Race Report #7 - 12 March 2023

So we all thought it had seen the back of the wet weather, yet we faced a wet morning for the first time this season.   A very wet road, and with the radar and weather not good, we settled for a safety first - swim/run duathlon.   
Thanks to today's race sponsors Ventoux Cycles who will take care of all your cycling needs - contact Al, Riley or any of the team for your next bike or service/repair.  Al has supported the Club for many years and will look after your needs by contacting 6651 3355 or www.ventouxcycles.com.au at 27 Park Beach Road Coffs Harbour.
And thanks to those that filled up the volunteer roster, especially to Jo Ferguson who was the Lead Starter and volunteer of the week going above and beyond by doing the start, cutting fruit, fetching the run cones late and generally helping out everyone.   And to Mick Booth we thank you for stepping out amongst some wet weather to do our timing - you’re a legend!
And a big welcome to Ben Happ (Bucca Ben) for having a go at his first event and stepping over from the trails to have a go at multisport.  Congratulations!
So 16 intrepid souls turned out for a mass delayed 6.45am start.  In our males Chris Hamilton again topped the podium with a solid run and  time of 37.15 followed by Steve Thompson in 41.08 and Peter Birch in 42.49.   In our females Rainee Herron was fastest female and third overall with a consistent run in a time of 41.27 followed by Kathy Robson in 47.46 and Katrina McFarlane in 47.53.  Congrats to everyone!
Full results can be found on the web site at http://www.coffstri.com/results.html.   For those using Strava check out this race report that can also be found there.
A Cliffy award went to Chris Hamilton for his wettie request check even though as it turned out he almost ran to the first buoy!  Might be a wetsuit swim though for the Ladies event on 2 April as the water temp  seems to have dropped.
All in all the race today went smoothly considering the weather. If anyone has any issues about racing please contact me, and while we have the next event filled with volunteers - thank you, we are looking for a few spots for the event on 16 April.  If you have not done a duty please sign up for that one. 
Good luck for those heading to Kingscliff as part of the North Coast Series next week (you can still enter) while a reminder that the Coffs Swim Festival is on the weekend of 26/27 March.  We will have a tent at this event and if you’re able to come down and help out promote Coffs Tri Club it would be appreciated. 
Our next event is the Ladies Race on 2 April that will be a lot of fun supporting our amazing women looking to have a go at triathlon for the first time and those seeking to extend themselves.  It’s all about finish lines, not finish times!   The event will feature some interesting prizes and giveaways.  
Ahead of the event we will be posting upcoming coach led training sessions to help those participating next Sunday morning 19 March and the following Saturday 26 March.  There will also be an online coach led Zoom sessions for general information and to answer any questions about the sport and all those things that we really want to know when starting out that roughly start with…..What do I do in transition first?......How far do I ride behind someone?.....How do they do change their shoes in transition so quickly?…. Is there any padding for that bike seat?  More information will be coming out next week and on our web site about these sessions. 
A reminder that the survey for the Club’s Strategic Business Plan is out  for feedback from members till 3 April.    Please return surveys to Phil at [email protected], or return by handing to a Committee member.    
Thank you everyone for having an enjoyable morning.  See ya all for the Ladies event on 2 April! 
Peter Birch, Race Director 

​