Erica Hawley competed in the National Youth Elite Series High Performance draft legal race in Liverpool, continuing to learn something and improve at every race she does. The race took place on the beautifully restored docks area of Liverpool with a pontoon swim start, 2 laps of a fast/flat bike and 2 laps of a fast run course Race conditions were perfect for a Bermudan  (31 degrees!); it was so hot that it was not a wetsuit legal race for the Elite races.

Erica was 15th overall ( 39:14) in a race which saw athletes from all over Britain race in this National Series event. The draft legal format is very exciting and tactical. Erica had a strong swim  and came out in the bunched top 1/3 of the field. She formed part of a pack of 6 riders. 2 of the riders from this group attacked towards the end of the bike and joined the front group of another 6 riders.

She held on to her run and fought for her place in the end.

And meanwhile, mum Julia  raced Olympic Distance ( British Age Group Championships) and came 5th in 50-54 in 2:22:20. Nice warm up race  before UK Ironman on August 4th! A great race for both, well done Julia and Erica.

Sixth in her age group for her first Half Ironman… doesn’t get much better than that. Carla tells us about the Cowman 70.3:

‘We travelled up to Emberton Park Saturday for registration, to familiarise ourselves with the course and I was also keen to see the lake. The setting was great in the middle of the Park (with ample parking and loos close by!). The course was right up my street, some undulating hills and predominantly off road run – fantastic.

Would you Adam and Eve it, we are in the middle of a HEATWAVE – I’m not complaining, the weather is stunning (if you’re relaxing by the lake with a picnic and playing rounder’s like ‘normal’ people). Completing a half Ironman in it, another story, so anyway I crack on…..

Continue reading →