This month has been so busy that I have had to separate it into 3 parts, unfortunately the last part is not quite as good as the first two! How could it be?
I entered Llandudno tri ages ago as it was a qualifier event and it was full really early. I wanted to do it as the field would be a good standard and the bike course looked really challenging for a change. However I didn't realise how tired I would be after the Nationals and Europeans and I have to admit I wasn't really up for it as we drove onto Llandudno seafront, especially as it was raining! I won my age group(just) but sadly it won't be a win that I look back on with any pleasure.
I don't want to just moan as that is never very interesting but I have to say that this race left me feeling very let down. I understand that the organisers and the BTF wanted to give as many people as possible the chance to qualify for London and that is why the entry was extended to well over 1000. But in my opinion there were not enough measures put in place to cope with the large numbers and this made the race unsafe. Transition was a joke with people all over the place and no marshals. The bike in and out was in the same place so people just rode into each other and there was a roundabout on the bike course that had two right turns crossing on it and only 1 marshall - carnage!!
I also feel that the organisers cashed in on the fact that they could guarantee a full field and they must have made an awful lot of money. It would also have been nice to be able to get my prize but that required me to stay until 9pm and go to a party/buffet (tickets only) which was impossible as I had a 2 hour drive home. I asked if I could have my prize early and was told NO but they may post it. Needless to say I have not received anything but as it was only a USN goody bag I'm not losing any sleep.
Lastly I had a rubbish bike ride due to technical problems and had to fight all the way to the line in the run to beat Sarah Kerswell who was having a fantastic race. Thank you for making it a great race Sarah
but that was very painful!!
Enough said I think............I am now having a few weeks away from racing to get back into some quality training and then we are off to France to see the Tour de France and compete in the Alpe d' Huez triathlon. I can't wait!!
