Early alarms, anxiety and panic were the overwhelming feelings as Viceroys Carl Fisher, Dan Spalding, Mark Yeoman, Charlotte Hargreaves, Gary Brine, Phil Goss and Karen Clarke-Hoffman prepared to get to the Windsor triathlon on time – and little did they know, there was a champion in their midst. 

Carl laid all his kit out in nice neat rows checked the bike for storm damage and satisfied himself that he was truly ready to nail this one… and then he lost his timing chip. His transition space looked like it had been hit by a hurricane and panic had set in with only 20 minutes to go – not recommend as a pre race warm up. 

Swims  went really well, perhaps except for Charlotte who came away with a bloodied nose! Others stayed calm, although Dan compared the swim exit to ‘wildebeest scrambling out of the Mara river ‘ – but he still managed a pleasing 28:58 swim. As our triathletes moved through the blur of transition, Dan managed a quick hello to a rather spent-looking Mark Yeoman, little knowing at the time that he was viewing a spent future race champion.  Carl set off with an aim of 30+ km/h on the bike knowing it was a hilly course, but actually clocked a 32km/h so was very happy with his 1:18:39 bike split.  With the move to run, Dan pushed to maintain a 45-min pace, Carl was reunited with his previously lost timing chip.

 Dan: ‘Happy with my finish time of 2.32, although having done Windsor in 2.34 and 2.30, getting under 2.30 continues to be elusive!’ 

Carl: ‘I crossed the line with a 49:27 run split and a total time of 2:41:32.  Best of all a story to tell of another great day out surrounded by Family and Friends.  I was also incredibly proud to learn that Mark Yeoman, our coach; chairman and mentor was the fastest man out there and topped the table in first place.  Congratulations!’ 

Viceroys is literally the best triathlon club around.