Race Report: Open Water Swim Aquathlon Race 4

Created On: 25 July 2011

With the water crystal clear and the sun peeking out from behind the clouds the OWS Aquathlon Race 4 was set up for fast times and furious racing. With Richard Stannard hoping to go to Beijing for the World Aquathlon Championships in September, he was looking to improve on his time from the previous race. Deon Coetzee having been beaten into third last time was looking for improvement and Kate Robson unbeaten this season was looking to break the 30min barrier for a third time!

As the race started Richard Stannard pulled into the lead closely followed not by Deon but by Sky Draper who had asked to participate in just the swim section of the race to prepare for her London racing in the next two weeks, Deon was next with Mark Yeoman in hot pursuit.

Richard Stannard exited the water with a good lead but then struggled with his wetsuit in transition; a jammed zip saw him tearing his wetsuit from his shoulders! Sky draper had a great swim to finish in 9:20 and Deon was out of the water in third. With Tamsin Neal and Kate Robson not sure whether Sky was planning to run they both set off in hot pursuit of youngster.

Richard made up for the shocking 1^st transition with his fastest run of the season to finish in 26:11 Deon followed in 2^nd with Mat Clarkson running through the field into 3^rd. With Richard not taking series points Deon continues to extend his lead in the series with Mat Clarkson and Mark Yeoman rounding out the podium places in today's race.

In the women's race Kate Robson caught and passed Tamsin unaware that Sky was not running she continued to accelerate and finished in a personal best time of 29:53 (18:27 run). Tamsin Neale finished in second 30:27 with Jennifer Hewitt in her first OWS Aquathlon finishing third (32:14).

In the age group racing it was Jon Wood in his first Aquathlon, who came out on top not only winning the 50 plus age group but beating those on the 40 plus too! In the women's Angela Basit won the 40 plus age group and Sarah Butcher the 50plus.

The next race is on the 20^th August and could prove excellent preparation for those who are in the Great Britain Team for Beijing, enter online at www.openwaterswim.co.uk.

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