Last year Nick won the Hillingdon Duathlon series and hoped to retain his title again. After some closely fought racing he came 2nd overall, this is what he had to say…

Back to Hillingdon and the classic series of 3 duathlons and triathlons held annually between May to July.  The race is essentially run as a triathlon with a duathlon tacked on and in the unusual format of swim, run and bike.  Obviously the duathletes leave out the swim and get started on the run after about the 10th swimmer has left the water.

This year I returned as defending champion but came up against some stiff competition. All three races panned out in more or less the same fashion with me pummelling the entire field on the run and always recording by far the quickest time only to relinquish the lead about half way through the bike.  What makes this race harder for me is that there is no second run so it really does suit those who can run well but can time trial better.

So the end result was 2nd on the podium.  The best thing to take away from the series is the fact that my times got quicker through each consecutive race.  I also feel that the length and distance has proved to be good preparation for the World Duathlon championships in Gijon, Spain in September.  This year I’ll be tackling the Sprint distance and I’ve found the shorter distances at Hillingdon ideal preparation for this.

As usual, the kit from all of our sponsors has proved to be first class right from the feet (Lake shoes) to the head (Limar hats and glasses) and everything in between from the super sleek Merida Time Warp, the awesome Fast Forward wheels and excellent compression kit from 2XU.

With thanks to our 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