Royal Windsor Triathlon, June 21 2005
The start of the Royal Windsor occurred the day before with registration, checking of helmets and racking of the bikes for all. Some then spent the evening carbo-loading at Phil's inaugural Pasta Party…

The weather turned out to be fantastic, so the action took place outside. The pasta trough unfortunately did not arrive, so the masses had to resort to using conventional plates. Tom, Luke, Robin, Barry and Julie, Chris, Glynys, Jim and Gervase all had their fill of pasta, followed closely by strawberries and cream, and a Julie-special pavlova. There was enough food to go round, even with Barry there! The highly tuned athletes were watching their hydration levels and most had left by 9:30pm, as they would be waking up with the swans the next morning! The only voices of dissent during the evening were from the youngsters over Phil's choice of music. "Who on earth are we listening to?" from Luke and "Fleetwood who?" from Tom. There's just no pleasing some people.

Race day started early, with a big turn out from BTS. First off at 6:15 am, Glynys and Gervase for the sprint distance. The rest of us in transition prepared ourselves for the race ahead. The swim started with a final reminder by the starter NOT to drink the Thames water, that's something Sean will remember in the future! Then, off went the hooter for each wave. Down to the first bridge and back for the sprint, to the second bridge for the full distance. Luckily, there didn't seem to be a strong current, although the sun did hamper the navigation on the way back. Into transition for a quick, or not so quick for some, change onto the bike. No surprises there, we had all cycled the course many times. No punctures, no mishaps, but plenty of others drafting, with only a few being punished by the draft busters. 40km later, back into transition and onto the run. Three times up the hill to Queen Victoria, punishment for most, but Susan revelled in the pain! Then, suddenly, it was all over for another year. Thanks to Karen, Wayne and Renee for all their support, drinks carrying, photography and pinning on of numbers and to Glynys and Gervase who still had enough breathe to shout encouragement despite racing themselves.

The next big thing to come was the BBQ event at Chris's. Off home we all went to shower and change. To maidenhead next, with beer and food and with the sun shining, it felt just like summer! Chris's recipe for the best way to start up a BBQ - pile as much wood onto the grill as possible, try to set the fence alight and boil all the guests on the hottest day of the year, wait for 10 minutes until the bonfire dies down then add the charcoal bricks, wait a further 10 minutes for the bricks to burn, and reduce to a cooking temperature, then add food. The first round of food arrived blackened and enjoyable. The second round of food came out perfect! Needless to say it was a bunch of Aussies who cooked that one! Conversation swayed to the race, all comparing performances, even discussing the elite race, although I don't think the quote "Jodie Swallow is a fat jabber" is a compliment to the quality of the elites fitness, eh Tom? It seemed that everyone was enjoying the atmosphere and excitement… or were they, Phil? The evening ended late, with Chris firing up the BBQ once more for the late arrival, whilst the rest of us headed home for a well earned rest.

Just one final thankyou, to the hero of the whole weekend…… The man at the finish line with the hosepipe!

Full results available on: www.humanrace.co.uk and follow the link for the official, but at times not flattering, photos! .



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