As Kate and Nicola headed for Dorney Lake for the Shock Absorber Women’s Only Tri, both were nervous about the consequences of the heat: potential wet suit ban and challenging racing conditions. Their 1.40pm Sprint race start time meant, however, that getting into the lake was a welcome respite from the heat.

As the swim started Nicola was soon ahead, but Kate on cornering the final buoy before the 150m straight for home caught sight of a pink shoulder in the distance, so sprinted to catch it… and did so just before the swim exit ramp. Nicola sped through transition though and was out on the bike course first; only to be caught by Kate again half way round the first lap of 4. Nicola overtook Kate again on lap 2. Kate overtook Nicola on lap 3. Nicola regained the lead on lap 4, but the 2 hit transition together. Nicola was once again much faster in transition and out on to the run course first…  but was caught by Kate half way through the first of 2 laps!

Brutal heat, but friendly rivalry certainly made both work much harder and really enjoy the tri.