Cerist Triathlon,Machynlleth - 26 June 2011

400m/20k/5k

Report by Scott Patrick

Having missed many of last year’s races due to car problems, that is being hit by one, it’s been a pleasure to bang in week to week racing so far this season.  My recent purchase, at great expense, of a bespoke full body Gore-Tex racing “gimp” suit with only slits for eyes and rear pockets for arctic gloves only arrived after the “Bala experience” on the 12th June. Imagine my shock and surprise to see the Cerist tri pre race weather forecast. It was an odd sight.. A big yellow circle sitting proudly on a bright blue background. It couldn’t be right! The suit would have to wait for another day, though the Gore-Tex chafe factor had already started to play on my mind. Should we really have to suffer for our art?

On leaving Cardi-land at early o’clock on race day It was indeed shaping up to be a cracker. A sporty blue golf pulled up behind with the steely gaze of possibly the busiest racer in Pembs tri at the wheel, Doc Brian Russell.  50 odd miles later I pulled into Owain Glyndwr’s manor wondering if he would be spinning 360s in his grave knowing that Englishmen (and at least 1 Aussie!) would be conquering 3 disciplines at lightning speed across his hallowed ground.

The race format was similar to previous year; first come, first served. At 0730hrs, registration opening, the queue was snaking out into the reception with many racers undoubtedly thinking the same as me.. “The earlier we get off, the less chance of traffic hold up on that bridge!”. Numbers issued, bikes racked and the usual transition OCD-esque routine commenced..  A later stroll through transition surged anxiety through my veins.. “5k cervelo, stunning Scott transition, several discs, zipp 808, Argon 18” etc.. To this day the reality that cash does not buy performance seems to disappear on sight of any bike porn. Must compose and realise that my cycle to work cheapo is doing ok week on week...

Race brief soon came and details of a slightly revised course were announced, those of us that had experienced the fateful Llanelli tri earlier in the season stood with ears pricked hanging on every word.  Before I knew it I was in the water for the 20 laps of the 20metre pool, an absolute winner for me, all those extra push offs could only help my cause! As usual I went off like a dolphin and finished like a Labrador. Out of the water, and scrambling to find my non water friendly Garmin 305 on the side. The usual shouts of “No running please” rang around the building as I made good my escape from poolside into the bright sunshine.

The bike transition was well marked and marshalled, a quick sprint through and I was on the steed and headed out on the 20km bike. At critical point 1, approx 20metres into the bike, I was held up by an octogenarian in a “P” reg Polo who couldn’t decided whether she really wanted to park on the mini roundabout or actually progress and let me get on my merry way.. Though miffed I didn’t resort to the “Richard Wilder” method of conflict management.. A disqual wasn’t on my agenda! Approx 20 seconds burnt and away I went on the open road. The bike course was a good honest climb for approx 5miles after crossing the Mach bridge (critical point 2!) through Corris and turning around in the Creative Arts cafe entrance. The return journey was bizarre as I appeared to have to work as hard to maintain mph averages, could it really be uphill both ways?? Call in Mulder and Scully..

On return to Mach, transition went well, and soon I was on my way on the flat 5km run.  Trying to work to heart rate (or should that be hurt rate!) I managed to get around. I could see the only person on the course in front of me in his bright blue GB age grouper tri suit and tried to track him down. A carrot for this particular donkey. He held off though I knew I had a 6min start on him due to our respective swim start times. Relatively happy in the knowledge I couldn’t have gone much faster I gave it the beans to the finish line and finished with an empty tank having broken the hour and satisfied with my days work.

I would heartily recommend the race to all comers, the field cross section was vast from the semi pro winner (and at least 3 GB age groupers) to a fella on a fully specced down hill mountain bike who had a long day at the office.  The set up was professional, the tech T shirt fantastic and the course clear and challenging.

The overwhelming feeling of the day was that good weather racing could catch on.. Lets have more of it!!!

Results for Club members below: