jean and moved into 2nd place. Jean held her off to take the overall win and Vet 50 (2.09.43), Mary 2nd and Vet 60 (2.11.34) Jacqueline held on to 3rd and Vet 40 (2.21.09). Margaret 4th (2.30.34) A special mention must go to Louise Beedham (19yrs) she put in a very good performance (2.43.46), it’s her first year at racing Quadrathlon, she is still mastering the 4 disciplines and having done the Brigg Bomber she decided to continue to train and race, with the challenge of doing 3 in the BQA National Trophy Series …she is certainly showing true commitment to conquering the 4 disciplines, well done Louise!

Must mention BQA member Cliff Odgers in his first Quadrathlon … ‘he was doing really well having almost mastered his K1 paddling, then his chain went and snapped on the first hill! ‘Really sorry Cliff …. sack the bike mechanic’!!!

Once again a big thanks to Mark Pryor, Gillian and his Team from Quadrac racing, for the excellent race, marshaling, time keeping and superb goodie bags (I must say there aren’t many Triathlons you get a silicon swim hat, lovely Tech T-shirt, a tube of Jaffa cakes, naked bar and a posh multi vitamin drink all for £25!!!) Great Value Mark!

Quadrathletes please keep supporting our Quad races, we do NEED your support, this race was on the verge of being cancelled due to lack of entries and it did run at a loss …. So PLEASE spread the word and lets fill the 50 Quadrathlon slots at Shreswbury Sprint Quad on 4th September, check the race out on our ‘Events page’

Thanks again to everyone who supported Box End Quad …. we hope you enjoyed it and you’ll be back for more!