Bristol Harbourside Triathlon

Today was a race on the doorstep, just a few miles down the road with a very late start! Made a nice change from travelling and getting up at some ungodly hour to register and race. 2012 is the second year the Bristol Harbourside has run. This year the race doubled up as an age group World Championship qualifier (standard distance) for Auckland 2012, so the size and level of competition was automatically higher, with athletes travelling from much further afar.

Around the final buoy to leave the water in 2nd closely followed by 3rd!  

The race offered sprint and standard distance. I was trying to defend my sprint title from 2011. It was only a training race for me, after a hards week training with approximately six hours in the pool alone. Straight into it post race too! With an 18 hour training week plan by coach. Dad was doing his(first standard distance race, Mum was doing the sprint, and Matt had come along to try and grab a win in the standard distance race. The swim took place in the harbourside, before a flat and fast bike course along the Portway, then moving onto a rather muddy out and back run along the Towpath, the other side of the river, under the suspension bridge.

Rather timidly taking a corner descent rather cautiously...these wheels were insane!  

I'm happy to say I managed to defend my title, winning the women's sprint overall as well as taking first place in my age category (20-24). I exited the water in second, caught the lady in front at the end of the first lap (two lap bike course) on the bike and maintained my lead for the rest of the bike and through the run, coming in in 1.10.30. I was particularly happy to clock in the fastest bike split in my age group, which was a nice surprise! This may have been partially (largely!) due to the fantastic bike I was loaned by the fantastic team once again at The Triathlon Shop, Bristol. I rode a Scott CR1 with some rather fancy deep sectioned FFWD wheels.

Final 1km of the run leg

Dad had a great race, his target was a sub 3 hour, and he came in in 2.56.23. Matt clocked in a time of 2.03.59 which gave in the win in his age category (20-24) and 2nd place overall in the race. Sadly it wasn't mums day, she pulled out during the swim but was quite happy watching the rest of the races and cheering everyone on. The four of us (younger sister is living life up for six weeks in Sydney atm!) were happy to visit Cosmo's (all you can eat oriental buffet restaurant) for a late lunch, before wearily heading home. Though that be said, Matt and I headed to the local pool that evening to complete a 3km recovery swim. No rest for the wicked! #lifeonanathlete

Another fantastic team effort by Team Bath! Brian, Matt, myself and Jansen  

Bristol Harbourside is a great race, great location and an even better atmosphere. Put on my members of BADTRI Triathlon Club (Bristol and District Triathletes), it is hugely popular across Bristol especially, but also to other clubs and individuals from further afar. The race will again take place in 2013, keep an eye on the event website (Click here to visit website) for entry openings and more information and contact details about this growing race.

Next race for me is another local one though slightly smaller! Trowbridge Triathlon! This will be my 3rd time at this race, this Tri is also the first Tri I EVER did! Will let you know how it goes....! Please follow me on twitter @KatieJSynge to keep up to date with my news, training and hints of triathlon advice!