Dambuster Report and Results

10 Oxtri members trekked up to the Dambuster Triathlon this Saturday, centred around the yachting club and harbour cafe clubhouse on Rutland Water Reservoir. Initially, the weather looked unsettled, with a healthy wind and some ominous dark clouds. The slow registration on Saturday meant race start and transition closure was delayed by a few minutes. Not to worry, as the first wave of RAF competitors got in the water ( to the Dambusters theme over the tannoy !) , some blue sky appeared and the rain stayed away.

The swim took us initially about 400m straight out into quite choppy waters. Then we turned  for a long stretch back to the sheltered corner of the bay. Sighting on this stretch was difficult as it was probably 8-900m between buoys. A third turn and a shorter stretch brought us back to the Harbour Cafe and a short run to tarmac transition. The 26 mile bike began on a short bit of service road before forming a wide triangular loop on 'A' roads round the reservoir. One section included the 'Rutland Ripple' - three steep inclines ( a triple ripple ?)- before a long mostly downhill section and a final 6 miles back to base. This last section had quite a lot of incline and, being exposed to strong westerly headwind, was deceptively tough. Finally the 9.6k run took you over both tarmac and grass on a couple of gentle rises to the dam, which you ran across out and back twice, before returning to finish at the harbour cafe and an excitable m/c on the tannoy.

Tim Doole led the Oxtri contingent home with a strong run. Jane also put in a strong performance to come from 3rd at T2 to win her competitive age group. Well done also to Andrew, Nick and Celia on completing their first Olympic distance - and indeed well done to all Oxtri members on completing a pretty tough course. It was good to debrief around the cafe in the sun afterwards.

This event is now in its 7th year and the location suits it well: parking is close by and the clubhouse and cafe offer good amenities. It was possible to camp and register the night before, camping was right on-site with the harbour cafe staying open serving hot food till 9pm and a shower/toilet block open all night. Remembering to take your tent (Tim?) , however, must greatly enhance the camping experience...