Viceroys Simon Pratt, Tim Ferguson, David Hegarty, Richard Singleton and Mark Thompson all travelled to Hampshire for the Swashbuckler middle distance triathlon. Mark celebrated a top ten place overall and was 2^nd in his AG (04:31:47.40), and Richard was 8^th in his AG (04:55:23.95)– new dad Simon tells us about his race experience:

‘I have to admit I viewed the approaching Swashbucker with some apprehension; the arrival of William 16 weeks ago ensured my training hours roughly matched my sleeping hours – almost zero! This topped off with a two-week bout of the dreaded man flu (you girls just wouldn’t understand!) and my expectations were downgraded to “survive”

A chilly 6am start on the morning meant that the 16 degree Beaulieu River was actually welcoming! As for the swim – I survived – enough said!

Onto the bike from a very empty transition and the legs certainly weren’t going to help me enjoy the lovely new forest sights. I guess the writings on the wall when the local paper boy on his BMX passes you!! Still, after the usual dodging of a few horses, cows and donkeys I was back into transition with the sobering thought of the 14 mile run to follow. And we do this why?

The run was to be honest more of a hobble, with some sobering moments none more than begging for a gel from a fellow (very kind) competitor when the tank had gone passed empty (is that even legal?) Still there was a bright moment when on my first lap fellow Viceroy Richard blasted past me on the way to the finish with a cheerful hello and no sign of having broken a sweat! (He was so quick he couldn’t hear me cussing him for being so happy!!)

Anyway – into the finishing chute just past the 6-hour mark and I’d achieved what I’d set out to do – Survive! After all, the Viceroys motto of “never show weakness” does not allude to any time constraints!

Afterwards, as well as seeing my amazing support crew of Suze and William, it was great to catch up with fellow Viceroys Mark and Richard who’d posted amazing times and Tim who’d just completed his first half.’