With a strong base of winter training under their belts Shires members kicked off the racing season in style.
Sarah Watson shook off her disappointment of DNF at the Ashridge Boundary Trail with a smooth run at the St.Alban’s Easter 10k, which saw her finish is 56.55.
Further afield, Kerry Wright took on the Ironman 70.3 Marbella where she swam 1.9k in theMediterranean Sea, climbed over 1900m during a 90k bike through the Andalusian mountains, before running three loops, totalling 21.1k along the Marbella promenade. Kerry proudly added to her trophy cabinet, bringing home third prize in her F55-59 age category.
Meanwhile, Rob Pinfield, who had been training outside in all weathers, while everyone else took to the turbo, was more than ready for the Fred Whitton sportive. Challenging would be an understatement to describe the Fred Whitton, set in the Lake District National Park and starting inGrasemere, the 112-mile long race includes 10,000 feet of climbing. Notable climbs include the Kirkstone pass, Honister pass, Newlands pass, Whinlatter pass and Cold Fell. These are just leg-stretchers because at 90 miles it takes in the Hardknott pass with its switchback bends and climbs at 30 percent, before tackling Wrynose Pass and Blea Tarn.
A well organised event with 2,500 riders Rob says “If you want a challenge early in the season, this has got to be it!”
Hat’s off to Chris Grimmette, who shook off injury niggles to complete the HSV Sprint Triathlon. From the Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield, the course is fast and flat comprising a 400m pool swim, followed by a 1 lap 20km bike on a pretty flat course, finishing with a 5km flat run. Chris did well finishing 2nd in his M60-64 age group.
