Notley Duathlon 2016

Matt Shingleton competed in the Notley Duathlon run by Born 2 Tri at Great Notley Park in Braintree coming second in age group and 6th overall.

The run section was off road around the Great Notley Park, with a mostly flat, gravel track with small bits of grass. Conditions were a bit squidgy and puddly in places as it rained earlier in the week. A sizeable hill to the falcon statue towards the end of the run added a challenge, but Matt sat third going into the bike section.

Heading up a small slope to the road with a long, clear view of the dual carriageway started the two lap bike course. Matt made gains on the quiet, but quick minor roads leading to the nice smooth dual carriageway for a couple km before transition. The cold weather was not too much of an issue, though at only 4°C at 8am, Matt's cold fingers after the bike caused a fumble trying release his helmet clip in T2!

The gains made overtaking first and second guys on the bike weren’t quite enough to keep off Chris Clarke who overtook Matt on run 2 to win by 20 odd seconds. The Open Category was comprehensively taken by youth, Harrison Smith who thrashed everyone by two minutes!

Matt commented: "I didn’t see any other Wheelers there, which is a shame, it’s not far away, cheap and a great race. Hopefully we can get more there next year and there is an Autumn edition too with places still available. Chip timing, easy and quick registration, close and abundant car parking make this a great event".