Wight Tri members braved freezing conditions in Colwell on Sunday (26th October) for the opening event of the club’s winter duathlon series, swapping a cosy lie-in for Lycra, laces and helmet hair at the first-ever Colwell Caulker Duathlon.
A total of 22 Wight Tri members – along with several first-time competitors – took part in the event, which featured a choice of 2.6km or 4.1km run routes from Colwell to Totland, followed by a scenic 26km or shorter 16km cycle via Milly Road, Brook, Wilmington Lane and Yarmouth.
The cold conditions didn’t deter the athletes, with organisers describing dry robes as ‘essential’ rather than optional. Despite a few light-hearted mishaps, the event went smoothly – including a brief scare when Neil Cooper nearly redirected riders mid-briefing, narrowly avoiding an unintended 8km detour thanks to quick-thinking teammates.
Elsewhere, competitors Arielle Elton-Waters and Annette Hickman made an unplanned stop at Yarmouth swing bridge, making the most of the delay with a photo opportunity.
Craig ‘Machine’ Wilson proved unstoppable on the LLL course, finishing in 01:25:59 – just 1 second off his predicted time – while Sam Penhall was fastest on the SSS course in 57:06. Top female finisher Kelly Carmichael crossed the line in 01:11:15.
The team prize went to Paul Taylor and Paula Griffiths, who finished just 1 minute 42 seconds away from their nominated time. Griffiths earned particular praise for her performance, having only just completed the Couch to 5K programme earlier in the week.
After the competition came the Wight Tri Bake Off, with members indulging in home-baked treats before awarding victory to a salted caramel creation that organisers joked was ‘worthy of a Hollywood handshake’.
Organisers extended their thanks to volunteers John Gardener, Martin Goodall, Neil Cooper, Anne and Steve Dines, Mike Kimber, and Loic Le Floch for making the event possible.
The next event in the Wight Tri Duathlon Series – the Carisbrooke Castle Duathlon – will take place on Sunday 16th November at 09:00. New members are welcome.
