At first we thought Ian Talbot was avoiding us. Emails arranged a meeting at Thorpe 3 Triathlon – Ian’s name was on the list, but he did not make himself known to any of us. He then turned up to a Thursday night river run, but then the excuse of ‘work’ ensured he did not have to return on a weekly basis – but eventually Ian weakened and joined our pink ranks:

‘I’ve played sports of some sort as long as I can remember – football and badminton to county and country level respectively as a youngster before finally growing into my gangly 17 year old self and embracing rugby. 20 years later and I was in a brace due to rugby, having broken my neck playing in a match in Canada, all the while wondering if my travel insurance would cover this ! That put paid to that and my less than smooth transition to Triathlon began via a stint as a “runner” (a few 5ks, 10ks and 10 milers) – which I subsequently discovered does my knees in if I do it too often (I blame the badminton !) hence the inclusion of a bit of swimming and then cycling once a friend of mine coerced me into agreeing to do a tri.

The bug bit and I’m now well and truly hooked and joining the Viceroys makes me feel part of a team again – something I’d been really missing since the rugby days passed. I completed (note the absence of the word “competed “!!) 3 sprint tris this year – all at Thorpe/Thorpe Park and have plans to step up the distance and venue variety in 2014. Next year will surely be the year I can truly call myself a Triathlete !!’ Welcome to the club Ian.