Arundel Tri – Std and Sprint Race Report 17th May 2026
What an awesome event! I’m sure you all felt as proud as I did to be part of the Chi Tri team, as our 28 athletes took to the start line and raced their hardest yesterday . . .
The day started well – no rain at dawn when the alarm went off before well before 5 – and although the roads would need a bit of care when riding, it was not the wet weather predicted earlier in the week. Phew 
Usual porridge and coffee then off to meet up with other nervous team members to rack the bike and prepare for the fun. It is so nice to be amongst team mates when racing, as it raises your game knowing people are supporting you. And so it started straight away as the early standard distance racers were coming out from their swim and onto the bike – especially John B, Caro and Julie C. The rest of the standard athletes were cheered on by the waiting Sprint athletes – then we are able to cheer them on once we had finished.
The swim was a balmy 29 ish degrees with gorgeous castle views! I only had one other in my lane (happened to be Andy S 
) – so an unobstructed swim then out into the bike. It was wonderful to be cheered on the course by Adam/Ben N/Molly S – as well as Lizzie K and Lucy S!! Thanks all 
) – so an unobstructed swim then out into the bike. It was wonderful to be cheered on the course by Adam/Ben N/Molly S – as well as Lizzie K and Lucy S!! Thanks all I had a brilliant bike , only really being passed by the phenomenal Lily de Lacey flying on her bike up to Whiteways the second time around and by the aging but very fast PY from Petersfield Tri (how he came second overall at age 62 amazes me!)
The run was a struggle – having pushed so hard on the bike, my legs were not my own til the turn point (4.1km in) but seeing other Chi Tri members on their return helped me to carry on. The hills on the way back really built the lactate up but the final down and tree lined straights were slightly more enjoyable!! Especially as it meant the end was in site!
It was lovely cheering in everyone else and hearing about others racers experiences (apparently Julian S thought wearing his nose clip on the bike was a good idea 
and Mikey’s wife Clare needs to go to Specsavers, as she enthusiastically cheered on Shaun thinking it was Mikey – til their son Levi said “Mum, that’s not Dad!”)
and Mikey’s wife Clare needs to go to Specsavers, as she enthusiastically cheered on Shaun thinking it was Mikey – til their son Levi said “Mum, that’s not Dad!”)We had some tremendous results too – from the first time racers to the returners – making this a race to be entered early next year (er Guy. . .)
The photos on the Facebook page show a lot of the racers – thanks Guy and Mike. Here are the winners collecting their prizes. And our wonderful group shot (apologies to those who had left)
1st overall female standard – Lilly de Lacey
1st male super vet – Andy Smithers
1st female super vet – Mary Cooper
1st female vintage – Julie Cammack
1st male vintage – John Bullard
1st overall female sprint – Isabella Lendrum (Youth – shout out to the awesome youth coaches!!)
2nd overall female sprint – Olivia Sloan
1st male vet – Matt Jolly
1st female vintage – Jane West
Next club race and our club champ races – Eastbourne Standard and Middle Distance 12th July then Brighton Sprint 5th September – do enter and have a go. Please put CTC as club as they count towards the TESE series, which Chi Tri are currently 9th out of 32 clubs!
