Chris Panayiotou doinates the Bexhill on Sea triathlon and gets a most usual prize…

After a short lay off following my middle distance experience I decided it was time to get racing again, so I entered the Bexhill on Sea Triathlon. Unfortunately a stormy weather front decided to head into town on the same weekend meaning the triathlon was now a duathlon! Nevertheless it would still serve as good training.

The horn sounded and I was away, my run pace was high, but comfortable as I tried to build up a small lead before the bike leg. Transition bound I had about a minute lead but knew this could be easily caught on the bike. Past the mount line and onto my bike, I worked my way up to speed whilst slipping my feet into my tri-shoes. All set for the journey ahead, I was pushing hard, but directly into a headwind. This was not going to be an easy ride and I would experience this wind for each of the 4 laps. Second lap down, still leading; third lap down, still leading; fourth lap down and on my way back to transition and I was looking good for my first win of the season!
 

Past the dismount line, bike racked and I was on to the final 10k run. Once I got my rhythm established, I was loving every minute, my middle distance endurance was crossing over nicely.

After mustering up a quick sprint I crossed the line achieving my first victory of the season by over five and a half minutes, awesome. My prize – a picture with famous chat show host; Graham Norton!

With thanks to our sponsors:

www.wilier.it – Triathlon Frames
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www.ritcheylogic.com – Aerobars, Saddles and Finishing Kit
www.cycleops.com – Power Meters
www.racezone3.com – Wetsuits
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets & Glasses
www.lakecycling.co.uk – Cycling Footwear
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.scott-sports.com – Running Footwear
www.shimano.com – Groupsets
www.triathlonspecific.com/Sable/Sable.html – Swim Goggles (Sable Water Optic)
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.amphibia-sport.com – Transition Bags
www.schwalbe.com – Tyres
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools and Bottle Cages
www.champ-sys.com – Custom Trisuits and Cycle Wear