THE Hadleigh Hares triathlon season drew to a close with the Bedford Autumn Sprint Triathlon, comprising a 400m pool swim, a 24km bike leg and 5km run.
By Carl Marston
THE Hadleigh Hares triathlon season drew to a close with the Bedford Autumn Sprint Triathlon, comprising a 400m pool swim, a 24km bike leg and 5km run.
Paul Barton, Nick Rush, Doug Grimwade, Steve Bowen, John Chisnall and Tim Bowman were all looking to do well in their final race, in very cold conditions, in their quest for the title of “Hadleigh Hares Triathlete of the Year.”
Grimwade set the fastest Hare's swim time, exiting the water in 6mins 54secs followed by Barton (7.12) and Chisnall (7.20). An awesome 44.22 bike leg from a focused Chisnall saw him build a commanding lead of 1.19 over Grimwade going into the run, with Barton just 24 seconds further back.
Despite an excellent run leg of 20.25, Chisnall couldn't hold off Grimwade, whose strong 18.37 run leg ensured that he beat Chisnall by 28 seconds.
Grimwade was the first Hare home in 27th place in an overall time of 1.11.38, followed by Chisnall in 29th place with 1.12.06.
Barton's solid run leg of 21.05 ensured he was the third Hare home in 40th place in a time of 1.14.30, while an excellent performance from Bowman saw him finish in 43rd spot with 1.15.03.
Rush confirmed his full return from injury by beating his time from last year to clock 1.17.45. Bowen nursed an injured calf around the run to register 1.25.06.
Collectively, this was a good set of performances from the Hares, with the majority beating their times from last year.
It has been a great season for the club. Despite a team of only 10 triathletes,they have collectively competed 75 times in 20 different duathlons andtriathlons this season from as afar field as Australia to the biggest triathlon in the world, London, and also local races. Once again the “Hadleigh Hares Triathlete of the Year” award was very close and the top three were Grimwade (4,549pts), Chisnall (4,415) and Barton (4,325).
In another closely fought battle, Bowman won the “Hadleigh Hares Novice Triathlete of the Year” award with 2,509 points, followed by Martin Alabone (2,356) and Bowen (2,314).
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