Windy conditions on May Bank Holiday made the outward leg of the bike hard work for all competitors, but given the weather the day before nobody could complain as we didn’t have any rain and the sun came out for those racing later on.

Great for all Ponteland Tri members to be cheered on by two very keen Marshalls on the run route in Tina and Kelly who were helping out on the day.  Thanks to both for all the photo’s and cheers.

Martin led the team home with a great performance only to find out after the finish that a very keen drafting marshall had decided four of the top athletes had been drafting,  not that the road was wide enough for them to stay apart given the traffic.  As a result Martin along with the others had to accept a time penalty which altered the results.

Andy Gowens was an impressive 6th in the M50’s and Sue Heppell a great 5th in the F40’s.

Next triathlon is Alnwick in a couple of weeks for some of the club triathletes participating,  just need to hope for good weather for the event.

Cramlington cross country race report.
This comes courtesy of Kelly Hymer, a cross country first timer today:

A first timers guide on how not to do your first Cross Country:
When I think of Cross Country my mind instantly goes back to dragging myself round the school field in cold, wet conditions. Mistake number one, too many layers, turns out not all Cross Country events are in wet and windy conditions. Today was surprisingly sunny for a October afternoon and so after my first lap I was melting. Mistake number two, wearing brand new trainers for an event. What a rookie error. Consequently, I am now sporting a blister of epic proportions. However, the route was quite nice. Not as flat as had been advertised (sorry about that Kelly! Jon P). The beginning stretch was a little bumpy and having a mass of runners around did make it a little hard to negotiate, but once passed that it wasn’t so bad. I did do a little tumble and had to use the lady in front to stop me going down. Luckily, she was more steady on her feet and wasn’t to upset I groped her bum. There was a rather sharp climb towards the end of the first lap. I am all for gender equality but could not have done THAT 3 times! (Sorry lads). Twice was more than enough! And so to the finish line I plodded – hot , sweaty, wishing I hadn’t let my training slip over the past month or so, but ultimately happy I made it round in one piece and didn’t have to stop or walk.

And then for the important part, with my steeliest Paul Hollywood gaze, I made sure to sample ALL of the cakes, brownies and flapjack that were provided! It’s only fair. In conclusion, the course was a little harder than I expected, the temperature was a little hotter than I’d dressed for but the atmosphere and support was second to none! And now I sit at home with a warm glow of achievement, nice cup of tea, belly still full of cake, counting the weeks until next time…

Three Ponteland Runners raced the Tynedale Harriers Jelly Race yesterday in good conditions.  A scenic route provides an excellent 10 mile race in the final run-up to the Great North Run.  David Buffham, Paul Holborrow and Elliot Ward participated in the event,  results for our club below. Full results here.

VO2maxRacing Events hosted a great event in Newbiggin yesterday with 4 participants from Ponteland Tri,  David Levison, Matty Bell, Dave Legg and Sue Heppell all braved the cold sea water around 09:30 in the morning.  A Northumbrian Pipe Band led the particpants around to the beach start where a hooter started the run into the sea.  The weather was steadily improving all morning with warm sunshine on the run leg by the end of the event.

All looked relaxed prior to the walk round and the opportunity to “warm up” in the cold sea prior to the race.  The mass start is great to watch and many of the local residents come out to support the race providing a great atmosphere for the day.  A great finish by one of the last competitors who’d taken the opportunity to stop for a pint on the run leg prior to the finish line.  A “relaxed” triathlon for him…..

Full results available here but below are our club results.