By Stuart Anderson on 29/09/2007 00:00

So there I was talking to Dan Grey the other day and he asked me if I would consider racing in the London Duathlon in the Elite drafting race.

Although flattered, I said to him to be honest it isn't really what I've been training for over the last 9 months. Anyone, who knows me, knows that Ironman has been my only goal this year. I entered Brazil with a view to using it as stepping stone for Hawaii in October, and all the races I have done this year have just been sharpeners to keep my motivation levels up.

I haven't done any track sessions and consequently have lost all the top end speed that good quality track yields.... but it didn't take much time for me to dwell over this decision and re-consider. I've never been one to shy away from a challenge. But the fact was.... I could end up  coming in last and that really scared me!! The guys that specialise in these sorts of races are really fast and I had no right to be racing along side them. Especially considering the Ironman distance I’ve been conditioning...

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By Vince on 12/09/2007 14:52

‘Er….what are you doing?’ Caroline is standing in the garage doorway, arms folded.

The 5mm allen key drops from my hand and clatters noisily to the concrete floor. ‘Uh oh’.

‘You said you were too tired from the Ironman to race in Monaco.’

I start to shake, at first just a bit but I’m holding my breath as I search for enough words to build an explanation.

‘Are you packing your bike?’

I look down at the open bike case and grip the floor with my toes to stop falling off. I’ve been working on an excuse for the last 20minutes. I probably am too tired from Ironman UK, but I have got the entry and it is the most incredible race. I can’t not do it.

‘We’re having a romantic break, just the two of us remember?’

My mouth has lost all moisture and as I open my mouth to speak all I can manage is a ten second squeak.

‘Well?...

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By Greg Keers on 07/09/2007

After what feels like a lifetime of trying I finally got on the vets podium at the Perranporth Triathlon this year. I can’t remember the first year I did this classic event, it was certainly before recorded history began, perhaps 1997. For many years it was the only triathlon I would do all season. A September event that gave me an incentive to do a bit of exercise throughout the year before I would cram in a few weeks training to make sure I was capable of finishing. I don’t remember the first few times I did it but I know I was on a heavy steel hybrid bike and was disgusted by all the “cheats” overtaking me as they rushed through transition while I struggled to get a t-shirt on over my head and sort out my socks!

The years I remember well are 2003 and 2004. As a keen surfer Cornwall can be frustrating for the poor reliability of quality surf. But the 2003 race was held...

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By pilsk on 06/09/2007 10:23

To get into this race you have to register for the ballot around November. I missed a place on the first ballot but was offered a place after the second ballot in January. I think they like to encourage an international field so it is probably easier for overseas entrants to get a place.

If you are heading over to do this race then it is worth getting there a couple of days before to ride the bike course which is pretty technical and do a swim in the bay - the water is pretty cold so it is good to have a dip before the day - makes it less of a shock on race day. It is possible to arrange to do the entire swim from the prison to the swim exit with a guide.

On the day of the race you have to get up pretty early because you have to arrive in time to catch the ferry out to Alcatraz. The race organisers try to encourage everyone (particularly first timers)...

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