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Duston Triathlon
On the 18th April, we will all be heading back to Northamptonshire’s No1 triathlon destination, Duston. No1 because this race has been on the tri calendar in one form or another since the early 80’s and No1 because it attracts both seasoned racers and first timers, Superstars and Corporate relay Teams, young and not so young. The responsibility of preserving this iconic event now falls to Alan Rose of Just Racing UK, he and his Team have taken it to yet another level over the resent years.
I feel slightly biased with this event as it is based in my home ‘village’ and I’ve competed at it several times. I don’t think I’ve met a local athlete in my eighteen race seasons who hasn’t done and loved this event. Wearing the race T-shirt is a badge of honour for first timers, regulars and elite racers alike and the question that is always asked on seeing one is “What year is that one from then?”
Hopefully I can now give you a feel for the bike course; it has a great mixture of terrain and for those who need inspiration, passes through some well known attractions and encouraging scenery. Firstly leaving what is called a village, but is fast becoming a conurbation of the main town, the riders must deal with the ubiquitous mini roundabouts and traffic junctions before getting onto the main road which opens up and drops out of Duston on a fairly fast piece of road. By this time your feet should be well secured in your peddles, your clothes should be drying and you will be mentally prepared to fly around the rest of the course.
The road surface can now be described as coarse or granular, but it is fast on the road to Harlestone, passing by the ‘Firs’ (large wooded area), the village speed camera and the Snooty Fox pub. Two sharp bends on the descent do enough to reduce your speed before the first climb of the day tests your legs and lungs. It isn’t tremendously steep, but does drag a little. A few minutes down the road you pass by Althorp house, childhood home and final resting place of Princess Diana. This course kind of circumvents the grounds, but no ‘nipping through!’ You won’t be looking at the main gates to the house as you pass either, as you will be going far to quickly to have time, this is definitely the place to take time from your rivals or improve your average speed towards your personal best.
The road rolls along, undulating through the countryside and the mind wonders as it starts to feel as though your riding a long way out, before you finally turn and head towards the charming village of Great Brington and the toughest part of the course. An extremely fast descent, over a railway bridge halfway down comes to an abrupt end as the road sweeps straight back up again towards the heart of the village. Brington church is the point to aim for as you climb this sharp but at least short test and you are then treated to a fast sweeping section thru Little Brington, on good quality and quite roads, the only challenge is to try and resist the temptation to stop at the pub!
After you have recovered from the Brington section you turn onto the Nobottle road and head for home. This is more often than not, the fastest part of the course. There are plenty of points that require your attention, as the winter has made parts of this road a little rough in patches. There is a short descent and an even shorter climb into and out of Nobottle before you can start to move through the gears to power your way along this fast section. The last awkward piece of road furniture is the off camber roundabout that needs to be negotiated as you enter the outskirts of Duston and start to prepare for transition!
Shoe removal down this last section of road is made all the more interesting by more of the modern cyclist obstacle, the speed humps. Ensuring you manage to navigate your way through these, you are now ready for the run. I think everyone will agree that the course is interesting enough to suit all, experienced and new racers alike. There are some fast sections and some tough parts to consider, something for all tastes.
The only complaint about this course is that now it is only a sprint distance event, you only get to race one lap. Best thing to do is come over to Duston before the event and ride the course, check it out and take your time to enjoy it as you may not be able to on race day, you will not be disappointed…. And you will, I’m sure, be back for more next year too.
Whats it like (Big Stu)...
Thanks for a great day yesterday - excellent venue/course, good racing and a fantastic atmosphere. Now looking forward to Grendon.
Steve (2009)
Although all your marshals are encouraging and helpful, I particularly like the lady who was doing the swimming briefing. Just when you’re trying to decide why you’re doing this at all and whether you should have had another(!) wee, she’s very pleasant and calm and organized. Just what you need. Thanks.
Dave (2009)
Well I am now hooked! brilliant event great support and even better organizers, made my 1st triathlon a Great experience an Yes I will be coming back for more via you!!! x x x x x
Jodie (2009)
Having completed my first ever triathlon yesterday, just wanted to thank you guys for a fantastic event. The organisation was superb and the whole thing just appeared seamless.
Jamie (2009):