Bala Middle, Sunday 3rd June 2007

Report by David Waterhouse

On registering for the race you received a big fluffy towel which made a change to the polo shirt that is normally given out at Bala. I don't know what will be in the goody bag for the Standard race in September but I might end up with a full bathroom set!

Conditions were good for the start of the race. The lake was initially pan flat with a few waves being created for the 9.30 am. start. I was in the first wave with the ladies and older gentlemen wearing fetching pink hats. The younger men started off 15 minutes later in yellow hats and I was caught by a good portion of them. The water was very cold at first but once I had settled into a rhythm, I had an enjoyable swim over the 2000 metre course.

The bike started with some slow undulations and unwound to reveal some spectacular views. Once the route reached Dolgellau the fast section of the race began. I cycled past a good number of riders wearing yellow tops with the pirate skull and cross bones. These competitors were ubiquitous throughout the field and were part of team called PSOF (pirate ship of fools). I had not heard of them before, but they are a nationwide club who specialise in long course races. They had plenty of supporters en route and even cheered non-PSOF competitors with klaxons and Captain Pugwash music!

After a fast closing section of the bike course I was warmed up for the run which turned out to be my best section. It consisted of a good few climbs, but I thought that it was quite a fast course because it was on good roads and had few turns so you always had someone to chase.

Some good results by MTC members with a close finish between Duncan Hill and David Lewis.

In conclusion a very enjoyable race, well organised, with good scenery and good weather!

Name	Position	Swim	Bike	Run	Overall
66th	Daniel Ling	36:42	2:17.04	1.40.21	4:34.07
177th	Duncan Hill	46:17	2:40.50	1.41:09	5:08.16
179th	David Lewis	42:25	2:27.28	1:58.54	5:08.47
208th	Neill Hughes	46:55	2:40.31	1:49.38	5:17.04
224th	Mark Dunham	42:45	2:34.01	2:04.46	5:21.32
238th	Sean Ronnie Hill	49:56	2:43.30	1:54.07	5:27.33
314th	David Waterhouse	58:35	3:06.43	1:55.48	6:01.06
328th	Richard Barnsley	53.28	3:07.54	2:09.16	6:10.38
329th	Suzy Blackledge	42:46	3:05.40	2:22.17	6:10.43
335th	Kat Burley	49:25	3:07.11	2:37.07	6:33.43

Back to main results page