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We arrived late Friday night in the New Forest after having to do a car change, a well deserved lie in Saturday morning and then off to register. It was a much smaller field than previous years but the same stunning setting. As you can imagine the water temperature was the main topic for discussion. They had shortened the lap and were ready to call 1,2 or 3 laps depending on the temperatures (air and water) in the morning. We were allowed to wear bootees but gloves had to be declared, didn’t use either! If you only wanted to swim 1 lap then this was allowed but again had to be declared. That was very reassuring and showed concern for us athletes. Back home and race prep began and stopped! Gary put his race wheels on and had a broken spoke - great and that then buckled his wheel! Wasn’t a happy bunny! So change back to 'travel' wheels. Early to bed 8.30! Alarm went off at 3.30am a few more snoozes and then mad panic as the race started at 6am!! We arrived at the race, racked bikes, wet suits on and off to the start - no time to faff or get nervous at all - good plan for next race. The swim was 2 laps and a balmy 12.5 degrees (at the bank!) more like 10.5 out in the deep. The tide was coming in so easy out and swim hard back in. Swim done and having learnt a lesson from getting cold a few years back - We took time to dry off and put on an extra layer, well I did Gary decided just his tri-suit! Bike course was through the lovely New Forest and so scenic. My legs were not too happy doing it and Gary went sailing past me. I had to deal with my chain coming off and then my very first puncture in a race. Sorted but lost lots of time. The run was 2 laps of 7 miles through the country lanes and wood. It was great to run and all the Marshalls were brilliant and so supportive. I finished 2nd Super Vet and qualified for next years ITU’s but unfortunately Gary missed out on ETU’s by 6 mins!! (Oh to be an older lady!) We can really recommend this fantastic, well organised, cheap entry race and we'll be back again next year!
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