On Monday, five athletes from Hitchin based triathlon club Team Trisports, competing under former name FVS TRI, raced the Buntingford Year End 10 Mile road race.

Finishing first for the club in a new PB time of 1:03:29 was Steffan Ford, whose impressive time resulted in a finishing position of 25th overall. Next to finish for the club was Chris Suckling in 1:10:38, just ten seconds ahead of Richard Allen (1:10:48). Gemma Sargent also recorded a PB, clocking 1:11:05 to finish 6th senior female. Darren Greene also raced well to cross the line in 1:11:47.

With more than 400 competitors taking part, it was a great achievement to see all five athletes finish well inside the top 100.

Boxing Day saw James Foy race in round four of Imperial Winter Series at the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit and finish in the lead bunch, and an impressive 13th position, in the 4th Category race.

Also on Boxing Day; athletes from the club took the opportunity to work off their Christmas dinners by taking to the start line of the Pirton Boxing Day Run.

The event, which allows members to race with friends and family in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, was well supported by the club from both a participant and organisational point of view.

Combining race organising skills with athleticism, Dil Wetheril finished first for the club and in the process managed to keep fleet-footed Steffan Ford at bay by a mere two seconds, with Andy Chatterton just a further four seconds back.

Gemma Sargent led the way home for the club’s female entrants, with veteran athletes Lesley Dutton and Jackie Perry rounding out the top three women.

Also competing were; Mark Malone, who entered and won the fun run event, Andrew Mussett, Steve Moakes, Ed Manson, Keith Perry, Stuart Sprawson, Graham Perry, Elodie Irving, Tim Smith, Paul Dutton, Steve Mussett, Alyson Sprawson, Pete Eames, who ran with his daughter, Meline Fletcher, Naomi Woodland, running with her partner; followed by Sean Baker and Tony Shortland, who also ran with his daughter.

And finally; the club would like to acknowledge the fantastic efforts from friends and family of club members, who covered a wide range of ages and ability levels and helped to make the day even more fun.

Race Report: Simon Douglas

On Sunday, bright and breezy conditions met athletes from Hitchin based triathlon club Team Trisports, competing under former name FVS TRI, as they took to the start line of the third round of this winter’s cross country championship, this time held at Trent Park.

The race, held on a multi-lap course which featured a unique figure-of-eight configuration, provided athletes with a mixture of terrain and gradient as they covered the 6.1 mile race distance.

The women’s team of Kate Turner, Jane Chappell, Gemma Sargent, Rachel Armstrong and Katy Jinx led the way home to finish 1^st ladies team, retaining their premier position overall with 2 fixtures remaining. The masters team comprising Turner, Chappell and Armstrong were also 1^st and this was good enough to retain 2^nd overall in the veteran competition.

A depleted men’s team finished 3^rd on the day but still retained 1st in the overall competition. The male Masters and B teams were 2^nd on the day and retain 2^nd overall.  

Thursday saw four club athletes compete in the third and final round of the Stevenage Midweek 5K Series. First home for the club was Mike Russell, in a new PB time of 18:19 to finish in 38^th overall and 3^rd in the MV50 age-group. Even better, Mike also picked up the prize for 2^nd MV50 for the entire series to add to his Herts County 2^nd MV50 medal from the second race of the series.

Next across the line for the club was Richard Allen in a time of 19:17, with Gerry Corrance finishing in 19:55; his strongest performance in the series for sometime and Darren Greene clocking 20:21.

And finally; club coach Alex Turner raced in round two of Imperial Winter Series at the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit on Sunday and finished an impressive 7th in the Category C race.

Race Report: Simon Douglas

Two athletes from Hitchin based triathlon club Team Trisports, formerly FVS TRI, have been doing their bit for the club’s international brand recognition recently by competing on foreign soil. 

First up; swapping Hertfordshire for Africa, Guy Adams (pictured) took part in the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa at the weekend and in the process helped to raise £21,000 for the Farm Africa charity. The event, which was preceeded by a reception evening with the great Haile Gebreselassie and Paula Radcliffe, featured Radcliffe as honorary starter and saw 33,000 athletes complete the 10km run.

And proving that the club’s athletes can also excel over single discipline races; Simon Shaw marked his marathon debut at the Florence Marathon with an outstanding time of 3:15:37. His fantastic time meant a finish of 1239th overall out of more than 10,000 entrants.

Race Report: Simon Douglas

Sarah Stimpson a.k.a THE TERMINATOR!

INCREDIBLE STIMPSON DOES THE DOUBLE!

On Saturday, Sarah Stimpson, a member of Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI, was selected to run for Herts County at Southern Inter County Cross Country Championships. on the classic Parliament Hill 6k course. And she didn’t disappoint; recording a time of 22:32 to finish 7^th overall and 1^st senior for Herts.

With such an excellent result she has been invited to represent Herts at the National Inter County Championships at Birmingham in March 2010.

The following day Stimpson was again in stunning form; this time at round two of the cross country championship. The event, hosted by FVS TRI and held at a wet and windy Rowney Warren Wood, saw Stimpson win the women’s race by well over a minute and finish an amazing 11th overall, as well as first across the line for the club.

Jane Chappell, Kate Turner and Gemma Sargent demonstrated the strength of the club’s female athletes by all finishing inside the top ten women overall.

In the men’s event, Ironman Legend Gavin May finished first for the club’s male athletes in a great time of 31:10 for an overall position of 16th. Dil Witherill and Andy Chatterton finished 2nd and 3rd for the club respectively and joined May in ensuring that the M40 age-category proved age is no barrier to success.

In the Men’s competition, the club finished 1st in both the A and B Team standings and 2nd in the Masters event; which also reflects their position in the overall championship after two rounds.

In the Women’s competition, the club finished 1st in the A Team and Masters events and now lie in 1st place overall in the A Team competition and 5th in the Masters.

Full Results; Sarah Stimpson (30:32), Gavin May (31:10), Dil Wetherill (31:26), Andy Chatterton (31:47), James Grierson (31:52), Gaz Grinhan (31:53), Mike Russell (32:24), Steffan Ford (32:34), Steve Harrison (33:23), Steve Chalk (33:39), Brian White (34:01), James Foy (34:07), Charlie Harris (34:18), Jane Chappell (35:06), Kate Turner (35:09), Richard Allen (35:14), Gemma Sargent (35:19), Rob Davies (35:22), Mick Humphries (35:35), Andy Mussett (35:58), Ed Manson (36:42), Ben Dyson (37:05), Rachel Armstrong (37:08), Jeremy Lintott (37:12), Sean Bradley (37:17), Steve Moakes (37:22), David Welch (37:23), Simon Douglas (37:26), Katy Jinx (37:27), Pete Eames (37:42), Lesley Dutton (38:19), Anna Holden (39:12), Paul Habibi (39:42), Ian Hobbs (40:04), Steve Rust (40:04), Will Long (40:20), Elodie Irving (41:51), Steve Mussett (42:37), Naomi Woodland (43:18), Kim Humphries (44:10), Alison Sprawson (46:48), Meline Fletcher (52:09).

Race Report: Bam

Photo by: Sarah Eames

GREAT RESULT FOR GRIERSON

 

Four members of Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI took on the mighty Ballbuster Duathlon on Saturday. 

The race, held in perfect autumnal weather, and consisting of an 8 mile run followed by a 24 mile bike leg and a final 8 mile run saw James Grierson finish first for the club in an excellent time of 3:16:21 to finish in 66th place overall out of 380 finishers.

Mike Russell also secured a great result to finish 4th in the 50-59 age-group with a time of 3:25:11. Also competing were Darren Greene, who clocked 3:29:59, and Richard Allen, who recorded a time of 3:53:38.

On Sunday; Kate Turner ran the Stebbing 10 road race in a time of 1:10:36 to finish 7th in the Women’s V35 age-group and 91st overall out of more than 440 competitors.

Race Report: Simon Douglas

Five members of Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI were amongst the 674 athletes who braved wet and windy conditions on Sunday to compete in the Stevenage Half Marathon.

First home for the club in a great time of 1:36:01, was Simon Shaw, who put in a strong performance in the challenging conditions. Finishing second for the club was Chris Suckling in 1:38:25, followed by Greg Evans, who clocked a time of 1:46:12. Also competing were Neil Coombes (1:48:17) and Simon Douglas (1:48:49).

There was more good news for the club last week, as veteran athletes Brian White and Chris Priestley were both confirmed as 2nd place age-group finishers in the British Triathlon National Duathlon Ranking Series. Their strong performances over the five race series, in which the best three results counted towards the final results, in the 50-54 and 55-59 age groups respectively meant that both athletes earn age-group representation at the European Duathlon Championships.

And finally; the club is pleased to announce that it’s coaching roster has been increased after Tony Shortland, Richard Thomas, Alex Turner and Simon Douglas successfully qualified as British Triathlon Level 1 coaches at the weekend. Club Chairman and Head Coach Keith Perry said; “I am delighted that we have been able expand our coaching team, and by such a number; as it not only demonstrates our commitment to investing in people, but also demonstrates our desire to provide the best coaching possible for all members of our club”

Race Report: Bam

STIMPSON STORMS TO WIN!

Last Sunday saw a fantastic start to the cross country season for Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI.

As in previous seasons, athletes from the club put in strong performances against specialist run competition, in what is an unfamiliar discipline for triathletes.

The first round of this year’s series, held in bright but blustery conditions in Broxbourne, saw Sarah Stimpson make a spectacular cross country debut for the club with victory in the women’s competition. Her time of 31:49 was not only good enough to win the women’s competition, but was also the fourth fastest club time overall, including male athletes!

Also producing a noteworthy performance in the women’s competition, Gemma Sargent clocked a time of 35:44 to finish 8th women overall.

Other female members competing were; Anna Holden (39:29), Lisa Dunne (40:12), Jackie Perry (41:51), Elodie Irving (42:12), Naomi Woodland (43:51), Alison Sprawson (44:14), Karen Parnell (46:20).

In the men’s competition, elite athlete Stephen Harrison secured a great 4th place finish overall for the club with a blistering time of 28:26.

Proving that age is no barrier to great times; Simon Hall (30:50), Gavin May (31:38) and Brian White (32:13) ensured that the club topped the Masters Team competition.

Also competing in the men’s competition were; James Grierson (32:18), Mike Russell (32:32), James Bedford (32:40), Steve Chalk (34:36), Richard Allen (34:49), Andrew Mussett (36:03), Mick Humphris (36:18), Steve Moakes (36:24), Rob Davies (36:25), Jon Wilson (36:29), Ed Manson (36:47), John Rose (37:11), Pete Eames (37:47), Keith Perry (38:13), Ian Hobbs (39:02), Steve Musset (44:54).

In addition to leading the men’s Masters Team competition, the clubs male athletes also ensured that they enter the next round in second place in both the men’s A and B Team competition, with the club’s female athletes securing third place in the women’s A Team competition.

The next round will take place on 22 November at Rowney Warren and will be hosted by FVS TRI itself.

Making it two races in two days; Karen Parnell ran the Nike Human Race 10k in London’s Victoria Park on Saturday. Having raced at the same event last year, Parnell’s time of 53:35 represented a dramatic improvement of more than 15 minutes compared to her 2008 performance.

And finally; James Bedford ran the Henlow 10 road race on Wednesday, recording a time of 1:05:20 to finish in an excellent 15th place overall.

With the majority of members of Hitchin based triathlon club, FVS TRI, saving their racing legs for this Sunday’s cross country fixture, two members bucked the trend and helped to spread the FVS TRI brand on a global scale last weekend.

First up; Sean Bradley competed at the Garmin Triathlon in Barcelona on Sunday and recorded a great time of 2:28:10 over the Olympic distance of 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run to finish in the top half of the field.

Even further from home; Karen Parnell continued to combine her global business travel with club representation; this time at the Samsung 3k in Chinese Taipei. The race, which attracted some 40,000 competitors, saw Parnell cross the line in a time of 11:33.

Race Report: Bam

Heading to the Continent for some late season racing, Helen Shulver, member of Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI, took to the start line of a blisteringly hot Challenge Barcenlona-Maresme triathlon. Held over the epic iron distance of 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and full marathon 26.2 mile run, Shulver delivered a fantastic time of 11:37:59 to finish 4th British women overall and record a new PB by more than 30 minutes. 

Closer to home, club athletes Darren Greene and Richard Allen competed in the Bison Hill Challenge on Saturday; a duathlon event that consisted of a 6 mile run, 18 mile bike and another 6 mile run. Greene clocked a time of 2:42:04 to finish in 16th position overall, with Allen crossing the line in 2:48:31.

And finally; James Bedford ran the Ware 10 mile road race on Sunday in a time of 1:05:46 to finish a superb 7th overall and 4th in his age-group. Also putting in a fine performance was James Grierson who finished just one place lower with a time of 1:06:01. Simon Shaw and Neil Coombes were also competing for the club and recorded times of 1:12:56 and 1:19:18 respectively

Race Report: Bam

Stimmo and Steve

Sunday saw 59 athletes from Hitchin based triathlon club FVS TRI take to the start line of the Standalone 10k road race, with great performances from both male and female members of the club.

First home for the club, and 2nd overall for the third year running, was elite athlete Stephen Harrison in a great time of 33:31. Also putting in a fantastic performance was Sarah Stimpson, who recorded a time of 36:25 to finish 2nd female overall and first female club finisher. James Foy and Simon Hall ensured that there were four club members in the top 20, with times of 36:22 and 36:30 respectively.

In addition to individual performances, there were also great results overall with FVS TRI ladies finishing 2nd in the Ladies Teams Competition. Sarah Stimpson, Gemma Sargent, Kate Turner and Rachel Armstrong put in a cumulative time of 2:45:59 to earn their podium finish. Male members also produced the goods on the day to finish 3rd in the Men’s Teams Competition. Steve Harrison, James Foy, Simon Hall and ‘Ironman Legend’ Gavin May set a cumulative time of 2:24:12. A fantastic performance from both teams, as they were up against specialist running clubs and in the men’s team, three out of four were in the veteran 40-49 age-group.

Also competing were; Gavin May (37:46), Brian White (38:06), Pete Ryan (38:05-PB), Andy Chatterton (38:09), James Bedford (38:13), Mike Russell (38:35-PB), Gary Grinham (38:59), Richard Allen (39:50), Steve Chalk (40:05), Greg Evans (40:09), Chris Suckling (41:40), Gemma Sargent (42:12-PB), Andy McPherson (42:30), Kate Turner (42:39), John Rose (42:39), Andrew Mussett (42:49), Gerry Corrance (43:14), Ed Manson (43:59), Shawn Reader (44:14), Rachel Armstrong (44:18), Keith Perry (44:28), Pete Eames (44:35), Steve Moakes (44:36), Mark Beaver (44:42),  Katy Jinks (44:47), David Welch (44:52), Darren Woodhall (45:07), Simon Douglas (45:16-PB), Sean Bradley (45:22), Lesley Dutton (45:43), Kevan Armstrong (45:57), Ian Hobbs (46:26-PB), Mark Malone (46:29), Richard Thomas (46:36), Pete Timmins (46:39), Anna Holden (46:55), Jackie Perry (47:51), Andrew Lowrie (47:40), Sam Tophill (48:16), Kevin Bradley (48:29), Max Lepoutre (48:43), Elodie Irving (48:43), Naomi Woodland (48:56), Paul Habibi (49:18), Anne Chatterton (49:37), Tracy Kennedy (49:40), Tim Smith (49:43), Rob Bugler (49:50), Steve Rust (50:01), Alyson Sprawson (50:41), Paul Dutton (51:50), Karen Parnell (54:13), Neeley Casserly (54:22), Keith Cockburn (56:50), Meline Fletcher (1:01:56).

Ensuring some late season multisport representation; four athletes from the club competed in the Bedford Autumn Sprint on Sunday. Finishing first for the club in an excellent time of 1:06:03 was Ian MacKerness, whose time over the 400m pool swim, 24km bike and 5km run resulted in a 5th place finish overall and 1st in the 45-49 age-group. Also competing were Dil Wetherill (1:12:31), Rob Davies (1:20:46) and Greg Blount (1:32:50).

Veteran athlete Chris Priestley was also racing on Sunday. This time at the Oulton Park Duathlon, which forms part of British Triathlon’s National Ranking Series. The race, held on the famous motorsport circuit, consisted of a 8.61km run, 38.76km bike and 4.3km run and saw Priestley clock a time of 2:09:29 to finish 4th in the 55-59 age-group.

Race Report: Bam