BikeFit Marlborough Winter Duathlon Series Round Two

The second round of the BikeFit Marlborough Winter Duathlon Series took place on Sunday at the Wither Hills Farm circuit. The long event was run over a course of 5km run, 20 km bike and 5 km run and competitors set off according to time handicaps. Once again this  proved popular with the front markers generally improving on personal times in an effort to stay ahead of those behind . Line honours went to Bob Tate in his first duathlon in a time of 1.33.14.

In the Women’s section Christine Dew improved on her previous race by 8 minutes to be first across the line. Handicapping aside, the fastest competitor on the day was local Coast to Coaster Josh Scott, who started off scratch in the race but recorded a personal time of 1.11.45. Rachel Monk belied her lack of recent training to be the fastest female on the day with a personal 1.25.01.

Two local youngsters arguably put in the finest performances of the event. Fergus Greer had previously only competed in medium distance races so this was the first time he had stepped up to the longer distances. Whilst he finished out of the placings he completed the race in a very creditable 1.45.59. Will Hart showed the benefit of recent coaching to finish in a time of 1.23.40 – a considerable 6 minute improvement on his previous race. The medium duathlon was run over distances of 2.5km run, 16 km ride and 2.5 km run and Anton Horton showed the field a clean pair of heels to finish in a time of 58.28 with Connor Guillemot second in 1.02.01 and Andrew Trott third, 1.05.15. The short course event was a 2.5 km run followed by an 8km bike and ended with a 1 km run and Finn Southey did enough to finish first in time of 44.13 from Stephanie Southey 44.20 and Dylan Guillemot 50.46.

The next event is scheduled for 22 July with course details to be advised.

Results are here

Beavertown Badboy Kayak Race 11 August 2012 (date change)

Paul Bourgeois gets ready to portage his K1 at the Blenheim Rowing Club in the 2010 version of the Badboy

This event has been rescheduled to avoid a clash with the the Brass Monkey kayak race series. It’s now being held on Saturday August 11. Registration from 12.00, race start 1.00pm.

 One of the toughest races on the New Zealand kayak racing calendar, the “BadBoy” means business. 

 The course takes in some of Marlboroughs most scenic paddling, if you have the time and energy to look. 

Starting from Blenheim’s town centre, the course meanders down the Opawa River, once used as a busy shipping channel, and now a scenic haven for trout, whitebait and abundant birdlife. After reaching the Wairau River, the course continues to a quick portage at the Blenheim rowing sheds. For team competitors this is where the changeover occurs, and then it’s back downstream to Roses Overflow, and the start of some more adventurous paddling. A man made flood channel dug out by hand last century, Roses overflow is deep, tree-lined, and for the solo competitors, the start of some serious lactic acid accumulation. 

Once you reach the weir, the course goes by land and a short portage back into the Opawa loop, and thankfully some downstream paddling. Only a few kilometers to paddle through the back-yards of residential Blenheim, and then a short sharp portage and sprint paddle to the finish, right to where the race started.

With all previous winners having competed at World Championship level, this is a must do for the elite paddler, and a great base training paddle for events later in the year. Take a scenic tour through some of the nicest paddling water around, and see how bad you are…

Download info and an entry form here