TriBridges

Several members took part in the superb Balbirnie Duathlon on Wednesday. This annual event is expertly organised by our pals at Glenrothes Triathlon Club and supported by Balbirnie House Hotel who laid on an excellent post-race BBQ.
The usual format of a 5k run, 20k bike and 2.5k run was the arrangement which our eager members took on. For the uninitiated, the run includes three ascents of a climb affectionately known as variations of 'cardiac hill' or 'heart-attack hill'. We can think of other names, none of which are publishable here dear reader.
GTC also arranged a cracking spell of weather, if not a bit windy but that was only of real concern to those on deep section wheels (hold on tight!).

Scores on the doors are as follows:
Chris Stuart placed an excellent 5th overall from the 71 finishers in 1.11.25.
Stephen Nicholson in 1.14.35 placing 11th.
Scott Hutchinson in 1.20.15 and 22nd
Michael Atkinson finished 38th in 1.29.04.

Huge thanks to the organisers, Balbirnie House Hotel and all the fantastic volunteers!

Next up...Monikie Sprint Champs on the 6th July 🏊🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

What a weekend for TriBriges athletes... otherwise known as the Super Weekend now... From Ironmans, Celtman to 70.3 members raced and achieve some audacious results.
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Ironman Austria welcomed Keith Bedbourough and Wendy Still. Both their first Ironman and both did the club and themselves very proud.
Keith with a 13hrs 10👊🏻
Wendy with a 15hrs 11👌
- An extremely tough event mentally and physically but one that will change your life.
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Up North in Scotland we had Celtman welcoming Colin McMorin. And Colin did what Colin does, executed the perfect race to take 16th overall with an astonishing top10 swim. Ably supported by club member Kevin McKee👊🏻👌💪🏻
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In the south in the Lake District we have Lorna Rashid, Stuart Clarke and Marc Preece racing the Lakesman - a Half Ironman.
Lorna posted a 6hrs 11💪🏻👌
Stuart a 5hrs 10, 5mins quicker than he aimed for.👊🏻💪🏻👌🚀
Marc Preece eventually listened and expected his best 70.3 distance pairing a 4hrs 46 with a 1hrs 36 run to boot taking 4th spot.
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All in all an excellent weekend for the club. If your interested in triathlon and or just the training element, then feel free to drop us a message and come along.

All abilities welcomed.💥

🚨🚨🙌🏻RACE DAY ALERT!🙌🏻🚨🚨

Less than 24 hours until we're racing our local event, the Lochore Sprint Triathlon!!

We'll be there at TB HQ early doors so keep an eye out for us and come and say hi! 👋🏻

🏊🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

**Monikie Winter Duathlon Series Final Race**

Yesterday saw the final race in this superb series with a 4k Run, 21k Bike and 4k run once more in and around Monikie Country Park.
The weather gods were clearly feeling generous for this one with temperatures hitting a scorching 11 degs! Bare legs and arms were the way to go (for most of us!) as we bathed in the sunshine whilst smashing ourselves to bits amongst 45 other competitors.

The Club had great success with a number of podium visits!

Overall Series Open Third place went to Colin McMorrin 🏆
Marc Preece took the Open Super Vet series win 🏆
And TriBridges took the Club Series win! 🏆A closely fought contest with our pals at Perth Triathlon but four top ten finishes from Marc, Colin, Stephen and Stuart was enough to secure the victory (I think, I don't fully understand the process but the organiser said we won so I'll take that!).

Huge thanks to Nick and his team at Eventfull Management Limited for saving this great series and delivering a well run event.

See you in 2025!

*Monikie Winter Duathlon Series Event 2*
Six of us represented the Club today for the second race in this series which today comprised 4k Run/21k Bike/4k Run.
It was a chilly start when we arrived with temperatures barely lifting above 1deg and a bit of a har hanging round the Park. Fortunately the Sun broke through and once it had burned off, it left excellent conditions for this time of year.
This week saw fewer entrants with only 56 taking to the start line compared to 78 three weeks earlier which is a bit of a shame as it was shaping up to be a cracking mornings racing.
We got underway on time at 11am with the fast boys and girls setting a blistering pace whereby some of us plodded round just a little bit slower, conscious of the bike and run to follow. The course was decidedly muddier this time round and I was thankful for my choice of trail shoes which helped with a bit of purchase.
The bike course was reasonably dry but some sections were muddy and damp so by the end it appeared we'd been doing some off road on the TT rigs! On paper this course should be superb, but the reality is the road surface is horrendous and despite running lower tyre pressure today my fillings were still rattling.
Onto Run 2 and the inevitable heavy legs kicked in and it was an absolute drag round the course, so much so the time I'd put into passing others on the bike was in vain as they floated past me! Chapeau to them for doing so of course, it's not just a bike race 👏🏻
The Club had an excellent morning overall with Marc Preece, Colin McMorrin and Michael Ferrier placing top 10 and Stephen Nicholson just missing outside with a superb 11th. I finished 27th and 6th SuperVet (Colin 5th Senior, Michael 2nd Vet and Marc 1st SuperVet!, Tremendous!).
Commiserations must go to Leona Doherty who suffered a snapped chain 3 miles into the bike course meaning her race was cut short. We're all gutted for her, particularly as it was her firs Duathlon. Huge thanks must go to the Marshals who got both her and bike back to race HQ.
Finally, thanks again to Management Limited and their volunteers for another well organised days racing.
Onto Event 3 in 3 weeks time! If any members fancy coming up to grab some quality photos we'd be very grateful (hence the lack of images here!). See you there!
🏃🏻‍♀️🚵🏻🏃🏻‍♀️

TRIBRIDGES TREMEDOUS TIMES-A-GOGO!...is how I'd imagine a headline from The Sun would look if reporting on todays first event in the Monikie Duathlon Winter Series. Unfortunately you'll have to make do with me instead with no innuendo or celeb goss.
The popular event returns again for 2024 although it looked like it wasn't to be with organisers initially announcing cancellation after low sign ups and escalating costs (an issue affecting organisers across the country sadly). However the good folks at Eventfull Management Limited stepped up and put on a superb show today with a decent turnout for this time of year (event taking the howling weather into account!).

So, TriBridges athletes Marc Preece, Colin McMorrin, Michael Ferrier, Stephen Nicolson and Scott Hutchinson donned the trisuits and hit the road up to Angus. Conditions were, how can we put it...nippy. We left the rain behind in Fife but were met with a cold wind which tested our members and looking at them the phrase 'you could cut glass with those' sprung to mind (sorry sorry, I did say no innuendo).
We got underway at 11am on time, undertaking two laps of the reservoir. This was pretty exposed and it was windy enough to require a good dig to keep the pace up before entering T1.
The bike course took us in an anticlockwise direction, although that didn't seem to make sense as the wind did its best to hit the riders face on whichever way they faced and being on higher ground with little in the way of protection from hedges or trees, was a tough, gruelling grind on this undulating course. A minor mishap with signposting and marshalling meant the course was around 2k short of intentions (cue a cacophony of Garmin devices bleeping "your going the wrong bloody way!"). As everyone went the same way we can't really complain seeing as it meant getting out of that wind just a little bit quicker.
So readers, onto the bit you really want...results 👇🏻

5th Overall Colin McMorrin and 5th Senior
8th Overall and 1st Vet Michael Ferrier
12th Overall and 2nd SuperVet Marc Preece
15th Overall Stephen Nicholson and 10th Senior
21st Overall and 4th SuperVet Scott Hutchinson

Onto round 2 in 4 weeks time! (where the next race report will be shorter coz this has taken me far too long to type 🙄)

Finally, here's some average photography from Club member Leona Doherty who was supporting us today (potential replacements apply within) 🎥📷😛

No storms ✅
No ice ✅
No rain ✅
Chance of sunshine ✅
Cafe stop ✅
No wind 🤔 emmm...

Time to ride!!!!

Despite the baltic weather 🥶 it's been a pretty epic weekend for TriB members with gravel rides, trails runs and sunrise Celtman training all happening! Definitely beats sitting on a turbo or treadmill pounding away! Oddly no-one felt the need to jump into Lochore for a swim though 🤔

🫵🏻 Have you overindulged this Christmas?
🫵🏻 Are you full of turkey, sprouts and cheese?
🫵🏻 Do you now struggle to tie your shoelaces due to excess After Eight mints?
🎯Then set a goal and set it early!
🏃🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️There are still places available at the Monikie Duathlon, so get your entry in with our pals over at Eventful 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://www.eventfull.biz/sporting-events/monikie-winter-duathlon-series-2024

First race is 4th Feb!

(pic for dramatic effect 😐)

Wishing all our members and followers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and successful New Year!
🎄🎅🏻🏊🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🎅🏻🎄

Happy birthday to Club Chair Have a top day boss 🍻🎂🎉

🚨🎖️Awards Announcement!🎖️🚨

What a superb evening enjoyed by members last night at our Christmas Dinner and Annual Awards Evening! A few sore heads this morning (some more than others based on a few of the performances last night!)
A major part of the evenings events were a recognition of members achievements throughout the year, presented by Club Chair Marc Preece.

Our winners are:

🏆Sportsperson of the Year
Female Barbara-ann Hogarth for her inspiring achievements throughout the year including Celtman and for being a committed and supportive member helping many with her experience of open water swimming.

Male - Scott Hutchinson for completing his first middle distance triathlon despite being uncomfortable in open water swimming along with many other events during the year, and helping and encouraging other club members.

🏆Performance of the Year
Female - Heather Elder for her incredible achievements taking Female win at the Scottish Sprint Champs at Lochore, then finishing 3rd overall at the Nice 70.3 Ironman qualifying for the world champs in Finland. That this is her first year racing in triathlon makes this performance even more outstanding.

Male - Colin McMorrin for his superb 3rd place at the Knockburn Standard Champs and his 3rd place at the Open age category Scottish Sprints Champs at Lochore. Achieving all this whilst juggling life as a new father!

🏆Chair Award
This is presented to an individual who the Chair feels has delivered an outstanding contribution to the sport and community this year. Stuart Clarke took the honours this year for his achievements and commitment to training for Ironman Berlin then racing in Ironman Tallin. Stuart also regularly coaches our members poolside and when pounding the roads.

A huge congratulations to all members who were nominated!

The Club would also like to say a heartfelt thanks to the coaches, volunteers and committee members who have helped deliver another successful year for TriBridges. And thanks of course to all our members, our raison d'etre. Remember, the clock resets on Jan 1st, so get those training plans in place! 🏊🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

Have a great Christmas and New Year! 🍾🥂

TriBridges Christmas Party and Awards night is underway!! Stay tuned for the end of night photo 🙈

Another cracking TriB Sunday Trail Run!

TriBridges members were well represented at the first race in the Foxtrails Winter Series on Saturday organised by our pals at Durty Events.
223 hardy entrants lined up for the start on an soggy Saturday morning. It looked to be a mudfest and so it turned out to be, not helped by the biblical downpour just before the race got underway!
The rain eventually stopped and gladly stayed off for the remainder of the mornings shenanigans. The damage was done though and runners did well to keep upright in sections where waders, hiking boots or fins would have served them better than the trail shoes most had on their feet!
Still, where would the fun have been if it had been dry!
The course wound its way through just shy of 13 kilometres of varied terrain from long grass, compact gravel to sandy trails as well as some mud (did we mention the mud?).
It was a great day out enjoyed by all our members and superb organisation as always although one can only feel for the poor washing machines who had to deal with the aftermath. Pics below courtesy of our members and the ace photographers at Durty.

We love a bit of Club merch here at TriBridges HQ. These trucker caps landed yesterday and we're well chuffed with them! Perfect for hiding helmet hair after an epic race or workout 🏊‍♂️🚴🏃‍♂️
Huge thanks to The Uniform Room for supplying them and for the great service!

***Triathlon Scotland Awards***
Nominations for awards closes today, including Club of the Year!
Please get your nominations in on the following link -

Annual Awards - Triathlon Scotland Each year, we recognise the people within our community that give their free time, passion and energy to developing our sport. The work of these wonderful vo...

Give our pals across the Bridge at New Years Day Triathlon a wee look and get yourself an entry below 👇👇👇
https://www.entrycentral.com/NYDtriathlon?fbclid=IwAR2zXHRtdJNjhPrqA8y9KD5aWsu8i6Khom5BsyinH9-3OTctoK_HsOKbyEk

New Year's Day Triathlon Edinburgh Triathletes welcome you the New Year's Day Triathlon. We are truly proud of our event, this is the 27th edition of what has become a fixture in the calendar. The race was introduced as part of the Edinburgh Hogmanay Fes

As the weather has been so rubbish this weekend, here's a little throwback to the Club's training camp last year in glorious Mallorca to cheer everyone up 🏊🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♀️🏃🏻✈️☀️

TriBridges Training Camp - Mallorca 2022 First post in a while subscribers! Some footage and photos of our recent training camp to Mallorca with TriBridges triathlon club. A fantastic 6 days swimmin...

Hintedy hint hint 👇👇👇

"Our Club of the Year Award recognises an outstanding club which supports its members, develops volunteers and provides a great atmosphere and experience.

Does your club deserve to win? Tell us why and nominate today 👇
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ts-awards-2023
"

Perfect weather for wetsuits and ducks today so no outdoor rides 🌨️🦆 What's your go-to alternative when the weather gods are angry? Pics please!

As the racing year winds down our members still like to keep active in the off season and mix things up a bit. Our Sunday trail runs take us off road and into some beautiful parts of Fife, followed by obligatory coffee and cake after!
Good to see them starting again this morning with members Leona, Scott, Alan, Wendy and unofficial TriBridges dog, Bonnie🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🐶🏞️

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any Club. Triathlon Scotland have opened nominations for their Club Spirit Awards to recognise those who have really created opportunities for their Clubs. Please take a moment to fill out the form below...👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

https://www.facebook.com/scottishtri/posts/pfbid04T5jZqCPybDjCvKxWRhmpAvFzK71cqLRqNSjHd1g9EqQPVtNwQh8AtgnEcpP58Zil

Our Club Spirit Awards aim to recognise the efforts of a person who has motivated and inspired, or has created new opportunities within the sport on a voluntary basis for the benefit of others.

They could be a club committee member, parent helper, event organiser or marshal.

Nominate someone deserving today 👇
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ts-awards-2023

What a weekend!! We had members racing in St Andrews at the Scottish National Duathlon Championships on Sunday where Mike Harvey took Bronze in his age category Open 60-64. Mike said "I entered last minute having done little training lately and guessed a 5K time which put me in Wave 2. Quite amazed with Bronze, so next year I hope to be back, with training and take Gold." Colin Mcmorrin went one better taking Silver in the Open 35-39 age group with Michael Ferrier closely following with an 8th Open Vet.

At the same time the Peebles Sprint Triathlon was taking place. Last in the superb Live Borders Series saw the event return following the devastating fire at the pool last year.

For two TriBridges members it was their first ever Triathlon! Barry Extance completed the sprint in 1:16:21, 20th overall and 9th in the Open Seniors. Barry reflects "I absolutely loved it! It was great putting all that training and hard work to use on race day". To top it off, Barry rode with only one cleat after the other broke off at the start of the ride! We've marked him down for a basic maintenance class at TriBridges Race School 😜 (sorry Barry!)
Alika-Peach Molloy was our other newcomer, posting a fantastic time of 1:33:29, 83rd overall and 18th Female Senior. What's even more impressive is that Alika underwent spinal surgery only three years ago!

Barry and Alika were supported by Club Chair Marc Preece and Stuart McElroy, taking 4th and 5th Open Vet positions respectively. Marc added "I raced as hard as I could on the day but struggled on the bike, body still tired from last weekend (taking Gold in the champs at Aviemore)"

We're incredibly proud of our diverse range of members here at TriBridges HQ, from National Champions to first timers and everything in between. Drop us a line if you're interested in learning more about the Club and how we could support you. 🏊‍♀️🚴🏃‍♀️

Good luck to all TriBridges members taking part in the season closing events in both Peebles (Live Borders Triathlon Series) and in St Andrews at the Scottish National Duathlon Championship. For some of our members it's their first ever triathlon, but we know they'll have a great time!

Check back soon for photos and results!

Good luck to all those racing this weekend... what I'm aware off...
Ally Proven Ironman Wales..... a brutal yet stunning race. All the very best to Ally.
Stuart Clarke and Kevin McKee racing in some guys back garden in Geordie land👊🏻
Scott Hutchinson Loch Ore Cross Triathlon
Colin McMorrin Scottish Standard Championships
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A great variety of distances and across all types of Triathlon. Ride safe yet fast. Smile when it hurts and do yourself and the club proud.
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Anyone else I've missed!!?

What an epic weeknd for TriBridges, maybe one of the toughest weekends for the club.
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We had Colin Cossar down in the Lakes doing the half Ironman, Alexandra Kotowicz and Mairi McRobbie doing the Full Lakesman👊🏻. Long day over an extremely challenging course, lots of climbing on the bike and the run. The only flat part was the swim… and not to mention the 🥵.. brilliant effort ladies and Colin.
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North west coast of Scotland we had GM Carrolla, Barbara-ann Hogarth and Kevin McKee smashing it at one of the XTri - Extreme Triathlon..… because normal triathlon isn’t hard enough..
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And finally, Stuart Clarke and myself on what now seems to be just a spin on the bike the Scottish National 100TT.
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A solid performance by all, doing the club proud and inspiring others I have no doubt. It was also great to see a group led by Iain Taylor out on Saturday too.
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Great weekend well done all, listen to the body and give it some rest🙏🍺

Tremendous day for TriBridges at the Scottish Sprint Champs👊🏻. The camaraderie amongst thw team was tremendous, lots of support and
advide being shared.
The club had 18 x athletes racing and 3 x volunteering 🙏
Two Scottish Champions were born:
Mike Harvey Scottish Champs
Heather Elder Scottish Champ
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Time to recuperate today and get back to training on preparation for the next one.

Well done all

An absolutely astonishing achievement by all whom give their time to drive TriBridges from Strength to Strength. Almost 3 years in and we’re firmly a recognised Triathlon club in Scotland. 2023 promises to be an exciting year; with athletes racing their first triathlon, first half Ironman, others doing ironman again and some taking it to the extreme level and racing Celtman part of the Xtri series.

Firmly, a club for all abilities.

With regular swims, run sessions, club rides and most recently weekly Zwift sessions.

Thank you too all whom have contributed, and to those whom continue to support.
🙏