The 1st of the Thorpe Sprint Series was not on Colette Kitterhing’s schedule until Saturday afternoon, but knowing how hard she trains (Evem in her debut at a Christmas Panto, ‘In it to win it’ introduced her on the programme) a last minute tri should have presented little worries for her:

‘When the kids got invited to a sleep over I thought I would make the most of a free morning. So needs less to say race prep was patchy (not sure we really believe you Colette!). The swim was good, coming out the water 4th in my wave, 1st lady. Chairman Yeo would have been disappointed with the 1:13 T1, all fingers and thumbs!

Knowing the course was a great bonus and I was feeling good on the bike. It was coming back up Longcross that I spotted the RGA lady (I later found out she was called Vicky). She looked strong and was gaining on me. Spurred on I got my head down but she caught me at about the 15km mark. But she did not managed to get too much of a lead as I left T2 just in front. Numb feet and dead legs, the run was hurting! For 3k I would hear her breathing right behind me but as much as I tried I could not get my legs going faster. Then at about 4km two other ladies came past us taking 1st and 2nd. And then in the last 500m I lost grip of 3rd when the lady in green found some reserves that I could not find.

I had a great morning, loved the race and brilliant to see so many other Viceroys there.

4th female
3rd in category
29th overall

Now I need to get working on that run! ‘

Great racing Colette and good luck in The Mini Marshman next weekend.