Dorney Lake Standard Tri / Aquabike – Race report

The Coopers decided to head to the iconic Dorney Lake to put their bike TT training into a race – for a day date together!Very confused as races are almost always on a Sunday, so very next few days will be most discombobulated

Mike did aqua-bike – as he has an injured hamstring and Mary was doing full tri. The day started well – easy drive up and toilets available on arrival.

However things went pear shaped when Mike realised he had a flat tyre and not brought any spares inners. Luckily his race wasn’t till 10.20 but Mary was at 8.45 so she got ready and hit the balmy 21.3 degree lake.

There were no stands selling any bike bits (amazingly) but a kind fellow triathlete gave him a spare.(Otherwise we had worked out, Mary would be off the bike by time he finished his swim and he could have used his old bike (luckily similar shoe size!) )

Swim was great. Well marked rectangle in the rowing lake, a bit long (slightly over 1600m). Worked hard and did one arm swim turns at the buoys (thanks swim

Coaches) – fabulous !

Then onto the bike brilliant 8 lap TT like course overtaking all the way – both really pleased – Mike 1hr1 Mary 1hr4 – shows TTs really improve bike speed/endurance.

Then onto the run, which was where Mary’s wheels fell off a bit! Having put such effort on the bike, my legs were initially ok, but then gradually my power faded…Note to self – hold a little back for the run – but still finished in an amazing 2hr29, 2nd in AG and 8th female overall.

Mike had to get off the bike and just get to the finish – also loved the bike and pleased with 1hr34, 2nd in AG and 8th male overall – so it was a tie!

We love racing and still learn something from every one we do. . . Inner tubes For Mike and bike/run balance for Mary. Good practice for Brighton Tri at end of month – hope to see lots of you there! Good luck to anyone else racing this weekend!

If you want to know more about time trialing to improve bike speed/time – just ask/message and we can fill you in!

To find out more about joining Chi Tri click here!