Racing duathlon, Andy Barlow style

Glentress was the venue for the medium distance duathlon – a mountain biking leg followed by a cross-country run. We’d been promised some stormy weather for the Sunday, but as we set off from Edinburgh it didn’t look too bad. A little windy perhaps, but nothing like a storm. Were we to be spared? Better take the waterproofs just in case.

We got there nice and early, with plenty time to find a parking space, register and pre-ride the MTB course. It was the same route as last year’s medium distance round. Fire road climbs and roller coaster downhills with one technical, rooty, single track descent to keep everyone on their toes. As I started heading back to the van though the weather that we had been promised had started to close in. This was going to be a wet one.

After the race briefing everyone headed up to the start line, trying to keep their waterproofs on as long as possible. My girlfriend, Karen, had braved the weather and cycled the thirty miles down from Edinburgh on her road bike to cheer me on. She arrived just in time to give me a kiss and wish me luck. Time to get down to business.

The gun went off and we were away. We quickly settled in to a steady pace but it wasn’t long before the fire road started to steepen and the attacks were on. I managed to stick on to the leader’s wheel but it was a blistering pace. Three of us had managed to break away, but we were spread over a hundred metres or so with me at the back. I know where my strengths lie though, and I knew I could catch the leader on one of the technical downhills. I put in a hard effort at the top of the climb, trying to overtake the second place rider, but he heard me coming and blocked me from getting to the downhill first. I stuck tight on his wheel, trying to put the pressure on, and waited for him to make a mistake. Sure enough just two corners in he slid out and I was through.

I love riding the Whyte 19 downhill in these conditions. The adjustable geometry means you can tweak the riding style to however suits you, completely changing the way it handles. I like mine nice and tight to give me a quick handling, aggressive feel. And once again the 19 descended with confidence over the slippery roots.

It wasn’t long before I’d caught the leader and, without having to take too many chances, was in the lead. We began to traverse through the woods but I couldn’t shake him, so as the track pointed upwards I let him through to set the pace on the climb.

As we reached the top of the hill though I sprinted past to take the lead again. A quick rest to catch my breath, and once again the Whyte 19 was off. The trails at Glentress are such that no matter what the weather throws at you, the bermed, hardpack corners hold up. So even though it was absolutely chucking it down, I could nail the downhill.

After some more fire road sections to take us back, I reached the transition with about a minute in hand. As I handed over my bike and started to jog over to my kit I noticed Karen, now changed into some dry clothes, standing just next to my stuff. I had just enough time to give her a kiss before whipping off my shoes and helmet and slipping on my running shoes. It was quite a challenge trying to tie the laces with numb fingers, but I got them on and was off in no time.

I’m not a runner, and without my bike to give me an advantage, it would seem I’m just as mortal as everyone else. It wasn’t long before I was caught, but I kept on pushing. About three quarters of the way up though, I was caught and passed by another runner. I tried to keep him in sight, but these guys are fast on their feet. By the time I reached the top I was on my own again. This was the first time I’d worn my new ‘fell running’ shoes, and what a difference they made on the downs. I actually had grip despite the treacherous conditions. Thanks to my new found confidence (and traction) I just let go, and let gravity do its job.

Ten minutes later I was over the line. Phew. Third place overall, and the fastest bike. A much better position than I’d hoped for on the run. And the rain even stopped for the prize giving. This is about as good as it gets in the Tweed Valley in December. I can hardly walk today though…

Next round is the ‘short’ round. Hopefully I’ll have recovered by then.