Did the 70.3 - finished at the sharper end of things. The swim is ok - slightly crowded but very safe which is all you can ask for. Bike is fast and flat and the roads are quiet. One or two people got lost but it was reasonably well signed and personally didn't have an issue. Run was loops - there was a out and back section along a single track path that could get a bit crowded but again off road and very safe. I think it was great value for money and a good way to test the legs at the end of the season. Il be back!

This event was truly fantastic! The location was wonderful and the atmosphere so welcoming and encouraging. My autistic needs were welcomed and accommodated with ease which makes such a difference to me. It really felt that, no matter what level you are at, you are welcome to participate.

After the swim I had a major mechanical problem on the bike and had to abandon. The support I received at this point was outstanding. A motorbike marshal stopped when he saw me walking my bike back to the park and let me borrow his mobile to call my husband to get my things from transition and come to pick me and my bike up. He also called marshals at transition to advise them to allow my husband into transition to retrieve my wetsuit etc, the gave them my number. He was very helpful and reassuring . Before my husband collected me I was also offered help from two other marshals in a truck, who asked if they could take me and my bike back to the park. This experience was all extremely supportive and gave me a positive impressive of the event despite my extreme disappointment at not being able to complete the event after having done all the training. Please pass on my thanks to the marshals who were so helpful.

So, like most of the reviews, it's a good event that with a few tweaks here and there, could be even better next year. Yes, for a first time event there was always going to be seen/unforeseen issues. Queues for registration, racking bikes, all done by volunteers who get asked all sort of questions and can get distracted. Yes there could have been a few more marshalls, but as it's voluntary, you can only work with what you've got. However, I was there with less than an hour to go and had no problem. 10 min queue to rack my bike, I'd anticipated longer so was chilled and ready to go. To the swim start. The PA was far too quiet so I basically heard nothing, and just went with the flow, however, as this area was cramped, non-competitiors should have been segregated. The start of the 70.3 when Olympic were finishing was an oversight. This slowed both groups down where a different start/finish area could have easily been implemeted (unless due to the water level they had already been moved). The run to transition was awkward as non-competitors were just milling around waiting for family/friends to finish their swim. T1 and T2 were as straight forward as they come. The cycle leg was great, a fast , flat,open, course. I managed to get through the mobile traffic lights that were there just to send cars round a small pile of mud...I know it cost some tri-athletes a lot of time and places. Couldn't they have communicated with council...?, oh and the farmers hedge trimming, (bet they did this on purpose ;-)) The run was ok for the main part, the out and back on the canal path needs changing or widening plus a timing chip (or a few marshalls taking race numbers) at the turn-around point as confirmation you've got that far as there is plenty of scope on this run-route to find a short cut, (although i don't know why you would, but it happens). Again, near the finish, it's around the caravans and dodging the plenty of dogs and public until the last few corners. Disappointed not see any live timings after, and having to wait nearly two days for the final results, but again they probably weren't expecting this. The free photos, I can't see how anyone can spot themselves swimming, so for this dicipline, they were for the main,pointless. However, in over 1500 photo's I'm in 1! So, if like me, you'll find yourself hard to spot or, for others, they appear loads of times, it's a lottery! Other than that, I really enjoyed it and would do it again if it comes back next year.

This was my first Olympic Aquabike event and I really enjoyed it. The venue was good and the atmosphere friendly and helpful. The swim was rather chaotic and could be improved by separating out the starts to reduce the number of swimmers in the water at any one time. The bike course was good, but on re-entering the park it wasn't obviously which route the Aquabike competitors should take to the finish and I lost time trying to work it out. Overall a good experience and I would do it again.

Great event, I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only comment would be on the out and back section of the run. It was very narrow for 2 way runners and on an uneven track so it made overtaking difficult and you constantly had to watch where you ware putting your feet. This is a minor comment though, the rest of the event was well run, very friendly and well supported. I'd recommend it for sure.