High River Levels Keep Brandy Wharf Ashore

Paul Carvill (Lincsquad) / 29.01.2008

The Brandy Wharf Winter Warmer, held at Snitterby Carr in Lincolnshire, is an off-road quadrathlon (but with two runs and no swim)... at least it usually is! The second of the four races series, held on Jan. 27th had to be run as a muddy run/ride Duathlon because of advice from the Environment Agency not to run the kayak leg on the swollen river Ancholme.

As a result the race attracted a few competitors who would not normally attend, and made for a good morning racing. The race began with 2 miles of cross-country running, then the off-road bike was upped from 8 miles to 12 miles and this certainly took its toll on many of the competitors. Peter Connolly took an early lead only to be thwarted in the 3rd lap of the bike with a puncture. The race was then completed with a repeat of the first run.

Paul Edgar took the honours coming home first with a strong performance throughout. Andy Grimwood came in 2nd with an impressive performance and certainly would have romped home had there still been the kayak leg. Andy Coultas came home in 3rd place with an impressive bike leg seeing him gain a good advantage.

First lady home was Sandy Walster with a very strong performance against the guys. Sarah Pike who completed her first Duathlon came home 2nd lady and showed true grit to finish a very demanding course.

For details of the remaining races in the series and other events organised by Lincsquad see www.lincsquad.co.uk.

Photo: Paul Carvill - Point7 Media.