We were delighted to have EVO Tri Club at our Conquer the Chiltern's event last weekend. Pasquale Lamberti who smashed the Sprint Triathlon did a race report for us. Check it out below, to get an idea of what to expect at our future COVID-safe events.
F3 events have gone above and beyond in organising this multisport event, especially during these trying times where restrictive social distancing measures have strained everyone over the past few months.
Conquer The Chilterns is a festival of events that consists
of several races, including a river swim, duathlon, triathlon and trail run. It
attracted many enthusiastic athletes, featured two separate areas for
transition, a beautiful and scenic location, and wonderful September weather,
all of which made up for the limitations that people had to follow to make the
event happen safely and securely.
Firstly, a huge thank you must go to the staff, the
marshalls, and the volunteers who coordinated, supported and cheered the
athletes. The different events and the numerous activities would not have gone
as smoothly as they did if not for the outstanding effort and enthusiasm of the
staff. Kudos!
I raced in the sprint triathlon, so other races were already
in progress when I arrived; nonetheless, the different areas (parking,
transition areas, enquiries booth) were brilliantly set up so that the flow of
events was never interrupted or disrupted. It was the first time I had to use
two different transition areas for a race, but the set-up made the race flow
smoothly. The transition areas were set up to guarantee the required 2-meter
distance between athletes, and the one-way transit system put in place provided
a safe and secure passageway for athletes and staff.
The Swim
The swim had us starting individually in the water to ensure
distance from each other, the track was well marked and swimmer safety was well
considered. The sun rising over the hazy water of the Thames was beautiful.
The Bike
Onward to the first transition and to the bike course. It
was well sign-posted and marshalls were positioned to facilitate athletes and
alert for possible traffic. There was plenty of support out on the course from
EVO tri club members and other athletes. The bike climb was…let's say, a little
hilly, but the beautiful chilterns scenery helped to take the mind off the
pain!
The Run
Finally, the run course, a lap in the woods with yet another
climb, but I still managed a dash to the finish line!
It was a great experience with a friendly atmosphere in an
amazing location with professional staff. What a fun race! I will definitely be
back next year.