Date: 29 May 2010

Location: Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, Leicestershire, UK

Format: 1500m swim / 40km bike / 10km run

Organiser: Just Racing UK Ltd.

Website: www.justracinguk.com

This year saw changes to both the run and bike routes of the Little Beaver triathlon but the challenging thrice repeated climb to the Belvoir Castle remained, as did the 500m dash from the swim exit to T1. In our opinion, the switch to a two lap bike route – despite it being possibly longer than last year – was a big improvement. We also liked the new transition layout.

The long run to T1

However, having cyclists pass through the castle grounds meant a temporary – and very steep –bridge had to be installed for runners to cross the bike route. This was a bit of a shock to the system coming straight after T2 and then again shortly before the finish. Additionally, the run course was slightly re-routed to avoid runners and cyclists sharing a path.

Consequently, the run was even more challenging than last year and possibly a little long as only a handful of athletes broke 40 minutes for the 10 km.

In brief, the swim took place in a shallow, silty lake. It was clearly marked out and easy to navigate, although getting mouthfuls of pond weed was slightly unnerving. The bike course consisted of sweeping descents, impressively long straights and steep ascents: something for everyone, as advertised. The run was three laps of hard going hill work.

First man out of the water

On top of that, the weather gods decided the course required a good sprinkling of rain and a blast of cold wind which made for some slippery corners and numb toes.

The rain continued for competitors in 1/2 Ironman distance Beaver

Ben Newman took first spot with a time of 2:06:29. He also posted the fastest bike split of 1:02:41. Last year’s winner, Tristan Shipsides, finished eighth in 2:10:37, fourteen minutes slower than his 2009 time. Perhaps Tristan was having a bad day, but many athletes had finishing times significantly slower than last year indicating the course changes have made a tough race tougher.

In the women’s race, Georgie Rutherford finished first in 2:18:07, more than 8 minutes clear of second place Danielle Stewart.

Do this race next year if:

• You love running up and down steep hills
• You like snuggling down on your aero bars and powering along long straight roads

Don’t do this race if:

• You like swimming in clear water
• You want to do a PB

Jostling for position around the turning buoy

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