Weekend Race Report and Sheep Rescue

More TriPurbeck athletes in action at the weekend with Sharon Bardsley competing on the Dorset Tri a Tri and others taking part in the Jurassic Coast Sportive. Sharon was much quicker than the last time she raced this course, posting a faster swim, bike and run split – impressive. She came in 10th overall, only 7 minutes off the overall winning time. Bearing in mind she improved her time by over 5 minutes, it could be interesting to see what happens next time! Liz and Richie took to the roads in the Jurassic Sportive competing in the 66mile and 101mile event respectively with Liz recording a bronze time and Richie a silver. Both will be viewing the 56 mile bike leg of the UK half ironman at Wimbleball as a walk in the park………… maybe! Fran also did the 66mile route (and a bit) but was too impatient to wait for the 8.30am start, going out at 6am, and was in the bar at the sports centre drinking a coffee at 11am….. welcome to my world.

In other news, Carl performed a spontaneous sheep rescue mission on the Monday evening ride, returning a small lamb to its mother at the top of Whiteways Hill. Apparently this follows the shepherding of an entire flock of sheep back into their field by Mandy out riding recently with Fran. It wouldn’t happen if you joined a Tri club in London would it? 

Salisbury Tri next Sunday and Puddletown 10k next Wednesday - come on TriPurbeck!

Liz’s race report appears here for the Jurassic Sportive:

‘The race was once again very well organised and well signposted with the fuel stops appropriately placed throughout.  I didn’t stop at any of the fuel stations, but arranged my own fuel stop at my house in the drive as route went straight past at 52 mile point.   Plenty of fuel onboard my bike but probably didn’t drink enough fluids (only 3 x 750m bottles).
 
The route was a challenging one, plenty of hills interpersed with some good downhill sections and flats – good to get some use of my tri bars.
 
The downside was the wind – strong head on most of the way which was grinding.  Got particularly peeved off at one rider as he drafted me for an hour and refused to take his turn in front to give me a break when I asked him to, and then hopped on the back wheel of another rider overtaking me!  Was not happy.
 
Was pleased as I got in before 2 girls that had sped past me at Tincleton, caught up with them eventually at Harmans Cross and then we raced each other until the end, but managed to cross the line before they did.  Some very good riders out there to do, one 10 year old lad sped up Whiteways past me – quite impressive.’