‘Yesterday I ventured to Dorney lake to take part in a competitive race held by VOTWO –  they use a clockwise bike coming down the middle section which adds a nice twist to the otherwise dull venue. Wave 1 had all the guys sub 39yrs & it was clear to see that some had come too fast in the windy but hot & humid conditions. An hour between waves I had time to clock their swim and bike splits before starting at mid day – yes mid day… Far too late for a race. I knew it was going to be close but the lead guy ran out dirty fast. Oh okay, that’s that then

In the 40+ a more relaxed attitude was taken, the water was murky and I some got into a good rhythm & exited in first (2nd fastest split behind the young gun winner). Soon onto the bike I knew that going fast was going to be hard, the head wind was tough and the only rest bite was the return leg back each lap. On the 3rd lap I was caught but looked to start close as I was hoping to save my legs for the run. He put a big push on the final lap and I entered T2 in 2nd but after 100m I knew this wasn’t going to be a day to burn up the run course, more burned by the sun.

Running into the headwind is no joy but I dug in and on the turn looked to keep my legs ticking over. Dehydrated and lacking food due to the late start I was relieved to cross the line and be 3rd overall and back on the podium.

Time to rest and recover ahead of another race in 2weeks time. ‘

As raced and reported by Mark Yeoman.