Welcome to ITCH - the Ipswich triathlon club hand-out - for August 2009...

Congratulations to Dave Kay on joining the ever-increasing number of members who have completed an Ironman, and congratulations also to Matt Dye who managed to fit in a 70.3 in between sorting out Framlingham.

News is scant but we believe that Simon Bourne achieved his ambition of completing an Ultraman - the equivalent of a double Ironman - which was held in Penticton, British Columbia over the period 1st - 3rd August.
On day one, Simon completed the 10km open water swim in 4:00:49, before continuing into the first 144.8km of cycling which took him 5:33:07.
Day two saw him take 9:55:39 to complete the remaining 273.5km ride - which did encounter some smoke from the fires raging in British Columbia at the moment - giving a total of 15:28:46 to ride just over 418km.
A 52.4 mile double marathon on day three took 10:07:18.
Simon’s grand total of 29 hours 36 minutes was enough to secure 11^th out of just 19 individual finishers, itself a record number of finishers for the Canadian event

Looking forward to September, the single biggest event appears to be the Vitruvian with loads of people entered from the club.  If you are entered but haven't yet heard from Ross about the team post-race beano he's been coordinating for the Saturday evening, contact him PDQ.
The Vitruvian will also, in effect, be the final race in this year's ITCH league and could decide things. Talking of which, I have NOT yet processed the results from either Cambridge or London but will do a.s.a.p. and most certainly before the Vitruvian - judging by the e-mails I've had, a lot of you are taking the league quite seriously!

Other events of note to watch for are this morning's invitation-only aquathlon in Norwich, tomorrow's Ipswich Half-marathon which a number of people are doing, and also the British Gas Great East Swim. Hopefully I shall get September's ITCH out before the swim but if you're one of the B*GGE**S, note that we probably need a volunteer to smuggle in our team banners. And, while you're out there swimming, please spare a thought for yours truly - Team Stannett has entered votwo's Atlantic Coast Challenge.

Charlie Stannett - itch@ipswich-tri.org

So, for most of us we are one race away from the end of another impressive season all round. Whilst I have only done 2 races to date this year, I have been able to attend a number of races and see the svelte red and black covered bodies performing mightily impressively. I have noticed the numbers of Ipswich Tri Club participants swelling at most races which can only be a good thing and something we should look to continue. It would be even better to get everyone who races to come along on Thursdays for the Club training nights which have been better attended this year and also seem to have offered some great structured sessions to help us all improve, but maintained the social feel.

I’m sure I cant be the only one who is already thinking about next year, what races to do, what carbon bling to buy etc... I have already entered IM Lanzarote and have managed to convince (con) 6 others to get involved at Challenge Roth (again) so if anyone else is looking for a reason to have their arm twisted into doing an Ironman distance race, a club road trip may just be what you are looking for......

Ross be contacted by e-mail to ross@ipswich-tri.org

Kate hides behind dark glasses...

Dreams and desires drive us to achieve many things, but sometimes all the effort put in can come to nought.

It is no secret that I have a dream of qualifying for the Ironman championship in Hawaii and every Ironman race I do means that it could happen. This year (IM Bolton) my race fell apart. The wheels on my bike might just as well have been square for all the progress I seemed to make. A year of training for one day, unravelled.

But by the end of the day I had completed my 5th Ironman, in a not too bad time, and made more new friends on the way. And the best thing about not getting what I wanted is that my dream is still alive and vibrant and I can carry on enjoying that dream... and it is fun!

What I am trying to say is, If things don't work out right, don't give up, winning isn't everything. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!

Toodle-pip, Kate

Kate can be contacted by e-mail to kate@ipswich-tri.org

A biscuit...

Both Mark and I did the London Tri and thoroughly enjoyed the day yet again, despite Mark whooping me, he just seems to get faster with age!

Never the less I got a P.B won my age-group and kept my little girl entertained for the duration. Mark's overall time was 2. The weather was perfect, a strong breeze felt on the fast and furious bike towards Tower Bridge but then equalled out by a helpful tail wind heading home to a flat run around Excel. Support was excellent and the whole event was exceptionally well organized. Great retail therapy too!

Picture by bill@hiskett.net - other photographs at http://www.flickr.com/photos/21298460@N02/sets/7215762193809748/

[CDS - Results and ITCH league - the results for London are a bit complicated to process. I shall update the ITCH league as soon as I can - and definitely before the Vitruvian - and put the full table into next month's ITCH]

This isn't Dave Kay...

My recovery phase (eating, drinking Adnams, eating some more) is nearly complete, so it's time for a race report and a spot of self-debriefing.  Bolton's 2009 Ironman was my first and the biggest of 3 races in my first season - a season nearly ended before it began by a foot operation.  I owe the recovery after that to Mark Newman, ITC member and physio par excellence!  Hence it was with some trepidation that I rolled up to Bolton on the Friday before the race.  I went straight to the venue and experienced the 'village' (a rather overpriced TriUK tent and assorted stands) and registered with the very friendly volunteers.  All very straightforward, but even in the dry weather the car park was a bit of a mess.  After a quiet night in the hotel (too far away - when booking online, check the location thoroughly), I relaxed for the evening and sorted my kit into my bike and run bags.

The next day was when the fun started.  It had rained during the night, and the car park was now a quagmire, so the narrow road to the race start and the bike racking was clogged with cars turning round and unloading.  I had to park at a pub about 1.5 miles away and cycle the bike in, rack it and my bags and walk back, to then drive to Bolton for the race briefing.  The organisers were doing their best, but it wasn't the best way to prepare for the race.  The briefing was well-handled and the unfeasably bouncy commentators were doing all they could to make us Ironman first-timers feel at home - there were even some total triathlon virgins!

Next up was the pasta party - recommended, although the events of the day had raised some bad tempers, with one [German] guy getting very shirty because he had to wait for second helpings.  A quick drive back to the hotel and it was time for a short night's kip and a 3.30 alarm call...

I dragged myself out of bed and got to Bolton to get the bus to shuttle us to the pub, and then walk to the race start.  Again, not the best way to prepare, but everyone approached it with a blitz spirit and we got there, suited up and wandered down to the water's edge.  The weather was perfect - dry, not too sunny, and all the racers were in a good mood as we filed down to the reservoir.  The bouncy commentators were there again, firing everyone up even at that ungodly hour.  There was a short swim to the start, and 10 minutes of treading water before the start hooter went and the swim began. 

The swim had been my greatest source of nerves when I first started training for this 6 months previously, but I have to say I loved it.  The 'washing machine' start wasn't too bad, and after a bit of trying to avoid it, I realised that it was just a case of getting in there and swimming over people.  The first bouy was a bit of a bunfight, but then I settled into my duffer's stroke and just enjoyed a swim in the morning sun.  I staggered out of the water, dizzy but fresh, after 1:20:46. 

A painful jog to T1 with totally numb feet, and then the faff of trying to put socks on said muddy, numb feet, combined with arsing about with arm warmers, meant that my transition time was, ahem, dignified.  Still, I hopped onto the bike and set off, and hit the first hill, which although expected, was not a good way to start the bike ride!  600 feet of ascent with about 2 minutes warm up.  Well, it warmed my feet up.  It was about this point that I realised that I was a bit overgeared too.  Bugger...

The bike ride was 3 laps, well marshalled and well supported, over rolling countryside and regular potholes.  I was fine for the first 2 laps, but as I got to the end of my 3rd go at the big hill, my lower back started to complain and with 30 miles to go, I was reduced to standing up every couple of minutes to ease it and the tri bars were but a distant memory.  Since the field had spread out by this point, this was the loneliest part of the whole day - made worse by being overtaken loads!  I finally got in to T2, disappointed with a 6:33 bike, but glad to be off the bloody thing.

My transition technique was honed, however and I was into running mode much quicker, even with a comfort break.  After my bike performance, I was keen to make up some time but I managed to rein myself in and settle into a pace.  Even so, it was heartening to start reeling in all the guys that had overtaken me on the bike.  After 20 minutes, I wound it up a bit but stuck with the plan, keeping at 75%HR.  The run was an out/back/out, but different from the publicised route.  There weren't any mile markers, which was irritating.  Combined with the confusing route, nobody really had an idea how long there was to go, and we were reduced to asking marshalls the distance.  The route had some (what felt like) surprisingly steep little hills on the way round and I settled into a 'fast walk up hills, run on the flat' routine that seemed to work.  The route meant that I saw Kate and Charlie twice and got valuable support each time (thanks guys).  The Boltonians were stars, it has to be said, with bags of positive support coming from everyone.  There was one old guy that I passed on 3 occasions, whose support went from "Go on Ipswich son, do it for Sir Bobby!", to "Keep it up Ipswich, Bobby would be proud!", and finally, when I was having a walk: "Run, ya booger!"

I dug out a bit of pace for the last 2 miles, and even had a sprint finish to cross the line at 12:04:17, cursing my bike performance, but feeling elated that my foot was in one piece and that I had done it.  The finish line routine was thankfully faultless - apart from the 3 flights of stairs to get one's warm kit.  The array of pasties, scotch eggs and other such delights were most welcome, however!  I hung around spectating until the last man home - 23 seconds inside the cutoff deadline!  I can recommend doing this if you get the chance, as the atmosphere was fantastic, and keeping my legs moving helped out in the recovery department.

For anyone considering an Ironman out there, I can highly recommend it!  The training can be a drag, particularly the long bike rides, but it's worth it.  I'd say that if you can do an Olympic, then an Ironman is easily within your grasp.  My tips:

• Have a plan and stick to it.
• Get a professional bike fit!  My lower back can confirm that it's worth the money!
• Don't forget to put a towel in your bike bag.  Bugger.
• Ride the bike route if you can.  Don't rely on having time to drive it the day before.
• Keep going, whatever happens....!

PS - I've entered Roth for next year, so I obviously haven't learnt anything....

Race morning. Knock on the door at 2am from Endurancelife to wake us up. Quick shower to liven up then over to the main cabin for a cup of tea and a bowl of porridge. Still doesn’t seem quite right to be eating breakfast at that time but third time round it’s starting to feel more normal.

Into the wetsuit, into the minibus and by 3am we’re at transition. Stick some air into my tyres and peel the wetsuit off again for body marking. Arrange kit by bike and I seem to be all set by 3:10. Spend the next half hour checking kit, final-checking kit and final-final-checking kit.

Onto the ferry. Sit down. Stand up. Wander around. Chat to Tri-talkers, Endurancelife people and assorted East Anglian triathletes. Go onto deck. It’s a lot warmer than previous years so stay outside watching the jellyfish. Wait, jellyfish? Didn’t have those last year.

Tannoy says that we’ll be entering the water in one minute. Position myself in Middle Of Jumping Off a Ferry Pack.

Wheeeeeeeeeee!

Return to surface. They weren’t lying at the briefing – it’s a pleasant 17 degrees. Swim in the general direction of the other blue hats. Keep swimming. Hang on, where are the flippin’ kayaks that are supposed to form the start line? Answer: they’re about 400m over there, that’s where. Seems the ferry captain has stopped in the wrong place, despite taking 20 minutes to manoeuvre into position.

Swim to the start line. There’s loads of jellyfish, but mostly well below swim stroke depth. Hooter sounds. We’re off. Immediately, something’s not right. Wetsuit is bunching around my shoulders. I realise that my zip is undone. Don’t stop right away because I’m in the middle of the pack and I don’t want a dozen swimmers crashing into me.

Five minutes later I reach around to grab my zip cord. Bugger. Seems that the zip hasn’t come down, it’s bust. Bugger. Carry on swimming in lieu of a better plan.

Five more minutes and I realise this is unsustainable. Fiddle around a bit more and realise the zip isn’t bust after all, it’s just come down. Flap around like something out of a cartoon trying to do up my zip (harder than on dry land, much harder) while hyperventilating and drinking and snorting more of the fjord than I’d like.

Back onto my front and I take it easy while my breathing subsides. Soon back into normal rhythm.

Thirty minutes later I discover that (sorry for the technical term, here) I could do with a dump. This is unfortunate. I also need a pee but I’m not sure I can safely ease open the front door without the back door slamming open too. The feeling doesn’t diminish for the rest of the swim. Nothing for it but to carry on. Why isn’t there a clenched buttock swimming drill? I’d be great at it now.

Calf cramps up when I grab a handful of seaweed, think that it’s a jellyfish, panic and tense my whole body. Idiot.

Out of the water in 1:15. Commence the world’s slowest transition with a dash into the restaurant of the Hotel de Posh looking for a toilet. Find one. Blessed relief. Back into the restaurant. Get lost. Waiter guides me to a door and wishes me good luck. Put on ¾ length shorts because I’ve been cold at Norseman before and I don’t trust the weather forecast.

Onto the bike and start the gentle rise to the beginning of the first climb. Fortunately, they’ve repaired the old “tourist” road so we don’t have to take the threatened main road with its tunnels and need for lights.

Pass loads of people on the climb to Dyranut. Arrive in about 1:50, so very pleased. Stop briefly to grab food and drink then off again. The next section is a plateau, so this is where all the 90kg Vikings on disk wheels come flying past.

Get to Geilo in about 3:25, so still on target. Stop again to top up food supplies. Three short (that’s “Norseman” short) hills follow and I pass and get passed by the same people over and over. A guy from Team Iron Cowboys and I are pretty much inseparable.

Starting to feel a bit tired now, so ease up slightly on the approach to the toughest climb of the day, Imingfjell. Previous fastest Brit John Hey catches me near the top and we ride the last k or so together.

Into a headwind on the false flat at the top of Imingfjell. It really knocks the stuffing out of me. Can only manage 16kph, though it’s not as bad as 2007 when 12kph was the best I could do. Eventually reach the descent but I’m really tired now. Not tired in the legs, just wishing I could be in bed. It’s literally an effort to keep my eyes open, which I really need to do when going downhill. I don’t blame the early morning, which is the same for everyone, but I didn’t get enough sleep the previous two nights.

Arrive at T2 in 7:16, which isn’t too bad, all things considered. Dreading the run somewhat, but surprised and pleased to discover that getting off the bike has woken me up. Change into running shorts, invoking the compulsory public nudity rule. Load up with Camelbak and gels, and off I go. Susannah lowers the saddle of my bike so that she can accompany me on the flat section of the run.

Start off at about 4:45/km pace, which is pretty much what I managed last year. It doesn’t last long, though. By 9k I have to take a walk and as time goes by, the run/walk ratio becomes increasingly less favourable.

Eventually get to the bottom of Zombie hill, around 25k into the marathon. I’d hoped to do it in close to 2 hours, based on a slight improvement on last year’s time, but it’s taken me 2:25. With 1km to go, Susannah points ahead to where we can see my mate Cobbie. That’s just enough to raise my pace to catch him before he starts the slog. I’m glad I’ve done that because I fancy some company on the climb. We strike a truce and start the long trek upwards.

Susannah pops up on each hairpin, yelling encouragement (as usual) like a mad thing. As Cobbie remarks, “I don’t think Susannah appreciates that this stopped being a race some time ago.”

We reach the 32k checkpoint. The road flattens a bit here but I’m in no mood to start running. Well actually, now that I’m not climbing so much, my body says, “You could run now if you want” but my head knows that if I start, I’ll probably have to stop within 50 metres.

A couple of km later it starts to rain. Lightly at first, then stronger. Coupled with what’s now a strong headwind, I’m getting cold but I’ll have to wait until the 37k checkpoint to do anything about it.

Get to the checkpoint in good time, so a black T-shirt is in the bag as long as we can physically get to the top of the mountain. Put on all the clothes I have in my mountain bag, the ones I was expecting to carry to the top. We’re just about to set off when Matt (with whom I’ve been sharing a cabin) arrives so we wait for him and head up the mountain as a group.

Susannah has already set off up the mountain. She’d been hoping to get to the top before us but the weather is poor and the trail is trickier than she’d expected. We catch up with her just at the point where she’s decided to go back down. A good choice, really, because she’d have had to walk down whereas competitors are entitled to use the lift. A quick photo opportunity and we’re on our way again.

The climb is mentally tougher (for me) than in 2008 because I can’t see the top through the rain and mist. There’s no feeling that I’m making any progress, other than that it’s hard work.

At last, the finish comes into sight. We gather ourselves together so that we can cross the line LeMond & Hinault style (whilst carefully checking that we’re not about to get overtaken in the process). Arms aloft, we’re given the same time, though not equal finishing position (I wuz robbed).

Tomato soup has never been more welcome than at that moment. We sit for a few minutes admiring the view, which has cleared a little. Chris Eggar from Cambridge arrives just as we’re leaving – we don’t want to get cold but in fact it’s too late for that.

Head off to the lift, which turns out to be an unexpected gem. It’s a funicular railway inside the mountain that looks as though it was designed by Terry Gilliam. It has room for about 10 passengers and not quite enough room for the driver to get to the controls when the passengers are in their seats.

Out of the tunnel, the evening has turned mild with glorious sunshine giving us the view we’d missed from the top.

Back to our cabin. Shower, beer and eat. By rights, I ought to have crashed out by now but I’ve got my second wind. Head off to the white T-shirt finish line to cheer in the last ones from the Endurancelife group at around midnight. Eat more. Bed at 1:30.

Wake up at 6:45 so still lacking sleep. Eat. Pack gear. Head off to presentation ceremony. Whole spectrum of people: happy to get black, surprised to get black, happy to get white and disappointed to get white. Sorry to hear that Helen Eggar and old friend Dave Baker didn’t finish. We don’t get called up by name to join the photo shoot this year, but maybe that just dragged the proceedings out too much last year.

So, that’s 60% of the way to a green 5-times finisher’s T-shirt, then.

"Welcome to the Fens" read the sign. It should have read "Welcome to the windy county". 

It was a great race from start to finish, sun was out and there was quite a lot of us in Red and Black. The Mepal lake is one of the cleanest places I have swam this year and the swim seemed to be over before it had begun (very well done to Cath Brooks who conquered the open water swim this time).

As usual I came out of the water well behind the others including Jo Goddard, Andrew Mcfarland (competing in his 1st Olympic), Dave Husband and Richard Tilley but that gives me a chance to chase on the bike. However, as soon as I got out into the Fens, the wind was right in your face and on one bend was thankful I wasn't on 90mm rims otherwise I would have been in one of the 6ft ditches. Now was that the same bend that Jason Battle wished he wasn't on 90mm rims? Ok so you get a head wind but at some point you get a tail wind and I spent most of the bike trying to find it (but when I did I felt like Lance Armstrong) but you never make up what you have lost against the wind so it was a hard bike leg. However I was chuffed with my 6th fastest bike leg and also Neil Catling was flying although he didn't think so at the time and also a certain Dennis Warner was rapid (was he on a disc?).

The run was again tough into the wind on the out lap and flat but pretty rural and somehow I managed to trip and fall on the bump out of transition. Two laps with the wind sapping most of your energy but Cambridge tri club had provided lots of drink stops. I was thankful the run-in had a tail wind and picked up a place in the closing 1km.

Despite having a disproportionate number of men in the G cat we didn't win any prizes however Cath got 1st in her group, Jo was 2nd. Best throw up over the line went to Jason Battle :-) although Born to Tri No:? was a close 2nd. We all watched the rest of the black and red over the line including Simon Green and Jason Ballie. 

Full results on www.cambridgetriathlonclub.co.uk

[CDS - like London, this race DOES count for the ITCH league but I haven't had time to process it yet]

Myself & Rick Berry ventured out to the Ironman 70.3 event in Wiesbaden Germany. Rick was wanting to kill off the demons from Wimbleball 70.3 and I was stepping up to half ironman for the first time.

It was a fair journey for the two Suffolk boys in our trusty steed but I had sorted the official race hotel as our comfortable lodgings for three nights. Good job we had all day Saturday as the briefing, registration and setup took all day as this event had T1 and T2 several miles apart so after a lot of head scratching we worked it out and buses were laid on to get around the wonderful location.

Race day we caught the bus to Swim start/T1 and we both had good swims although sure it was well over 1900m, however it was the bike that really was to be the challenge with a single 56mile loop of closed roads with everything to test you inc 3 big climbs of over 500m each and fast downhills through people lined villages cheering, whistling and bell ringing aka TDF style.

The steepest climb was called 'the hammer' and certainly was well named and had people all over you shouting up up up inc people in caveman outfits and all sorts! The sting in the tail for Rick (well actually he got stung on the ear !) was halfway through the bike course, he survived but was a bit wobbly from the anti histamine tablet the medics gave him!

The half marathon run was a city park run of 4 laps and wow was it hot, 34 deg in mid day shade, the ice, water and sponges were very welcome (wherever they stuck them hey Rick ??)

We both made it to the finish without needing the pink phone box we passed each lap and the first aid tent was like a war zone with all beds full and drips hooked up everywhere, I stayed at the drinks and pretzel stand consuming copious amounts of both which was probably a vicious circle ! The event had 3500 entrants inc an ironman world champ, our age groups waves had 350 and 509 people respectively so was a massive event to us. If my German was any good at all I may have caught that the roll down for my age group would have offered me a place at the world champs in Florida this year, but hey ho at least I had more euros for the big jugs of beers we had at the hotel with the Irish boys we met sipping on the small beers ;-)

Matt Dye 5:55:09, Rick Berry 7:30:40 - full results on http://www.ironman703.de/english/

Please remember this is a private arrangement is strictly for club members only, limited to 10-15 swimmers at a time. Car-sharing is requested, to limit the number of cars going through the farm complex to gain access to the reservoir.

You will be asked to sign a disclaimer; you must wear a wet suit and bright hat; and already be a competent swimmer - this is open water swimming, not formal training. Safety is all users' responsibility looking out for each other, possibly on a "buddy" basis.

For further information about swimming arrangements, contact Greg Allen on 07501 464143 or e-mail greg.jamie@talktalk.net

Time is as before (9am - 10am) and we might need to cancel the odd date if it clashes with a race. Also, if you know of a life guard who could be called upon as necessary, could you let Greg know.

If you want to be on a ring round list for notification of changes at short notice then let Greg Allen have your number. Greg is on 07501 464143 or e-mail greg.jamie@talktalk.net

According to the website, "individual starters will again pay EUR 300, and there will be a special price of EUR 280 per person for clubs with ten or more participants."

See http://www.challenge-roth.com/en/index.php or contact ross@ipswich-tri.org

To order kit, contact John Wankowski on club nights, by e-mailing him at kit@ipswich-tri.org, or phoning him on 01473-711592.

TOUR OF THE PENNINES CYCLO SPORTIVE - SADDLEWORTH, OLDHAM, 3rd October

100km and 60km ride around the Pennine hills of Saddleworth. The event takes in routes used by the Milk Race, Tour of Britain and Tour of the Pennines pro cycle race. The event starts in the picturesque village of Uppermill, it then passes through ther villages of Mossley, Meltham, Marsden, Slaithwaite, Denshaw, Ripponden, Littleborough, Milnrow ,Newhey and Delph. The 100km route takes in the climbs of Isle of Skye, Standegde, Scape Goat Hill, Nont Sarahs, Windy Hill Black Stone Edge,the Moorcock and Horse & Jockey, the 60km ride misses out Windy Hill Black Stone Edge,the Moorcock.

The event is sponsored by Lana Thai Restaurants who will be serving up a free curry to all participants and Torelli Sport one of the UK biggest suppliers of custom printed sports drinks bottles who will be supplying competitors with a sports bottle and sponsoring the feeding stations.

See http://www.torelli.co.uk/news_more.asp?news_id=52

We've been reminded by Ceri Winter [ceriwinter@britishtriathlon.org] that there might be funding to assist with with coach education in Suffolk.  There are 100% funding places on triathlon coaching courses if you meet the criteria.
See www.suffolksport.com which is also where you should register your interest - but please also let Ceri know. (One of the conditions of funding is NGB recommendation - i.e.Ceri - to ensure any coaches that apply will be putting the coaching back in to their club and not purely be doing it for personal gain or CV enhancement.)

Funding is not guaranteed and will be limited however Suffolk Sport have agreed to help out triathlon as much as possible as we do not have that many coaches in Suffolk.

Also, we've heard that British Cycling have just moved one L2 coaching course to Ipswich. Further details are available from: http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/coaching/article/coast-level-2-Certificate-in-Coaching-Cycling-Timetable

1500m sea swim around Wells Harbour, three lap bike in and around the Holkham Hall and estate, out and back run through coastal - see www.northnorfolktriathlonclub.org.uk

Swim 400m, bike 23km, 5km - first swimmer off at 7:30.

This new event could be a good one especially if you're new and missed getting into one of the longer-standing events in the area. But don't leave this one too late - it's already half-full!

Further info at http://www.dunmowtri.co.uk/ and entries via www.entrycentral.com

Saturday 12th September/Sunday 13th September (10am-5pm).
Two magical days, when safe areas of the facility are open to the public, for heritage viewing.
Exhibition about the pool, plus competitions and raffle prizes. Entrance is free, but donations to the Broomhill Pool Trust will be welcome.

Further details: www.savebroomhillpool.org

Limited entry (100) Test event leading to the 2010 Off Road Duathlon series using two course locations in Thetford Forest.

The events (including the Test Event) will be sprint distance comprising a 5k Run, 20k Bike using the Forest's fantastic trails and the infamous Pits, followed by another 5k Run.
The dates for the series are

• February 21st at Mayday
• March 14 at Brandon
• April 11th at Mayday

Further details from www.gobeyondultra.co.uk

Wednesday 30th September 2009 6.45 - 9.30pm.
Presentations by scientific research staff on a range of subjects:

• Help or hindrance? Cycle computers, power meters, heart rate monitors, GPS receivers and stopwatches
• Sports drinks: difficult to swallow?
• Talent identification in schools
• Warm up strategies for sprint events
• Practical applications of biomechanics
• Optimal pacing in endurance events: the mind-body complex
• Sports science testing and support in the field

For further information or to reserve a place contact Dave Parry: dapcoach@essex.ac.uk, telephone: 01206 873290.

Planet X Stealth carbon aero bars, they are in great condition with spacers and bolts £140. Full spec can be obtained at www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk - pics also via email or call Rob Peevor 07717844087

Crane mens cycling shoes size 8/42, a tad too wide so unused. I reckon they'd probably suit either a wide-footed person or a 8.5/43+. Velcro straps; vaguely club colours black/red/silver; sole tread, will take SPD cleats; perfectly adequate; RRP £19.99. Any offers - charlie@stannett.com or 01206-298888.

Swim-coaching - Matt Claydon at Framlingham College/Framlingham College Swimming Club runs adult and child swimming coaching at Framlingham College Pool.
For more details you can call Matt Claydon on 01728 727223 or 07824 385991, or e-mail mclaydon@framcollege.co.uk

Massage - Jackie Chubb has a regular room at Rede near Bury St Edmunds, available any time.
Open to members & non-members but booking is essential on 01284-789576 or 07985-496918.

Newmarket duathlon photographs - www.adventuresportphotography.com/Newmarket_Duathlon_g67.html

Wanted

Race reports - thanks to everybody who has written items. Please continue to send them in, to itch@ipswich-tri.org - thanks.