Date: 15 August 2010

Location: Bedford

Format: Olympic Distance (1.5k swim/41.5k bike/ 10k run). Mini distance also available.

Organiser: Galeforce Events

Website: www.galeforce-events.com

The quiet, unassuming town of Bedford seems an unlikely venue for one of the most competitive events of the season. In contrast to some of the mass participation events such as London or Windsor, Bedford attracts a smaller contingent of athletes (but still significant at around 600 people), but many of those who compete are among the best in the country for their respective age groups.

This year they came because the race doubled as both the National Age Group championships and as part of the National Series. In previous years the race has been a qualifier for World or European Championships.

These athletes expect a slick event over a testing but fair course. They weren’t disappointed.

Race HQ is in a scenic park along the banks of the River Great Ouse, where the swim takes place. The swim presents a couple of unique challenges. Firstly, the river through Bedford is relatively narrow so the swim start was unusually congested as triathletes battled for the best line. On top of that, the organisers only allowed five minutes between waves, which was simply not enough. The fastest swimmers from the later waves tended to hit the mid pack of the preceding wave at the only turning point.

Secondly, the river is full of some kind of underwater grass. This grows so thickly in places that it plasters your face obscuring vision, wraps itself around your arms and hands preventing you swimming and at times envelopes your entire body and seems to drag you down.

While the danger from the weed is more imagined than real, it does make the swim even more draining than usual.

There is a short, carpeted run to transition, which was on grass and so kind to feet. The bike mount line is on a section of closed road and so allowed for those initial wobbly moments on the bike while fitting shoes.

In 2010 the course had to be altered slightly (and lengthened by 1.5km) because of road works. This introduced two additional right hand turns. However, these were excellently marshalled and had police in attendance to control traffic and so presented no problems. The route quickly leaves Bedford into the surrounding rolling country side. Apart from a couple of corners and roundabouts the course is not technical and invites fast riding. It is flat enough to ride a time trial bike although there are enough hills so that you wouldn’t be too disadvantaged on a good road bike.

The run comprises three laps along of a fast flat course along paths either side of the River Great Ouse, making it easy to navigate and spectator friendly. It is perhaps a little shorter than 10km, but not much. This year the organisers provided two water stations per lap so no worries about dehydration. Electronic timing and a computer screen at the finish provided immediate feedback on splits and age group positions.

Do this race if:

• You want to compare yourself against the best in your age group.
• You’re a strong cyclist.

Don’t do this race if:

• You’re a nervous swimmer with little open water experience. The weeds might freak you out.

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