Four of the team descended on Ellesmere recently for the British Champs. Louise was aiming to win the event and the rest of us were aiming for top 5 placings…

TORQ Team – James / Louise / Ian

Ellesmere can be quite a fast course despite some rolling hills on both the cycle and run legs. This year’s times were slower due to high winds and biblical rain on one half of the bike course (yes, you read right – only half the bike course was wet). Another factor not in its favour this year was the increased risk of blue-green algae in the swimming water, which you really do not want to ingest! Nevertheless racing is racing and everyone is affected, so we simply thought ‘ bring it on’. This championship race is the pinnacle (nationally) for the season, so the depth of talent is always immense.

Swim – Wave starts

Louise Bardsley – Our super-fast triathlete was aiming to repeat and win the British crown (2011 winner overall) but was unfortunately having an uncharacteristic off day. This was probably due to a cold, a broken down car and competing in 5 British/national races in as many weeks. Whilst she was not very pleased with 4th in age group / 5th overall lady, we think it is remarkable feat for an ‘off-day’!

Chris Panayiotou – After recently coming off his middle distance training, was only just getting warmed up towards the end of this 2 hour race! He still stopped the clock under the 2hours and managed 5th in age group in the hugely competitive 30-34 age group.

Ian Roberts – Ian is our rapidly improving team member. Whilst he is immensely talented, he is coming back from a serious injury from the previous year and is still progressing rapidly with every race he does. He finished in 2.04 just outside the top 10 in age group and vowed to be back stronger next year.

As for me, I had a good one – Along with racing for top slots in the British Triathlon rankings, I also wanted to re-claim my County Championship title that I have not contended in the last 2 years for various reasons. I have won the title four times since 2006, so really wanted it back. During the race I was certainly challenged by Nick Thomas (Team Trismart) for the local award. We exited transition 1 together and then never had more than 30 seconds between us at any point during the race. I did take the county award along with a well-earned top 5 in my new 35-39 age group.

Three athletes out of our small elite team were recognised by British Triathlon by being in the top 5 and these were obtained in the most competitive age groups. Clearly this demonstrates the strength of TORQ and that we are only getting stronger…

www.britishtriathlon.org/results
www.britishtriathlon.org/race-report
www.shropshirestar.com/ellesmere-tri

Credits for the photography are due to the race organiser Shropshire Council and in particular Steve Murphy www.shropshiretri.info

With thanks to our sponsors:

www.wilier.it – Triathlon Frames
www.ffwdwheels.com – Aero Wheels
www.ritcheylogic.com – Aerobars, Saddles and Finishing Kit
www.cycleops.com – Power Meters
www.racezone3.com – Wetsuits
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets & Glasses
www.lakecycling.co.uk – Cycling Footwear
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.scott-sports.com – Running Footwear
www.shimano.com – Groupsets
www.triathlonspecific.com/Sable/Sable.html – Swim Goggles (Sable Water Optic)
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.amphibia-sport.com – Transition Bags
www.schwalbe.com – Tyres
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools and Bottle Cages
www.champ-sys.com – Custom Trisuits and Cycle Wear