I know! I know! Couldn't believe it myself...seems that The Tri Club's awesome form following their annual pilgramage to La Santa has attracted the attention of Island's fastest electrician...Rochie's putting this shindig on for the single discipliners out there. If you fancy it then let him know asap

With the season almost at an end for the normal people (Really cheerful and really pale Ironmen aside) What better time to get all those little niggles, aches and pains sorted out. Apart from the lovely Sarah and Sophie from the PSM Rehab Clinic  www.psmrehabclinic.com  who continue to provide much appreciated support to the Club, one of our former Tri brethren, and part-time Burtons model, Gareth Watt has recently returned to the Island a fully qualified Osteopath! His flyer can be downloaded here Gareth Watt Osteopathy 

Well well well...The Island's premier Tri events took place on Sunday and pretty much went like clockwork....Great weather...check! (thank you Lord!), Great organisation...check! (thanks June!), Great facilities...check! (thanks Ramsey RFC!), Great routes...? Great, accurate routes...? NO!! (Thank you Stiggy!) It seems that once again there is irrefutable proof that old men can't use technology. With the wonders of GPS at his disposal Stig thought that he wouldn't bother with them and just sit at his desk, ignoring the warning lights and sirens on the nuclear reactor he's supposed to be watching, drawing lines on google maps and guestimating the frickin run distance!!! No worries though, after all he wasn't actually going to be running it!

Anyway, enough of Stiggy's blatant selfishness - The races were tremendous, even for those who felt the pace a little more than others. The lake looked amazing, seemed a shame to spoil the glass-like surface, but spoil it we did! 1500 whole metres for the Olympic, 750 little metres for the Sprint - pretty straightforward then...

Although the Olympic athletes started further up the lake it was the Sprinters that exited first after 1 lap...led by endurance legend turned bullying jibber, Jon King and followed very shortly after by the ever-improving John Martin. For the ladies event Super Silla exited first and the battle was really on once all the athletes were on their bikes. The cycle route consisted of 1 lap for the Sprint and 2 for the Olympic. The wind was a little strange and never seemed to help whichever direction you were travelling in. Laura Wasley, making her Tri debut showed just how strong a biker she is but was chased hard by the other debutants, Jenna McGregor, Jo Clarke together with sensational Silla.

Once the run started it was a fairly straightforward affair in both genders, Jon K holding off Dave Maddrell for the win and Laura pipping debutant Jo for the ladies. Great podium performances from Jon Martin and Silla too, the former taking third despite a dead heat with the Grandad of Manx Tri, Neil MacGreggor. You'd think that, having completed over 5000 triathlons in his 50 year career, Neil would remember to wear his race number! Race Ref Parky, in a foul and unforgiving mood after not getting his Honey Nut Loops for breakfast, imposed a time penalty on the elder statesman. It actually turned out to be quite a busy day for the beleagured Personal Trainer...

Great to see Parky pushing yet another family member into multisport whilst doing the square-root of nish himself, wife Diane doing the Parker dynasty proud by completing the Sprint event. Parky's usual victim, son Rob (aka Nivea for Kids finest team member), was away doing grown-up things.

The Olympic event proved far more eventful, with most of the cycling action occurring at the Vollan Junction, expertly marshalled by the lovely Mrs Bibby and her coward of a husband, Tri jibbing Jed. Firstly new resident Gaynor Evans, so impressed by the scenic beauty of Ramsey's North promenade, headed down for an extra look at the end of the first lap before returning to Bride road for her second lap! Then later on, as Honks approached the junction for the last time, followed (apparently not drafting?) by Nige Quaye, a mystery female assassin in a blue Subaru tried to knock him off! Thankfully, Honks was only managing about 10mph at the time and just veered out of her way at the last minute. Little Jed was heard to say that he'd have got the number but apparently it was too high for him to see!!

As already discussed, the run was an unnecessarily long, brutal affair in scorching heat. Juan led the way, with Alpe d'huez conquering Nasher following, Ant was striding easily around too, unlike poor Andy Issac, who succumbed to the tough conditions again leaving the door open for hot weather-meister, Russ, to claim a deserved 4th place. Great swimming set Swinners up for a great result, vying for a top 10 placing with debutant Tom Cringle, and Manx Tri's own Brad Kahlfeldt, Nigel Quaye (trust me, just check out his chicken legs!). A superb run too by Brian Moyer to propel him into the top 10 after a strong bike leg. Left alone to compete in the Olympic Race after Gill's early exit from the water, Gaynor showed great spirit to complete a tough day.

The Team event showed some terrific individual times, with Chrissy Radon pushing Juan hard on the bike and Ben Scott nailing the run in the team of the day's toughest competitor, Jo Hawkins, who completed the swim in only her Tri suit!!!

Big thanks to all who marshalled and to the lovely ladies who helped out in the kitchen, tea, juice and cakes were very much appreciated. Last but not least, a big shout to all at Microgaming for continuing to support all the Club's events, especially Ben Wood who did the company proud!

Official Race Report by June - referred to, in detail, by Watty in the Indy!

It's been brought to my attention that crazy Shane Martin also competed at London Tri and debuted at Olympic distance in a very respectable 2.37 while ol' Chicken Legs, Nige Quaye had a fantastic result at the Lakeland Tri, posting 2.24 on a tough course. Well done to you both.

Once again Manx Tri travelled well to the UK, this time to the London Tri. Rich George, Godfrey Clayton and John Williams headed to the 'really big smoke' and posted excellent times. Rich and Godfrey completed the Olympic distance in 2.31 and 2.41 respectively. John did the Sprint in 1.31.

Top effort of the night on Wednesday has to go to Elliot Moore who, fresh from a terrific performance in his 1st Ironman at the weekend, clocked a mid 25! The Lady Queen of Spin had another great ride, dipping under 24 again while it was great to see Russ back racing after his tumble at Llandudno. I'm pretty sure Andy Issac got a PB with a low 24, standing him in good stead for the forthcoming Olympic Tri.

Good luck to everyone who's riding the Sportive on Sunday, weather not looking the best but fingers crossed!!

10 League Event #15

Tonight's 13th event in the 10 League proved unlucky for some at Jurby...but not all!

Messrs Hall, Caley, and Moore recorded seasons bests and Juan, Rob Q and Steve S all rode strongly despite last night's efforts.

Honks however, was pretty poor, clearly suffering from, not only a faster than normal run in the Du, but also from the absence of his arch rival - Dr Evil Spin...come back Chris, Honks says he'll even let you win one...

10 League Event #13

Despite a speedy bike leg Juan simply couldn't live with Lloyd Taggart onTuesday night in the first of the Summer's Microgaming sponsored Duathlons. Lloyd's considerably better (lookin at least!) half, Jackie Lee took the ladies event too, putting them in danger of becoming as boringly predictable as Juan on the bike!!

There were many great results a little lower down the table too with Nigel Quaye showing his running class by just managing to hold off a fast finishing Paul Sykes (those of us who knew the former biscuit-munching bike shop mechanic in the mid to late 90's find his metamorphosis incredible!). Ironman UK-bound Elliot Moore had a great all-round effort to beat 2 x Ironvet Rob Parker. That said, Nivea for Kids poster boy Rob showed some grit at last to post strong runs and a solid bike - it's great to see!

There were some great debuts too - former uber-biker Martin Hall displayed a mincing run that even managed to put The Mighty Honks off his stride - looked a bit like Michael Johnson in slow-mo!! Superb time though. Mark Caley and Rob Quine were nervous about the multisport arena but neither should have worried as they finished strongly.

Great to see Gav Quayle back competing, obviously inspired by starting in the second group away in the recent Bikestyle Handicap Road Race - must have been tough racing with the 7 year olds!

A massive thank you to all the marshals, without whom the event would not have gone ahead, and to Gill and Abs for taking over June's duties in the run up and on the night. Funny that there was no misbehaving on Tuesday...nothing to do with the stern race briefing delivered by Cubby, Lord of Shudder I'm sure?!

Duathlon Results

A sorry day indeed! In the absence of the Evil Spinster Honks thought he could relax on Wednesday night but what a heavy price he paid in the form of a double ‘chicking’ – as well as the regularly quick Radon woman he was also beaten by the lovely Laura Wasley! OMG! Anyway, enough of the doom and gloom, Juan was his usual rapid self but only just held off former triathlete and perennial Tri Club helper, Rob Cormode. Russ popped in under the 24 minute mark and soon-to-be super Duathlete Rob Quine dipped under 25 mins.

10 League Event #12

Check out Cubby's report on the forum for the lowdown on his epic race at Ironman Switzerland.

Keep an eye out for Elliot Moore too - he's tackling the upcoming Ironman UK - his first attempt at the full distance, which explains his brick sessions after the 10's. Rumour has it that El is following in the footsteps of Rocky Balboa in the 4th instalment of the epic boxing by growing a beard and training in an Arran jumper and leather jacket! I'll keep an eye on his progress.

There's also news from our international pensioner Colin Nunnington who has recently had some great results - once I translate the report from French I'll share his news!

It was almost a shocking night on Wednesday...The Lady Queen of Spin had a fantastic ride to PB in 24m 13s - Awesome! I said almost didn't I? That's right - despite his desperate whirring he couldn't quite get the better of Honks who powered his way back in 24 dead! Honks was using the spiritual disc wheel of Ironman-bound Lord Shudder and couldn't escape the intimidating voice on his shoulder muttering 'You must break him, he is weak, I'll fire you if you lose' - much pressure indeed for the big man! Terrific to see the Great White Hope, Rob Parker, back on home soil testing his legs for speed after they fell asleep waiting for inspiration during the recent Ironman Nice - a fine time he did too in fact, better than the Guiness swilling, honourary leprechaun, Jed Bibby who was just back from his Irish End to End ride (and no, it wasn't a 'side to side' apparently!) the little fella using his lucky charms to nail a PB, breaking 27 mins for the first time. Still on a high after the Island Games, Ali broke 25 min, and a special mention must go to Wendy who, always on the lookout for new ideas, thought that leaving the extensions off her tribars might save a few grams - ah well, at least she stayed safe and got round!

10 League Event #11

Apologies for the very late post for last Wednesday's 10 at Jurby but I've only just stopped laughing after finding out from an undisclosed source that The Evil Spinster actually turned up wearing a nappy, complete with a dummy on a string! Well at least that's what I think he must have been wearing because apparently he didn't even start, burbling some nonsense about being tired! He can say what he likes though, I think we all know that the real reason is because he's succumbed to The Purveyor of Power - The Mighty Honks - who not only gave him a lesson on the bike on Sunday, but also in his beloved swim!! In video footage of the race ES's lovely wife Donna is clearly heard to say 'My god, I'm so embarrassed, why can't Chris be more like Honks!'

Chris may actually have had the right idea as the night was tough, with a strong headwind for 66.66666666666666% of the course. Heavy points were on offer though as the big hitters were away at the Island Games and so it was proved as Jo Hawkins took the ladies win after a tremendous display of power riding - see Chris, works for lots of people! Rob Quine - Duathlon's next big thing - managed a 26 dead and should be one to watch on the 19th given the amount of running he's been doing - great to see new people getting into multisport.

Talking of the Duathlon, lets have those entries in for the second (that'll actually be the first!) of the summer series - looking forward to another well supported race.

10 League Event #10

News is trickling through about the other Tri Club escapade this weekend - Ironman Nice

I've managed to speak with their team manager, Monsieur Froggo who gave me a brief but poignant account of the race... 

After awesome swims under the stunning rising sun, far faster than they'd hoped for, The Great White Hope and his faithful sidekick TanTim headed onto the notoriously brutal Nice bike leg - and it didn't disappoint! Described by Parky as 'Like The Sloc...but for 21km' it was truly tough. The boys saw a lot of climbers arrive, pass, and disappear on the ascent but once the road headed down - it was payback time! TT's knee was starting to give trouble on the way back and he eased off, allowing his Nivea for Kids sponsored teammate to enter T2 in the lead. That lead was to be short-lived however as Tim reeled Rob in on the 1st lap, laughing at the younger IronVet as he passed him, sneering 'that'll learn ya' in his plastic Scouse accent. Rob's mind was focussed though - he knew he had the legs to finish strongly and so he was proved right as on the 4th lap, after slowing steadily, Tim's knee gave up and he stopped. Rob skipped by, chuckling, before returning to breakdance on the pavement next to his crippled colleague. Once he'd had his fill of gloat Rob showed his class by getting Tim up and helping him the 7k or so to the finish. The boys crossed the line at the same time - around 14hrs 37mins - holding the manx flag aloft. Great effort guys!

Well well well! There was certainly a changing of the guard at the Liverpool Triathlon on Sunday, with Andy 'Gnasher' Nash trying so hard to impress his missus and take her mind off Russ's bike that he ended up in 10th place overall clocking an incredibly impressive 2.10 to grab 2nd place in the 20-24 age group! Gnasher's was not the only fantastic effort on the day though, every member of Manx tri did the Club proud - and believe me we were plentiful! As well as those mentioned in my previous post I also spotted the man with more Tri entries to his name than most, David Bester (and he raced!!), former Club official Andy Page was also there with a very supportive family in tow, and relative newcomer Dave Carridge, complete with Planet X bling and a glamorous assistant! I'm sure there were others judging by the bikes on the Fastcraft Manannan!

The race itself started for the Pros at 8am and it was brilliant to watch Messrs Hayes, Cartmell, uber doris Liz Blatchford (whom Honks would get up close and personal with on the latter stages of her run...), clear the water in a little over 16 minutes! Waiting for the pros to finish meant that the first AG wave were late entering the water and in turn were set off, apparently via telekinesis, with no warning! Somewhat surprisingly Gnasher was first out of the water after a rapid 1500m followed even more surprisingly by Honks some 30 secs later - Where was the super swimming, Evil Spinster you may be wondering...? Well he emerged a little later followed by Russ and Cubby. The order just about remained the same onto the bikes, ES almost catching Honks prior to mounting after His Royal Lardiness gave the spectators a glimpse on the long transition run of what his 10k was gonna be like in about an hour's time!

Determined to enjoy the two best bits of Tri, Honks pushed hard with the intention of holding off Russ et al, completely oblivious to the fact that Gnasher was half a minute up the road! Still desperately seeking a bike leg that suits lady-spinning, Chris, riding a frickin road bike for heavens sake - I mean c'mon! was caught by firstly Russ and then Cubby - that order remained the same into transition and out onto the run although the gaps increased a little.

....and there we have it, the race over...for Honks at least - swimming and cycling glory was shortlived as he was systematically chased down by Russ...then Cubby...then ES (running brilliantly after his casual bike)...even the bloke from the ice cream van after Honks had felt the need for 99 out on the course and had no money! The sun came out and things got worse for pretty much everyone, except Gnasher and Cubby of course - the latter trumping the former by a second after 10k!

Russ held on to win his age group, with a fast-finishing Cubby second - tremendous efforts. Equally as awesome were the Olympic debuts of Dave Carridge and Wendy Sandford, Dave dipping under 2.40, Wendy just slipping over it. Dave B, after a blistering final sprint, came in just 2 seconds under the 2.50!

Linda put in a strong finish in the Sprint Race to maintain her momentum for the forthcoming finale to the Lincoln Tri series where she's eyeing up an overall win - Go LindaLegsIOM!! Woohoo!!

It was a brilliant weekend overall and highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-organised, easily accessible race with a great atmosphere.

2011 Liverpool 5150 Olympic

2011 Liverpool 5150 Sprint

It's a serious weekend for the Club, both nationally in Liverpool, and internationally in France!

Russ, Cubby, Wendy, Linda, Gnasher (that's Andy Nash btw!), Chris, and Honks are taking on the inaugural Liverpool 5150 (same course, different name!) on Sunday. Weather is looking fair, with rising temperatures...deep joy! The Pros will be out on the Course at the same time as the mere mortals so that should be amazing. Rumour has it that Honks has already had a word with Phil Graves and warned him not to try and draft when the big fella overtakes...will he listen? we'll have to see!! Russ is well rested after blagging Wednesday off with work so he should be odds-on for top local (no pressure though Russ!) Looking forward to the Tri debut of Cubby's new P3 (amazing what you can get for a few hundred quid 'Shell!), and Chris's excellent run form (making up for his recent bike exploits!) 


The temperature in Liverpool with be nothing compared to the conditions that Rob 'no tan' Parker and Ironman debutant Tim 'Permatan' Dunne (don't you be getting jealous Russy!) will be facing when they tackle Ironman Nice! 27C with little wind...'nice' indeed!! Heard some rumours that Rob's being sponsored by Nivea for Kids but nothing confirmed as yet. No doubt Frogs Legs will carefully oil up the Ironman veteran. 

Good luck one and all!!!   

'Twas a night for the golden oldies on Wednesday...Tri Club legend Stiggy made a triumphant return to 10 League on Wednesday, riding a PTT on his newly acquired, and obviously quite swift, Cervelo P3 (clearly the frame of choice for the connoisseur) on a PTT. Stig of the Dump(no reference to the Baldrine lovenest Lorraine!) nailed the Sandygate painfest in a very rapid 23m 42s, taking second Tri Club slot after, yeah yeah, blah blah, Juan. A season's best, 22m 51s though for Juan...further evidence of the pensioners discount! An improved ride for the 'Evil Spinster' but he still couldn't get the better of the tired 'Powermeister'. There were some good rides from the younger generation too though, a great PB for Jo Hawkins, sub 30 for Wendy - just in time for Liverpool, and a strong ride for Ali - just in time for the Games - Good Luck Ali!!! Nice to see Shane Martin once again flouting the 'covered upper arms' rule of time-trialling by only wearing his tri suit...ever wondered why none of the other Club members wear their's Shane?? A S/S baselayer would solve that problem mate!

10 League Event #9  

No way! I hear you say but it's true...Steve was seen last night wearing something other than one of those boring TMT jerseys made out of rice paper, indeed it was a very natty, Italian looking piece of attire! I think if he'd worn it all the way around the 10 last night he may have lopped some time off! Anyway, style tips out of the way, Let's get down to the results; Apart from the non-human cyclists - Messrs Roche, Bell (junior of course!), O'Shea and Livesey - everyone else seemed to find it tough after the enforced TT break. Russell was strong into the wind down the coast, probably because the sun was out and he was chasing further tanning! Even 'Dangerous' Juan was a little slower, perhaps feeling a little inhibited by his indiscretions in the Beaver...Island Games bound Ali pulled a sickie, citing the importance of rest and recovery from the, now famous, 'Collister sniffles' - she even let out a little cough for effect! Wendy just missed out on breaking 30 but made up for it with a hard 300 metre run afterwards! In fairness that's 200 metres more than Honks could manage after destroying the Queen of Spin yet again!

Results below are kinda provisional due to a bout of alzheimers from Richard Fletcher shouting the wrong number at the finish!

***thanks to Jim the below results are now ratified...time for another little cry Chris??!!

10 League Event #8

A special mention to ol' Frogs legs himself, our resident Race Ref, Andy Parker who defied not only the odds, but the laws of physics too, by completing the epic Lands End to John O' Groats cycle ride while the lads were enjoying some Beaver. Haven't had chance to speak to Parky properly yet as he's been under the close supervision of his doting missus Di, who is apparently looking for some answers from those he rode with as to why they didn't bump him off as paid for and arranged?! A full summary of his exploits to follow when other team members have been spoken to...