Three Medway Velo members braved muddy conditions to dip into the world of multi-sport by completing the Thanet duathlon last Sunday (15 January).
Rob Sapp, Rob Kennison and Sally Smith travelled to Minnis Bay, Birchington to take part in the event which consisted of a 2.5 mile run followed by 9 miles off-road cycling and finishing with a 4.5 mile run.
The first run along the promenade saw the team starting out strong. All three came into T1 together with around 8-minute mile pacing. Onto the bikes and the real race began.
Rob Kennison had chosen to ride his Scott cyclocross bike which gave him the edge and despite what was described by onlookers as ‘a dramatic fall’ he managed to achieve the fastest bike split of the day (31.52 mins). Rob Sapp also rode in style to get 8th fastest split (36.33 minutes). Sally managed to fulfil her aim of not falling from her Kona cyclocross bike to get the fastest bike time for a lady in 43.22mins.
With legs ‘screaming’ at them the trio went onto the cross-country run which took them through muddy dykes and a series of short-sharp hills. Quickest on this leg was Rob S, bringing it home in 39.33 mins, then Sally in 40.57 mins, closely followed by Rob K in 42.41 mins.
Overall standings were impressive for the team, both Robs finished in the top 25 (Rob K – 17th and Rob S – 24th). Further down the field in 42nd place was Sally but her time was good enough to earn her the prize for the fastest lady.
92 people finished the event. Full results can be viewed here: http://www.thanetroadrunners.org.uk/events/mountain-bike-duathlon
The next off-road multi-sport event is the Kingswood duathlon on 19 February. With more biking than running this may allow some MVC members to finish strong. If you think you are tough enough to give it a go – enter via the runnerworld website or by post. Forms available form their website: http://www.ashfordtriclub.co.uk/
