Sam Dell has been racing the infamous F3 sprint races that take part mid-week every month during the summer. In his first attempt he came 3rd and has now backed that up with his first win for TORQ. This is what he has to say.

F3 evening sprint Race 1 Report – 18th May 2011

Having had a rather troublesome run-up to the start of the season with ITB Syndrome and Tendonitis. Things got worse when I came off my bike the Sunday I had some pretty nasty facial injuries and a rather bruised thigh. I still decided to do this race just to see how I was progressing anyway, I really had no idea how it would go.

The swim was pretty standard, I was out of the water in 2nd and overtook 1st place in T1. Out on the bike I quickly got into rhythm, it was my first time on the Merida Time Warp and I liked it. Power was not quite where I was at the end of last year, but given my preparation that was to be expected. I was passed on the 2nd of the 6 laps by Sam Gardner and spent the rest of the bike trying to keep him in view.

I entered T2 in 2nd and all went smoothly. I managed a fairly quick pace for the first of the two laps, then started to slip off the pace and was overtaken; so I was now in 3rd. Fourth was a fair way behind and there was no way of catching 2nd, so I just kept my pace even but hard to the finish.

So third overall in my first triathlon for TORQ.

Given my less than ideal pre-season this race has given me some confidence over my fitness and I am looking forward to the season ahead.

F3 Sprint 2 Race Report – 15th June 2011

Weather was yet again not ideal for the 2nd Race in the F3 Evening Sprint series. The swim was good, it’s something I have really improved on this season and the 2XU V:2 wetsuit certainly helps! I came out of the water in second, about 30 seconds behind Chris Hine, a strong swimmer.

T1 was quick and I got straight onto the Merida Time Warp and started the chase (I love this bike). I caught Chris on the first of the 6 laps and started to pull away. I could see Phil Mosley on each lap and he was gaining, then I didn’t see him on the last turn (he punctured), so I remained in 1st Place heading into T2.

I headed out for the run about a minute ahead and knew that I just had to keep a good pace and I would win. This is exactly what I did and I ended up crossing the finish line over a minute in the lead.

Further race information can be found on the F3 events website: – www.f3events.co.uk

Thanks to the TORQ sponsors:

Delicious, natural and healthy nutrition: www.torqfitness.co.uk
Frames – Merida: www.merida-bikes.com
Cycle Shoes – Lake: www.lakecycling.co.uk  
Helmets – Limar: www.limarhelmets.com  
Glasses – Limar: www.limarhelmets.com
Cables – Jagwire: www.jagwireusa.com  
Aerobars – USE: www.use1.com  
Wetsuits – 2XU: www.2xu.com  
Wheels – Fast Forward: www.ffwdwheels.com  
Powermeters – Powertap: www.cycleops.com