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.