Belvoir Tri Club round-up

Junior and senior members of Belvoir Tri Club achieved podium places at the annual multisport weekend organised by Endorphin Sports.

It was held at the impressive and statuesque grounds of Belvoir Castle and included cani cross, running and triathlon races.

Sarah Terry took part in the Olympic distance aqua bike, placing first lady overall and an astonishing 28 minutes ahead of the next competitor in 02:04.41.

She commented: "The swim was challenging, featuring an M-shaped course to navigate around.

"The bike section was both hilly and fast, just the kind of challenge I love."

Next to represent the club was Andrew Goddard and Lisa Udall, who entered the SuperSprint distance triathlon.

Andrew was first in the lake for a rolling swim start and around the 400 metre loop.

A long transition from the swim, uphill and across a 400-metre field meant the pressure was on to find his bike and leave transition as quickly as possible.

Hot on Andrew’s tail was Lisa, who had previously attended a practice swim in the lake in the week leading up to the race and a completed the bike course, so she knew exactly what to expect as she headed out in the Vale of Belvoir.

Andrew successfully finished the SuperSprint Triathlon, placing him first male and second overall in 48.28.

He was followed shortly by Lisa who finished in 52.51, placing her second female out of a field of 12 others.

The junior members of the club entered the aquathlon, a swim run event which provided a lake swim and a run inside the grounds of the Belvoir Estate.

Representing the junior squad was Matilda Harper who finished first in her age group in a fantastic time of 07:39.

Competing in the children's aquathlon eight years age group was Benjamin Goddard and Florence Harper.

Benjamin finished fourth male in 16:09 and Florence returned a time of 22:04.

Also representing the club was Daniel Goddard in the nine-10 years group in 14:57, placing fourth male overall in his category.

Esther Fraser-Betts took part in her very first open water race at Ocean Walker Academy on Saturday.

The 1.5km freestyle race, which included 40 other competitors, provided swimmers with an opportunity to swim in a lake with others at their own peril.

All finishers were provided with a medal and a goody bag upon finishing.

Esther said: "Most competitors wore wetsuits, but I braved it in my Belvoir Tri Club suit.

"I didn't make podium but I wasn't last- so that is a win in my book."

Marijke De Groot, John Batesman and Rob Spashett completed the Aquasphere Chill Swim Triple Crown.

It required swimmers to successfully complete each of the Chillswim end to end events at the three largest lakes in the English Lake District.

These included Coniston (5.25 miles), Ullswater (7.5 miles) and finally Windermere (11 miles).

Training for these long distance swims had by no means been easy especially for John who had not only broke three toes and had fractured a rib in the weeks leading up to the event, but was also raising money for 'Breast Cancer Now.'

Ensuring regular feed stops on the choppy lake and keeping a positive mindset, all three athletes ensured that they would finish this triple challenge. John has currently raised just over £1,400 for charity.

Another swim challenge, this time closer to home in Lincoln at Activities Away, saw club members Mick Oliver, Mark Berry and David Foster enter ‘The Eight’ which is a handicapped swim race organised by 100% Tri Race Team.

One 800 metre lap, with slower swimmers setting off first, the faster swimmers at the end with the aim of everyone finishing together, Mick took second place for the men.