Last weekend June 13/14 saw the Blenheim Triathlon – the second largest triathlon in the country. It is a sprint-distance event (750 metre swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and takes place entirely within the expansive grounds of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
A few weeks ago, we reported on the success of 70 year-old Bob Sharp competing in another triathlon at Lydd where he won the class for his age group, albeit, on that occasion, without much competition. He was back in action again on Sunday at Blenheim and, this time, with at least four others to give him serious competition in his age group.
With his heat on Sunday, Sharp was fortunate, rain on Saturday had made for difficulties, especially on the bike leg. The roads round the estate are narrow with two or three sharp little hills on each of the three laps that the cyclists have to complete. The surface was slippery and there were a number of fallers – particularly after one fast descent which ended in a tight bend, catching out several of the unwary. Sunday, however, dawned bright and dry, perfect racing conditions.
Climbing out of the lake at the end of the swim, Sharp’s first obstacle was a steep leg- and lung-sapping sprint up the hill to transition, located in the spectacular courtyard at the back of the main buildings (see main photo). Stripping off the wetsuit and with no time to catch breath, it was on to the bike for the scenic but challenging three lap 20 kilometre course. The swim and bike legs played to Sharp’s strengths and it wasn’t long before he was back in transition again to drop off the bike, don running shoes and set off on the final leg – a two lap run round the largest of the ornamental lakes. A nice level section to start, then a dip down to the level of the lake followed by a climb back up to the Palace. One more time round then a couple of hundred metres of straight and level road, being cheered on by the spectators, and under the finishing arch. His total time was 1hr 51mins – pretty respectable and good enough to earn him another first place.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Sharp has several more races planned for the season and we look forward to reporting his progress. Will he be beaten? Or can he continue to defeat all comers?
Photos: Blenheim Triathlon/IMG