Did you know Banbury has its very own Triathlon? The first Banbury Triathlon took place in 1997, which was won by an international Japanese triathlete, Hiro Yamaguchi. The women’s race was won by an up and coming young Welsh athlete, Anneliese Heard, who went on to become the World Junior Triathlon Champion in 1999 and 2000.
Since then the event has gone from strength to strength as the popularity of Triathlons has increased. The men’s course record is a staggering 1:01:32 whilst the female is an incredible 1:08:45, and it is now organised by the local Team Cherwell Triathlon Club.
Alex Birch, the new Chairman, says “The inclusive and supportive community in the club welcomes members of all levels. Our knowledgeable coaches and experienced triathletes have created a collaborative environment that enhances performance but importantly makes your triathlon journey enjoyable.”
This is shown when you meet some of the members. Stephen Parnell is registered as severely sight impaired (blind) and joined the club in 2009. “I never thought I’d be able to complete a triathlon” said Steve at a swim training session. “The club has been supportive and friendly from the start” as he pushes off to do the next swim set using the lane rope as his guide and counting his strokes.
Steve needs an athletes Support Guide in order to compete; Andy Bucher from the club is by his side. There is a lot of skill required to be a Guide, especially for a sport like triathlon. Andy very modestly adds “It’s all about communication and sometimes we don’t always get it right!”
Feeling inspired – then read on…
This year The Banbury Triathlon takes place on 19th May at Woodgreen Leisure Centre and entries are now open. Supersprint or sprint distances are available with 400m or 750m swim in the heated 50m open air pool, followed by a 20K bike and a 5k run to Giants Cave then back to the finish line.
If you need a lower impact option or running is not your thing, you can enter the Aquabike (swim then cycle).
Or, get together with friends, family or work colleagues to form a relay team. Each member picks either the swim, bike or run and you each earn your medal through teamwork (minimum age 16yrs).
Sounds scary? Don’t worry, this event is perfect for beginners, but beware, apparently they can be quite addictive!
First timer Caroline Chanides said “I chose Banbury as my first triathlon in 2016. I was so nervous, but the fantastic support and atmosphere got me to the finish line…and now I’m hooked!”
You don’t need the latest fancy TT bike to take part, as Wendy Woodward from the club has proved. It just needs to be road worthy with working brakes and that all important bike helmet.
Then there are the members in the club who have qualified in their age-group to represent Great Britain at Triathlon and Duathlon World and European Championships. One such member is Ruth Evans – we love her inspiring story:
“After being very sporty as a teenager, I’d had a long period of little structured exercise whilst pursuing a career and having a child. I started jogging and swimming in my mid 40s in a bid to re-find my mojo and in a passing conversation with a school mum discovered I could get some swimming tips if I went to Team Cherwell.
They welcomed me with open arms and I found a great deal more than a few swimming tips….enthusiasm, camaraderie, great stories of daring-do, and fun. And here we are, five years later, a load of new friends, and having fulfilled my childhood dream of representing Great Britain at sport, specifically Sprint Triathlon.
Team Cherwell is a fantastic community; an amazing group of individuals with a shared passion for triathlon. Everyone contributes where they can, with some of us using our life skills to fulfil committee positions, Treasurer in my case, whilst others learn to lifeguard, set challenges to keep motivation high, or organise social events. I’d always thought I’d like to coach and the club supported my development to that end. I’ve found that I love it, and now regularly coach for Team Cherwell to give something back to this amazing group of people that have transformed my life.
“We’re of all shapes and sizes, and of all abilities, pursuing all kinds of personal challenges – the first session is free, so if you think you might like to try a triathlon, come along and give it a go.”
A final word from Alex, “If you like the idea of a club where goals are shared, achievements are celebrated and lasting friendships are forged, get in touch we’d love to hear from you”.
What are you waiting for? Let your triathlon journey start today.
Further details and entry information visit https://teamcherwell.co.uk/
