The first triathlon of the year for KLTC member Jason Blackwell.

Blackwell had an early 08:15 start time, with pouring rain, cold, and strong winds. He also faced the lost hour as the clocks sprang forward to welcome lighter evenings. Roade, Northamptonshire was the setting for his 2023 debut racing the Roade sprint triathlon 2023.


 
   
Jason Blackwell
Jason Blackwell
 
   

This early season event was a great way to start your season, be it a seasoned athlete or a first-timer.

Blackwell tackled the sprint distance beginning with a 412m pool-based swim before a 2 lap 20k bike ride course around the surrounding area finishing with the 4.5k out and back run.

Blackwell was placed 2nd in his age cat with a total time of 1.11.42.

Blackwell quotes,

“Early 5 am start on the road to get there with it raining cats and dogs. Everything was soaked in transition before the race began. I might as well swam in full kit. The swim was 18 lengths of the 23m pool in one lane only and I got stuck behind people. The field was muddy from the constant rain getting from the pool to transition”.
“Donned my jacket and socks, which I don't normally do but it was so cold. 2 loops on the bike went OK, the rain never stopped, the run was a nice little out and back with 2 loops of the soggy field “.
“These are not excuses at all as everyone faced the same conditions.  The main thing is I almost didn't do it due to the cold weather after I racked my bike. It was a great triathlon for new people, a lot there were new who I could advise/help. Bring on better weather and I will continue to work on my swimming”

“As we always say about early triathlons, never again. Summer for me from now on”.