This week we despatched Wil Newberry to recce the New Forest Triathlon with event organiser and Ironman legend Richard Iles.

Vital facts

Background

Set in the simply stunning location of the New Forest, this race is set to become a firm favourite with triathletes of all abilities. A “proper” race, with a challenging course, great scenery, excellent organisation and friendly organisers.

The swim

This is a lake swim and wetsuits are advised. It’s a simple course following the perimeter of the lake. Watch out for exit points as it may get a bit crowded and slippery. Waves are started one to three minutes apart depending on your predicted time. The lake is used for water-skiers who have been venturing in for the past few weeks – although we have been assured that 7am is too early to get up for this breed of forest dwellers!

The bike and T1

The bike course was logged on a Forerunner 305 and you can follow Wil round the route here.

Exiting the lake you are guided up a gravel track which has been matted to the bike holding area. Remove your wetsuit in transition and collect your steed. A short run (again on mats) and turn right. You have about half a mile to get into your stride before the first rise kicks in. Look to the right here and you’ll see a sand dune... Remember this!

People ask me if the Forest is a hilly area – well, not particularly, but there are a few nasty little surprises. Like the first climb. Over three miles you climb almost 200 feet. Then comes a chance to open up as it drops down and then up before opening out into the Forest. A left turn here will see you either head into the wind, or fly along with it. Either way, it’s time to get your legs going and put the hammer down. For about 2 miles it is a flat drag strip (literally!). There are a few ruts in the road so watch out and if possible (safely) don’t ride too close to the edge. Another left and I’d say you were coming up to half way. This is where the wind changes and will either help or hinder you!

You are now completely in the open and there is no hiding from it – get as low as you can! Left at the crossroads and get back up to speed quickly. A quick dip and rise at this point can catch you out if you don’t have the right gear selected. From here on in to Fordingbridge there are no major turns. From here you get a good fast descent with some sweeping turns where you have to watch out for cars and (more commonly) forest dwellers – ie; horses, ramblers, cattle, etc.

The road makes a sharp left before you go under the A31 dual carriageway and then a sharper left again (known to locals as Dallaway Corner) and then you are back into the country lanes. The road rises here, so is a great opportunity to stretch the legs and get out of the saddle. At the top of this climb you bear a sharp right and start to descend again. Be careful here as the roads are narrow and the surface isn’t great. Slow down for a sharp left and head back a couple of miles to Moyles Court, go through the ford (which, hopefully, will be empty) and back to transition.

One word of caution – punctures! If you are unfortunate enough to be cursed by the puncture gods do make sure you remove all bits of flint from the inside of the tyres. Several people last year were done by double punctures.

The run

The run course was logged on a Forerunner 305 and you can follow Wil round the route here.

This is where it gets interesting. And your race can be made or broken (we think Richard wants the latter) on this run. You have about ¾ mile of flat good surface before you’ll want to turn around. Make the most of it! Do it a couple of times maybe, because this is the only flat bit of tarmac road in the course. It isn’t the hardest on the circuit… ...but it’s not far off!

Through the ford (or over the little bridge to the side) and you head up that sandy dune you saw earlier – it may be easier to put the hands on the knees and power walk up it….don’t be ashamed! If you need a break turn around at the top and look at the stunning views. Then off down a narrow path where you have to have your wits about you as there are roots under foot and hanging branches ready to catch you out. Keep the pace steady here. It now opens out and starts to go down hill gently. Then the gradient gets steeper and the arms start to flail wildly! At the bottom you turn left into a car park where there should be a drinks station supplying Taut.

Now you turn around and head back up the hill! The road surface here is good(ish) and you follow the trail back the way you came up a gradual incline and take the left fork. As you go under the trees you are about to hit the final down hill, and you are near the end. The road surface here is a little rutted, so please keep your speed under control and take your time as opposed to doing a face plant. As you get to the bottom you head back through the ford again and carry on straight towards Moyles Court. Take the second left and loop round to the finish.

This is a challenging course, no doubt about it and if you don’t respect the bike and (especially) the run you will pay. But make sure you take in some of the sights and enjoy the scenery.

Transitions

Nothing specific to note.

Other information

It’s worth getting as aero as you can on the bike, but do make sure that you can climb effectively too. If you have the option on wheels you can keep the front wheel reasonably deep but not too deep if the wind is blowing and you should be OK for a disc wheel on the back and an aero helmet.

Although we have commented on the road surface for the run you will be fine with your normal runners and you do not need specific off-road shoes. It’s just rougher than you might expect from your regular races.

The bike course is actually the first lap of the New Forest Middle Distance course. Sunday’s race bears left where the trail goes straight on, then instead of heading to Bramshaw you turn left and come back onto the course where there is a V in the trail.

Last updated by Wil Newberry (May 2007)