Reading Triathlon review 2019

Barney has written a evocative write up of his return to Reading after missing two consecutive years. This is not that, its a simple review of the Reading triathlon itself.

The Reading Triathlon is a surprisingly small scale event, compared to some local monsters like the reading half marathon. Run for the last couple of years by the Tri2O club out of the Tri2O swim center, it’s a popular choice for local triathlon clubs with a good half dozen present in numbers. This is even though it only sees around 150 entrants for both Olympic and sprint distances. Up front, it’s worth mentioning that both those distances are long, with a 22k bike lap and a 5.4/10.8k run. Together with a long run to the mount line from transition, it’s unlikely to be a distance PB for anyone.

This year, the organisation was spectacularly good. Arrive early at the car park, as it is a twenty minute walk (only a few minutes if you are riding) away to allow the race itself to take part in and around the venue car park and for closed roads on a critical section of the bike route. We were greeted by friendly parking assistants (collecting charitably, but with no pressure) who then guided us onto the clearly marked route to registration. Marshals were already out in numbers and ready to guide spectators and competitors to the start.

Arriving at the venue proper, I was neatly streamed by several marshals so by the time I reached the registration desk I knew my wave number, hat colour and had my race number applied to my hands. This made race pack collection fast and painless. Reading usually include a unusual freebie with the race pack. Last years bobble hat went down very well, and although this years sun visor doesn’t suit my hairline it was soon snapped up by my supporting son.

With a couple of bike and helmet numbers applied I was soon in transition. Things were a little tight, but there was just about enough room. I did quickly reverse the bike next to me which had been put in facing the wrong way and was properly messing everyone up. I hate touching anyone elses kit, so kept an eye out for the competitor and let him know what I’d done later.

Reading always has a bag drop – usually I loathe these, but today things were fast and efficient both dropping and collecting. Although a special carpet had been laid across the tennis courts used for transition, large sections of the carpet were covered in sand – we weren’t able to work out why. Maybe they were aiming for a sea swim feel?

Olympic starters were already in the water as we exited transition ready for the safety briefing which was clear, concise and delivered cheerfully. There were a number of friendly touches as a lot of the field knew each other.

With a water temp in excess of twenty degrees, getting in wasn’t a shock, and although there was some encouragement to somersault in (which was rapidly dialled back) I know from experience it’s not that deep there. A giant stride meant I still made contact with the bottom.

Visibility was very limited, but fortunately so were the weeds and with the long back straight aligned with the rising sun on the left polarised goggles or the ability to breath to the right are a must. I’m sure on previous years the swim exit had been marked with a banner or two but it still wasn’t hard to spot the helpers dragging swimmers to their feet. I was pleased to be told I’d made the top ten in the swim.

Its quite a nice course for spectators (once you’ve walked in) with the transition area clearly visible and good viewing positions for the laps of the run and the finish. The plus for competitors is you tend to get a rousing roar from family and friends as you complete each bit.

The bike course is mostly not on closed roads, but this isn’t usually much of an issue. I did see athlete 116 crash most spectacularly in front of me (on a relatively straight piece of road) with a full tour de france style somersault still strapped to the bike. I was already slowing, he yelled ‘I’m ok, don’t stop’ at me so I was pleased to see him finish a couple of minutes behind me. Flat, but with some deceptively sharp curves for the first third, then with a long, although not terribly steep drag for the middle third, and finally a very fast, predominantly downhill or flat final third actually makes this a fast bike course. There is a single foot down right hand turn and the only traffic lights are on the closed road portion (so no stopping even on red)

Soon back in transition and out for the run – which personally I hate. I had another athlete tell me on Sunday that they couldn’t work out how all of each of the three laps could be uphill . Mostly mown grass, divots potholes and awkward cambers mean you have to be on alert the whole way round. Although many of the Olympic athletes I knew got ‘better value for money’, and I’d love doing two laps of the bike, I couldn’t face doing six of the run. The water station near transition was manned by a lot of volunteers and I can’t imagine anyone struggled to get refreshment when needed. Although the Olympic racers were hitting the run course while the slower sprint racers were still out there, there seemed to be plenty of room for everyone.

Eventually the time comes to peel off and race for the finish – apparently a enthusiastic supporter clapping and cheering while blocking view of the ‘finish this way’ sign caused some issues until she was moved. The final sprint was accompanied with the commentators calling out each athlete and medals presented. Although plastic cups were used for finish line water from large dispensers I still think this was better in terms of waste than bottles.

There were massage facilities and the usual food and drink options laid on – I happen to know the Ice cream van went down very well in what was turning out to be a warm mid morning. Presentations were followed with a race number raffle with a number of bonus goodies on offer.

Its a good race with a fast but fun bike, challenging run, and being organised and staffed by triathletes was really well executed.