After an injury imposed absence from competition during most of 2019 I was keen to literally “test the waters “in the new 2020 Tri season ………until Covid decimated all local, national and international events. However I managed to source an end of season standard distance triathlon based at Lake 62 – part of the Cotswolds Lakes and Country Park in Gloucestershire held 13 September.
Organisation and delivery by LPS events was exemplary and had been given full accreditation by BT so felt as “safe “as could be expected. Each competitor started individually with staggered 30 sec slots so no congestion at start line which made a big change from the usual melee. A lovely 1500 metre lake swim at a modest 17 degrees (26.56 min) was followed by an undulating but very scenic ride through some stunning Cotswolds countryside. Roads were well marshalled and with riders well spaced there seemed to be plenty of room for both cyclists and cars on the occasionally busy roads. The sun had emerged by the time I eventually returned to transition (1.20.42) to tackle the final discipline. A flattish 6 lap off road run section around part of the swim lake (49.44min) completed what had been a thoroughly enjoyable and confidence boosting return to competition after what has seemed a very long time coming! Needless to say not too many other competitors in my aged group but I was quite reassured with a 2.40 finish time given the many months away from triathlon.
David Davidson
