Tim Male takes Midnight Man title

Tim Male of Thames Turbo Powerbar Race Team won the Midnight Man triathlon, which is a full distance race with a difference. Consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike then 42km run Midnight Man started at 6pm on Saturday 18th August with competitors racing through the night finishing the next day. This is the fourth full distance race in which Tim has completed and his first win at that distance.

Tim, an ex-Olympic rower, has a reputation within the club as well as both the triathlon and rowing world for his tough racing attitude and the ability to push himself beyond his limits. This extract from his race report gives an insight to this:

“I am suffering so much. But if I can, I will finish this. I am leading an Iron Distance Race. I have a chance to win. This chance may never come again. So I can either suffer the same amount and risk losing, or see if I can go deeper and risk all to win.”

“Lap 5 was just gruesome, and even the compliments on my ‘strong running’ did little to distract me from the pain. But that wasn’t the point. The point was to find it, and devour it. The hamstring was now pinging to the point that I had to stop every 2k as it locked up. However, I got through to the final lap, and estimated I had kept enough of a buffer to keep in front. My hamstring and quad had other plans, though. As I reached the aid station for the final time both locked up completely.”

“I was screaming in pain and defiance at my muscles lack of cooperation, which bemused some of the aid station staff. I would have been embarrassed had it not been for the fact that I wanted to know how much of a gap I had. When I finally got moving again, I worked out that I had an 8 minute gap for the final 3.5k. Two minutes per k should be enough, but I was crawling. I was not going to blow it and the last lonely section was hardship in a bottle. Down the finish straight and WINNER!!!!”

Tim is part of the successful Thames Turbo PowerBar Race Team which is sponsored by 2XU, Newton Running and PowerBar.

Turbos take on Worthing Triathlon

Thames Turbo was out in force at Worthing Triathlon this weekend. As one of this year’s races in the Club Championships, it proved to be a highly competitive event that saw a wide range of members pushing themselves to the limit to make their mark.

The fastest Turbo man of the day was Tom Higgins, who finished second overall. This is impressive considering it was Tom’s first Olympic distance race. First Turbo lady to cross the line was Women’s Captain Liz Pinches. Liz was second female home and managed to improve her time from last year by 11 minutes.

Special mention should go to Alex Rowe and Holly Clemens who won their Junior categories.  As both managed to beat their dads in the race, there should be a new phrase for this: offspringed.

Here are some quotes from our members’ race reports:

I entered this event way back when before I was a Thames Turbo member, so I was delighted when it was announced as a club championship event. However this was my first sea swim as well as my first Olympic distance so I have approached it with a bit of apprehension. Very pleased with my performance and delighted to be doing it in my new TT tri suit!! Well done to all Turbos taking part today- it is great to race with some many people cheering and encouraging each other around the course.
Tom Higgins

It was such a pleasure to race with so many Turbos – as always the club events are the most fun in the whole calendar. And this one is a great favourite of mine – its low key but they put on a great event and there is a nice area to socialise afterwards, plus they do some great cakes.
Liz Pinches

Had my best ever swim by 2½ minutes, best 10km in an Olympic tri by 4 minutes and beat my previous Olympic time by 10 minutes with 2h 38m. Stoked.
Richie Thorpe

There were some really strong turbo performances, including Wayne’s storming run, but toughest racing probably has to be shared by Tarsh and Birthday boy Andrew. They both had been utterly belted by the surf, and seeing them both grit it on the final 1k truly shows the Turbo spirit is alive and well. Great to support and be part of it. I know I live for racing, but supporting a group so dedicated comes a solid second.
Tim Male

Full results and pictures from the race:
Sprint distance: http://www.racetimingsystems.com/public … aceid=2440
Olympic distance:  http://www.racetimingsystems.com/public … aceid=2441
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thamesturbo/ & http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.c … search.tlx

Thames Turbo Junior Aquathlon Report

A welcome respite from the rain and pleasant temperatures was the setting for the Thames Turbo Junior Aquathlon on Sunday 17th June. The event, consisting of a pool swim then a run, took place at Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton. This is a safe and easy setting for families to come and support their children while racing. As expected there were many juniors from Thames Turbo Triathlon Club present, as well as a large contingent from Optima Race Team’s very competitive junior squad.

The event also presents an opportunity for all the local schools to vie for the School Trophy, which was dominated by Lady Eleanor Holles with 14 entries.

All five junior categories were represented, the category winners are: 

Category

Name

Tristart (8) M

Joshua Solly

Tristart (8) F

Jessica Butland

Tristar 1 (9/10) M

Oscar Cowley-Andrea

Tristar 1 (9/10) F

Katie Thompson

Tristar 2 (11/12) M

Nicholas Cowley-Andrea

Tristar 2 (11/12) F

Jemima Hall

Tristar 3 (13/14) M

Alex Yee

Tristar 3 (13/14) F

Melanie Hall

Youth (15/16) M

Marcus Francis

Youth (15/16) F

Emily Reeves

It seems from the above that are some more multi-sport dynasties taking shape!

There were also some very generous prizes donated by Speedo, goody bags for all courtesy of Lidl, and more goodies for the prize winners from Sigma Sport and Thames Turbo Triathlon Club.

Additionally, there was a great selection of raffle prizes donated by The Running School, David Lloyd, The Lensbury, Headmasters Salon, Touch for Tri, Hampton Pool, Body4u, Free2move, and Burt’s Cycles.

Many thanks should go to all the parents and volunteers from Thames Turbo Triathlon Club who helped put on a great event, and to the competitors for excellent sportsmanship and participating fully in the race.

The full results are here: http://www.thamesturbo.com/junior-events/junior-aquathlon/results

Thames Turbo Sprint Series Race 3 Report

Despite the cold and windy conditions on the Jubliee Bank Holiday, a total of 256 brave and bold triathletes completed Race 3 of the Thames Turbo Sprint Series. 

The event was won by Tim Male of Thames Turbo PowerBar Team who completed the course in 59:07. Anna Murawska of Hampton Pool was the fastest women on the day with a time of 1:07:02.

Congratulations should also go to the winners of the Sigma Sport Novice prize Adam Parkes and Ruth Ashton.

Special mention should also go to Thames Turbo’s very own Chairman, Ben Unsworth, who achieved third place overall which is his first podium position in this popular race series.

The full category winners are: 

All the winners (overall and category) received goodies from the Thames Turbo Sprint Series sponsors: PowerBar; Sigma Sport; Swim for Tri; 2XU, Newton and Lanson Running.

The full results are here: http://racetimingsystems.com/public/results.aspx?raceid=2283

The Thames Turbo Race Series is ideal for those looking for an ideal race to try their first triathlon or hone their endurance sports skills. Here are some of their comments from our Face Book page:

 “Completed my first triathlon….what a buzz!! Thanks Thames Turbo for making my entry into the world of tri so welcoming! Pretty happy with my time too, I’ll be back in August to improve upon it!”: Helen McDonnell

“Lovely race today. Never met such friendly and supportive marshalls. See you in August.”: John Lowit

“First ever race (of any description) today – loved it. Thanks so much to all the race marshalls who still cheered us all on, in spite of the freezing rain! Great event! Roll on the next one.”: Liza Bate

“Thanks for organising a GREAT race, guys. Really enjoyed it – AWESOME. Here’s hoping for some sunshine at Race 4!”: Simon Murphy

Entries are open for Race 4 on Monday 27^th August. To enter, go to: www.thamesturbo.com.

Entries are also open for the Thames Turbo Senior Aquathlon on Thursday 21^st June. Starting at 7.30pm, the race consists of a 5km run immediately followed by a 426m swim. The run takes place in the beautiful Royal Bushy Park and the swim in the tropical waters of Hampton Open Air Pool. Entry costs £15 for BTF members and £18 for non BTF. If available, entries on the day are £20 (+BTF licence).

Thames Turbo Juniors Triumph at Hillingdon Duathlon

The Thames Turbo Triathlon Club Junior squad was out in force fielding a total of 24 young athletes on Sunday 6th May at the Hillingdon Duathlon.

Isobel Chant claimed the top sport the Tristar3 girls and Abigail Arden for won the Youth category. Second in their categories were Louis Wright (Tristar1), Freya Thomson (Tristar2) and Anthony Anderson (Tristar3) while Jacob Patterson and Zahra Chisholm both came third in Tristar1.

The race format was run, bike then a second run with varying distances depending on the athletes’ age. The event was held at the Minet Park Circuit in Hillingdon and hosted by Hillingdon Triathlon Club and was the first in the Triathlon London Junior & Tristar Series. This is a series of nine London-based events in which young triathletes compete and gain valuable experience in the sport.

Tom Chant reports:

“The Hillingdon circuit is a tough place for duathlons. It has a hilly sprint to start with then a windy and cold bike ride with the long drag uphill into the wind, of course. This is followed by a full lap run. Personally, it always seems particular cruel to send the Tristar 1s off out of sight around the circuit on the run and they take so long to reappear into sight again.

Each race witnessed the athletes sprinting off the start line and settling down in the first 750m run a combination of downhill and sharp uphill before descending into transition out of breath to jump on the bike.  You can tell the experienced ones because they wear their helmets on the first run – it’s so cold at Hillingdon you normally can’t do your helmet up and there isn’t time for putting on gloves and helmets. Athletes did 3-7 laps depending on age group, there were several close battles and many a determined face as they rode past the gathered crowds of expectant parents. 

The bike section highlights were a “too early” entrant back to transition – the un-named athlete (Antony Anderson) had to remount once he realised his mistake and chase the new leader. Additionally, the perils of tri-bars were realised by the winner of the boy’s Youth category, whose tumble mid-lap led to a dramatic amount of blood flow.

The second run started for all with the inevitable “jelly legs” and there were some very close finishes that came right down to a sprint on the line. It was great to see so many Turbos racing and shout for their fellow athletes. Plus, thanks must go to all the parents who came along to support their youngsters in the chilly conditions.

As always the organisation and briefings by Hillingdon Tri Club were excellent. Just one small request, though. Can they please somehow create some fine weather for the parents next time?”

The full club results are:

Thames Turbo Sprint Series Race 2 Report

 

Race 2 of the Thames Turbo Sprint Series took place in almost ideal conditions with a light wind and no rain. The sun even made a welcome appearance after some of the worst May weather seen for a long time.

The event was won by Matt Chapman of SLH Tri Club who completed the course in 57:08. Vicky Gill of Swim for Tri was the fastest women on the day with a time of 1:03:22.

Ever-popular with novices, there were again lots of athletes embarking on their first season of triathlon racing. Here are some of their comments from the Thames Turbo website and our Face Book page:

“Wow what an awesome event and amazing club! My first ever Tri and I was bowled over by the friendliness and support of everyone, not to mention the superb organisation and fantastic marshals – thank you so much for making my entry into the world of triathlon sport such an exciting and inspiring one.” Lucy Thomas

“It was my first triathlon and it was a superb event. The marshals were fantastic and it all seemed to run like clock-work. Thanks to all.” Matt Cockett

 “Had a great time, really friendly and very pro newcomers. Thanks for making us feel welcome and looking forward to next couple of races.” Nigel Fisher

“Really enjoyed it and thanks for ordering the perfect weather for the duration of the race.” Kate Driskell

“Thank you so much for a great race. Everyone was so friendly. It was my first Tri. I don’t think it will be my last.” Richard Hodgkins

Entries are open for Race 3 on Monday 4th June and Race 4 on Monday 28th July. To enter, go to: www.thamesturbo.com.

All the winners (overall and category) received goodies from the Thames Turbo Sprint Series sponsors: PowerBar; Sigma Sport; Swim for Tri; 2XU, Newton and Lanson Running.

The full results are here: http://racetimingsystems.com/public/results.aspx?raceid=2239

Entries are also open for the Thames Turbo Senior Aquathlon on Thursday 21st June. Starting at 7.30pm, the race consists of a 5km run immediately followed by a 426m swim. The run takes place in the beautiful Royal Bushy Park and the swim in the tropical waters of Hampton Open Air Pool. Entry costs £15 for BTF members and £18 for non BTF. If available, entries on the day are £20 (+BTF licence).

Race 2 Almost Full!

Race 2 of the Thames Turbo Sprint Series is close to selling out. If you’re thinking of entering the event being held on Monday 7th May, please get your entry in today before it’s too late. 

In 2012, there are prizes from the race series sponsors and a trophy each for the overall male and female winners, plus each age group category winner receives something for their efforts. The 2012 sponsors are: PowerBar; Sigma Sport; Swim for Tri; 2XU, Newton and Lanson Running and there are great prizes in all the winner’s prize bags. 

New for this year is the Sigma Sport novice prize which will be presented to the best male and female taking part in their first triathlon. 

There are also prizes and trophies for the overall race series winners (first, second and third in each category) provided by 2XU and Lanson Running. The best of three races will count towards the result. This year, each male and female category winner will receive a generous £300 voucher from 2XU. Also, the first, second and third female winners, plus the best male and female Youth triathletes (15-16) will receive Lanson Running vouchers. 

If you missed out Race 1, you can still qualify for the race series prizes by entering the next three events. Race 2 is on Monday 7th May, Race 3 is on Monday 4th June and Race 4 on Monday 28th August.

Podium for Liz Pinches at Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

Thames Turbo PowerBar Race Team member Liz Pinches claimed third place at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon on Saturday 3rd March completing the course in 4:01.33. The race consisted of a 1.5km swim, 100km bike and 10k run. Liz said “I was really pleased with a 9 minute improvement from last year. This is a great race, the best part of which was racing the bike on the Formula 1 course at Yas Marina.”

This event was the first of many for the Thames Turbo PowerBar Race Team during 2012. This team of high-level amateur athletes will be competing in various domestic and international events including James Brown, who is racing at the iconic World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii later this year.

2012 Thames Turbo Race Team Announced

The Thames Turbo Race Team for 2012 will consist of the following club members: James Brown, Jon Heasman, Tim Male, Roland Rutt, Peter Stewart, Ben Unsworth, Richard Newey, James Ogilvy, Pavan Rooprai, Ruth Hutton, Liz Pinches and Helen Smith.

After a very successful 2011, the race team will competing in a wide selection of races both domestic and abroad in the coming season. From the Zone3 Triathlon London League Race Series right up to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, the team will be flying the Turbo flag.

Not only will the race team be competing in races throughout the UK, they will also be competing t

2012 Thames Turbo Club Championships

Each year, Thames Turbo chooses a series of races in various disciplines and distances which see club members compete to win the title of Club Champion. All club members are actively encouraged to take part, whether part of the race team, seasoned athlete or a complete beginner. It’s also a great opportunity for newcomers to the sport to race alongside more experienced athletes and learn from their successes (and mistakes!). For a list of the 2012 races, visit the thread: Club Championships 2012: Races Announced.