On Sunday, two Freedom Tri members took part in Duathlons held at Bedford Aerodrome.  Simon Jackson was taking part in an Age Group Qualifier for the World Sprint Duathlon Championships and Ann Tryssesoone went slightly longer entering the standard distance race.  Both races were organised by Active Training World.

With the temperature fresh and it being windy, the weather created challenges on the course but with it the same for everyone, Simon was giving it his all to see how he could perform.

Simon went through 5km in a new PB pace before keeping the pace for the final 400m on the run for him to be fastest in AG on his first run.

After a quick transition it was on to the bike for the 5 lapped course of the race trace.  The course was fast but with it being non drafting there was lots of high speed overtakes that Lewis Hamilton would have been pleased with.

After the 3rd fastest transition in the whole race Simon was back out on the run and giving it his all, finishing in 1 hour 6 minutes and 28 seconds.  This got Simon 2nd in AG and frustratingly 15 seconds behind the winner.

A tired Simon said after the race 'I gave it my all and it seems like I have qualified for the Duathlon World Champions.  It's a shame there was a staggered start as if I could have seen the guy in front, it may have spurred me on to give it a little bit more on bike.  ATW did such a great job putting on the covid friendly race and it was a great decision to stream it online rather than allow supporters at the venue.

Ann's race was later in the day with an, unusual, afternoon start time.  With a cautious start after seeing a fellow competitor come off their bike on the wet tarmac, she finally began to enjoy the race and was consistent with her runs finishing 1st in AG.  She said 'the weather was bonkers!  Sun, blustering winds, snow and sleet'.