Stirling Duathlon 2011 Race Report

A small number of ATHeliteers were competing in the Stirling Duathlon on Sunday. This event always seems to start with near freezing temperatures and yesterday was no different. Having dealt with the clocks changing & the last minute clothing dilemmas we all lined up ready to go.

In the Sprint race (5k run, 20k bike, 5k run) Ian Dysart was competing in his first multi-sport event. We were also expecting Don Kennedy who whilst going through the motions of training for this event seemingly neglected to actually enter it. He opted to stay up later on Saturday night and consume cheap champagne as a race alternative. In the Championship race (10k run, 40k bike, 5k run) were Colin, Genevieve and the Gman.

A slightly delayed start saw the Sprint start at 9.30 with the Champ race 5 mins later resulting in a Fox and Hounds situation as we hunted down the Sprint race runners and engulfed a few on their second lap. The run loop is renowned for its 'cheeky' hill which is easy enough on the 1st two loops but becomes increasingly tough on the 2nd two loops to a point where you think walking up it might actually be quicker. With Colin and Genevieve just back from a tough bike week in Lanzarote we were not expecting any miracles on the run and this was just the case. Colin was 39.30 (1 min slower than last time in 2008), Genevieve was 46.34. This was the Gman’s first crack at this event but he still knocked a 10k PB in the process in 47.23 – a sign of the continuing improvements in his running over the last few months. In the Sprint race and following a niggly achilles injury Ian ran a controlled 5k in 25.18.

Good transitions for everyone and out onto the bike course. This was where C & G wanted to see some improvements and whilst both struggled a little with tired crampy legs, Colin finished the 2 loop bike course in 1.05.25 (3 mins quicker than last time), Genevieve showed a 5 minute improvement finishing the 40k in 1.08.04 and the Gman put the hammer down and finished in an excellent 1.07.07.
Ian finished his 20k bike in 44.08.

Onto the tough final 5k run and the hill reared its ugly head twice more. Colin finished the run in a rather disappointing 21.21 but still achieved a PB overall thanks to a strong bike leg. Total time was 2.07.32. Genevieve also found the last 5k hard but ran 1 min quicker than last time in 25.28 and achieved a total finish time was 2.21.24 - a total PB by a massive 9 mins.
The Gman felt the bike a little on the last run but completed the 5k in 26.56 & achieved a great final time of 2.23.15.
Ian had a strong final run & actually went slightly quicker than his first 5k in 25.05 and a total time of 1.37.21. A good result for his first time.

Having completed a photo shoot with supporters Mandy & Martin we headed to the Café for a coffee in the sun when the prize giving started and in the distance we heard ‘3rd Senior Female… Genevieve Freeman’. After 10 seconds standing in shock she shot off so fast that by the time we caught up with her she was dismounting the podium embracing 1st place finisher & World Champion Catriona Morrison. Not sure who was most shocked, but what a great finish to another fantastic Stirling race.

Well done to Genevieve, Graeme, Ian (& Me!) & thanks to Mandy & Martin for coming up to support the team.