London Triathlon

Hi blynott

I certainly didnt miss that, it was a great read and i went on to read the entire blog. Very interesting indeed. I was just wondering how other people found it and if anyone else was planning on entering

George

I've done it a few times but not since 2009.  It's a fast and flat course that's great for spectators as they get lots of opportunity to see you.  If you get the Westminster bike route you get to cycle past some iconic London landmarks which is quite cool but it's a bit of a shame that most of the race takes part in Docklands.

I'm guessing from your blog you're not from 'round these parts' so if you need any advice on logistics, where to stay and how to get around etc feel free to give me a shout.  

Hi Dan-L 

Thanks for the response, I actually moved to london 4 months ago so hopefully ill be able to find my way around properly by then :P thank you very much for the advice the opportunity to ask you some questions... If anything springs to mind, i will certainly be in touch

Cheers

George

Well, yes, you're supposed to.  

There are often quite a few crashes in this race though as it's become a bit of a 'thing' to do and there are quite a lot of non triathletes that do it to tick it off the list - a bit like the London marathon entries who sort of amble round in seven hours to get the medal.

It's not for me to judge and I don't but the problem in the London triathlon is that people mistake closed roads for permission to ride anywhere (or alongside their two friends chatting three abreast!) which makes for dangerous situations for those trying to pass them or race seriously.  You get the same problem on the run because the pavement isn't very wide so it causes a bottleneck trying to get past three people having a conversation and is obviously a bit frustrating too.

It's not as prevalent as I might be making it sounds and organisers do try to address it in briefings. Although I heard one lady complain that the draft buster was telling her off for drafting and she didn't even know what it was, and that she wasn't trying to gain an advantage, just chat to her mate. 

It's great that triathlon is becoming more popular and the success of the Olympics has inspired lots more to take it up but it needs managing to ensure everyone gets to have the best day they're capable of in a safe environment.

Personally, I think the best quintessential English triathlon is Windsor.  Swim in the Thames, cycle through beautiful green fields and heritage sites and then run around the castle, Eton wick and Windsor high street.  Love that race.

Hi everyone

Thanks for all the responses, fingers crossed for the cool course, and im thinking that next season should be a big season so ill look into the Windsor event as well, time permitting of cause. Must admit im really looking forward to it already... now off for a swim :P