A few key dates & changes to our weekly program
Tuesday swims
We have lost our extra, earlier half hour that Rob negotiated through the winter & have reverted back to a single 90 minute session from next Tuesday. We will monitor its usage & consider options if we start exceeding 60 on a regular basis. This does place an onus on you – please only sign up if confident of making the session; and should life happen, please cancel at the soonest possible opportunity for another on the waitlist. If we see repeat offenders impacting others’ ability to book swims on Spond, we will name & shame.
Race Marshalling – Mon 4th May
We need marshals for our two races. These form a substantial chunk of our club revenue; and from PR terms, it’s imperative that we continue to give competitors a positive experience of our club. https://thamesturbo.co.uk/volunteer
We need more marshals for the sprint triathlon, than the aquathlon (but if you can’t make the former, please sign up for the latter).
Return of the Paceline
Friday 10th sees the return of the paceline. These tend to be faster, more intense rides than our Sunday rides. These are drop rides (so please ensure you know the route, have lights & warmer clothing); but not deliberate drop rides (so keep any accelerations smooth, don’t crunch the hills & check the group is intact through junctions & lights). Ryan has written an excellent guide for new joiners (attached). https://www.strava.com/routes/3137337068911474696
As last summer, I know others will organise more relaxed Richmond Park loops on Fridays.
Also, the Westerley 10s restart on Weds evenings come the end of the month.
Club Championships (Mar – Oct)
We’re now into race season & early results have been added to https://thamesturbo.co.uk/club-champs
Every time you race in a multi-discipline event, your performance counts towards the Club Championships. For each triathlon distance (and other disciplines – aquathlon, duathlon & aquabike), we take your best performance relative to your respective prize category winner. Please fill in the events calendar (or at least notify me) of any events you’re participating in, so I can look out for & record your results, https://thamesturbo.co.uk/member-race-calendar
We have two nominated club races in August (winner is the first Turbo over the line) for the Sprint Distance at Thorpe Park https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/thorpe-park-sprint-triathlon-august-2026 & Standard Distance at Dorney https://www.dorneylakeevents.com/event/dorney-triathlon-8th-august-2026/
Finally, we have the single discipline events – Bushy Parkrun (best AG%), Hillingdon 10s https://www.westerley.cc/racing/time-trials and 12 length under the lane ropes, 432m swim time trial at HOP (both outright fastest).
The overall club champion is decided by the top 4 scores you post across the 11 disciplines (one of which must be a triathlon).
Race review
Whilst we rightly laud Jess’ superb performance in the Panama 70.3, coming 2nd in her Age Group & 5th overall, many of us take greater pleasure in watching those new to the sport achieving accomplishments through sheer hard work, dedication & endeavour.
Watching Tremaine train for the Ayia Napa 70.3 & Becky for the Rome marathon (in frankly rotten winter conditions) makes their deserved achievements that much sweeter.
Add to these Mark FS’ Barcelona marathon, fabulous half marathons from Chloe, Thomas, Angelo, Mike, Elliott, Hazel, Emily W & Lowri, lots of Parkrun PBs, a frankly indecent 14:47 5km from Atharv and Stewart finishing 7th in the British Duathlon Champs, we can see all our winter training paying off as we move into marathon & 70.3 season proper. We have so many members doing so many amazing events – please fill in the calendar so I can keep track.
The other really heartening trend I’m seeing is many more people stepping up, taking on responsibilities, whether volunteering help for the club, looking for sponsorship options to benefit all, organising rides, runs or socials, writing previews & reports, posting on social media. I know with injury & outside pressures, I’ve had less time – and I’m not alone in appreciating all the efforts being made. THANK YOU.