World Triathlon’s European Aquathlon Championship

World Triathlon staged their European Championships covering Middle distance, Aquabike, Duathlon, amongst others. We are pleased to share the experiences of amazing Tuffs who undertook the Aquathlon which comprised 1,000m swim over 1 lap then a 5k two lap run. Congratulations go to Niki Treacy, Mark Walford and Maisie Johnston who travelled to Bilbao in the Basque region of northern Spain.

Firstly we have the thoughts of Niki Treacy

“Off to sunny Bilbao for the Euro Aquathlon champs. Outward journey went like a dream. Flight on time ✅car hire all good ✅ hotel lovely ✅

,… so far so good. 

Then to Race logistics ??? ; 

-registration and the main event hub was a 25 minute drive away from the Aquathlon race. 

-Our swim start was one side of a river

– the run was on the other side. 

– Oh and the prize giving was back on the swim start side. I know !

The only method of crossing the river was in the suspension gondola. Totally overly complicated!”

“So setting up Transitions was very disconcerting, one pair of trainers to place on the floor. Can it really be that simple ? I felt really anxious leaving them there, sat all on their own. 

So back in the gondola to the other side of the river and the race start. 

The tide was down river, in our favour, BUT, the wind was strongly against us, It actually starting blowing the 1st turn buoy up river. These conditions made the swim very rough! A few couldn’t make it to the 1st Buoy and got pulled out. When we made it to the swim exit the jeopardy wasn’t over, we had to navigate the ‘steps of death’ as some team members had named them. (Yes the photo really is of the swim exit, it was as slippery as !!!! )  we were all hanging onto the hand rail hoping not to slip or fall off the side”. 

“Phew, made it to the top. 

Now to the run, spurred on by fellow Tuffs; high fives with Maisie as we crossed en-route, and cheers from Mark (who had raced just before us) and Drew Gowland (doing the Aquabike event)

The run is, what the run always is – hard, and something that needs to end as soon as possible please. Now, if we ran slower, this sensation wouldn’t occur. But then it’s a race! 

I wasn’t too sure where in the field I was. I was catching a French lady but couldn’t quite get her before the finish. Turns out she took Gold and I took Silver. Just 5 seconds in it. Arggggg !!! Obviously I didn’t make the run unpleasant enough 😂.  

Despite the eyebrow raising elements of the event it was really enjoyable. The day sight seeing afterwards was amazing. Bilbao is a vibrant creative place, full of lovely things to see. Cakes are nice too. 

The GB team spirit is really friendly and supportive. I recommend all Tuffs enter some of the qualifiers. It’s a buzz being in the team and you visit places that aren’t necessarily on your bucket list but that maybe should be.” 

Niki

Next up we have a report from Mark Walford:-

“18 months ago when I joined British triathlon I did so with a crazy aim of making European age group team for the aquathlon, my training and accomplishments have surpassed my wildest imagination, but this was always my first target and finally getting round to it felt amazing

But race report wise, 6pm race felt very odd, all day to build up nerves, luckily I was staying with someone who was calm and just what I needed. Down for transition at 3.45, let’s face it aquathlon should be simple, leave shoes ready to go, know where your box is and leave, but coz this is European champs triple and quadruple checked it all. Then back to apartment for coffee, before race started from other side of the river. Start line get in the water with over 20 of the best people in Europe in my age, and instead of nerves all I felt was salt in my mouth from the sea water and the first feel of how choppy the water was, heart beat sounds and then horn blows and we are off.

I’m used to sea swimming but the next 14mins was a fight with the sea, which I won but unfortunately not everyone did. If I’m honest at this point felt fine, happy with my swim in tough conditions. OK transition nothing good or bad, then! Went to run, and I couldn’t do it properly, my legs worked my breathing was fine but I didn’t have speed, I was moving but not out of 3rd gear, I kept trying but if anything felt worse, 1st lap not great but support amazing, after 10mins of battles with my mind I just decided to enjoy what I could. Having cheering spectators was a big help, and I did manage something of a sprint distance and even overtook some others on second lap. 14th out of 18 who finished but at least 4 dnfs.

Now looking back, it isn’t a slow run, but it’s not quick for me. I was disappointed in it. I put on brave face and did enjoy the evening and supporting others who had a great race. Including Niki who got silver. After initial disappointment, then put it into perspective my slow run now is quicker than I thought I could run 2 years ago. The atmosphere has been amazing, and meeting old friends and making new ones all in all good trip, not my finest race but motivation for next season”

Mark