Merseyside Winter Duathlon Series Continues

12 JAN2010

The second race of the Winter Duathlon Series continues on Sunday January 10, 2010 at Rainford, St Helens in Merseyside. Although entries for this race are now full, entries for the third race on February 14, 2010 are still available. The Duathlon consists of a 3 mile run, a 10 mile bike ride with a 3 mile run to the finish.

The winter duathlon series has gained in popularity over the last 5 years and attracts a mixed field ranging from novices to elite athletes. The events are informal and the format includes a break between each of the disciplines. Following the initial 3 miles run, competitors complete a 10 mile cycle time trial starting at 20 second intervals. Upon completion of the cycle time trial all of the competitors line up to 'mass start' the final 3 miles run. The time gaps between disciplines allow competitors to change clothing and combat the cold weather during the cycle section!

As the popularity of the winter duathlon series has increased in recent years, the popularity of 'cake man' has also increased markedly. This now legendary individual who arrives before the finish of each event armed only with red Nissan Micra, a boot full of home made cakes and a large tea pot forms an integral part of the series.

What happens on the day?
1. 8:00am registration opens, 9:00am registration closes
2. 9:15am compulsory race briefing
3. 9:30am start of the first 3 miles run
4. 10:00am competitors change and ride to start of cycle time trial (10 mins)
5. 10:20am cyclists start at 20 second intervals in order of race number
6. 11:20am start of the second 3 miles run
7. 11:30am the cake man cometh..

There are no prizes for each individual event but series prizes are in place and these will be awarded to the overall winners at the final event. Points are awarded for each race completed and these points count towards the series prizes.
Each entrant will receive a race t-shirt at the end of the race

What are the regulations?
The event is ran according to BTF guidelines and you should familiarise yourself with the rules at www.britishtriathlon.org before the event, especially if you are a novice to duathlon and triathlon competition. Hard shell helmets are compulsory and drafting is not allowed during the cycle section (not allowed to slipstream another rider).

So if you fancy a change from the standard road race, then why not give a duathlon a go for a change. Entry forms are available online. Race information, a map of the start and course route are also available. A full list of triathlons and duathlons organised for 2010 can be seen on the epicevents website.