As a regular of the TriFerris triathlons I entered the 2017 Cotswold Sprint.

The event mainted the usual high standard that TriFerris are known for. The marshal supervison was great with plenty of notice on a slippy roundabout following some rain.

The event ran well from registration to crossing the finish line. Great to see a mix of new starters and old hands alike having a great race at this favourite in the South West traithlon calendar.

You can check out an overview of the event on my YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3MA-bT2h-Q

A lovely event for my first open water triathlon consisting of a 750m lake swim, 20k one lap  bike route and a 2 lap 5km course around the same lake you swim in.

SWIM: this was the bit I was worried about having only ever competed in pool triathlons. Unfortunately I couldn't hear very much of the briefing as it's announced as you enter the lake and everyone was talking. We also didn't have very long to acclimatise which unsettled me and I panicked a bit when it started. Once I'd calmed down, the water was warm and clear with plenty of canoe marshals and a lead canoe to guide everyone around. There were also about 4 marshals to help with the exit from the water which I appreciated.

BIKE: A very fast and flat route that was lead out of transition on a well marked mat. I was pleased to see the police helping to stop traffic at a tricky crossroads at the start of the route but I wasn't a fan of the short section through the industrial estate in Cirencester as the road surface was very poor, but the marshals were very vocal and warning you of potholes in good time. After the dismount line, you enter transition the same way you went out but there is no mat to run on which made it difficult in cleats. 

RUN: A very pretty route around the lake along wooded trail paths which is very narrow. This made it tricky for faster runners to pass, especially when I started my second lap as it became very busy. You're also directed to run through a play park through two very narrow gates which caused problems for a few people.

TRANSITION: This area is very small and it was difficult not to get in each other's way.

FINISH LINE: The approach to the finish looks a lot like the professional ones you see on TV, which I loved, and the commentator was doing a great job of calling out everyone's names and cheering them along. Her Freudian slip when pronouncing one particular surname really made me chuckle as I crossed the line! Everything after that, I must admit, I hated. It was so crowded at the end with the results tent, massage gazebo, medals, water, finishers and spectators crammed into a very small space, it made me feel very claustrophobic and anxious as I couldn't find my own space to get my breath back. I've never felt like that at the end if a race and it unfortunately spoilt some of my enjoyment.

Overall, the organisation was fantastic and communication on the lead up to the event was very helpful. Even registering the day before didn't bother me too much as it meant I had less to worry about on race day. I'm not sure I will be back but I had a lovely morning out with friends. Thank you Tri Ferris. 

A thoroughly enjoyable race in stunning Cotswolds scenery. 

This is the second time I have raced the Cotswolds Triathlon and again, it didn't disappoint. 

Communication in the lead up to the event are every six weeks or so and contain general information, no doubt while the places are filling up, about the event, local area and logistics for race day. This year, I had reason to contact the ogianisers and their response was within 24 hours. In my experience, they are very prompt. 

Closer to the time, details got much specific to waves and times etc as you would expect. 

The race itself is as advertised, on a near flat course around Lake 32 at the Cotswolds Water Park. 

The lake swim is point to point and a very short walk from transition. A friendly announcer sets you off in five minute intervals on a 750m anti clockwise swim around a clearly marked course. The lake today was a cozy 22 degrees. There is plenty of kayak and paddle board support throughout the course. Swim exit could be better in my opinion. It's a padded step up from the lake with some help from two marshalls. Personally always a little disorientated from the swim, a more gradual exit may be beneficial. 

The short run to transition is grass lined and easy to negotiate. 

Out onto the bike for a single 20km lap, out around the water park and up a quiet the old Cirencester Road. There is a gradual gradient and a roundabout or two to negotiate. In and around Cirencester becomes a little busier but the marshalls are well positioned and signs are very visible. As soon as you exit the industrial estate it's back on to country roads and all the natural beauty the Cotswolds have to offer. 

Marshalls great you back into transition and cheer you out on to the run course. A two lap run around the lake you swim in. The path is a combination of trail, grass and gravel. I chose trail shoes having raced here before but most were in running shoes and had no problem. There is fantastic support throughout from all of the lake and country park users as well and from your fellow competitors. 

I really enjoy this event. Great for seasoned triathletes to try and smash a PB or welcoming for novices literally, dipping their toes in for the first time. 

Gareth

I entered this as a bit of a last minute thing since my dad wanted to give a sprint tri a go. Entry was straightforward and ditto for registering the day before, the bonus chat/briefing from a season pro was also really useful even if it did mean milling about in the rain a bit. I was handy to walk the course and have someone talk you through the real basic basics, picked up some handy tricks..talc in the shoes and a bit of soap at rear of shoes, genius. Cost was reasonable. 

Parking was easy enough since the provision is ample and racking bike and setting up was easy. The swim was utterly stunning (I love the lake anyway and someone always swim great times for me there). The cycle was nice also albeit a little marred for me thanks to coming off my bike (my own fault mostly), lots of people slowed to check I was ok which was nice. The route was open roads but they were largely quiet and with so many cyclists it felt quite safe. It could have done with one or two marshalls mind. Some real pros whizzing by on tri bikes with all kinds of fancy gizmos but also people on hybrids etc 

Even after my bike crash I managed to get back on and run a 5k pb afterwards so I am a little biased when it comes to this race! The run course was two laps around the lake which suited me and afforded spectators a few chances to cheer.

The atmosphere was nice and supportive although with an edge of real competition at the top end. 

On my list to do again next year...great race and great value for money. 

All in all a great event. Although the course could cope with the numbers, transition couldn't  and I think it needs to be bigger, and to consider the relay. Perhaps have a designated section of transition, rather than waiting dotted around. But I really enjoyed the race... a good one!!

I entered thissprint Tri for 2 reasons, it was very close to my parents (free accommodation) and i spent many a great day swimming in the lake so really wanted to race there.

Pre-race information was good and the pack given out at the sign in the day before had further information to put even the most unorganised or newbie at ease.  Signage to the event car parks was good and easy to follow.

Race day parking was well marshalled and organised and quickly i was in, parked and starting to get my kit ready.  I was able to find my racking point the day before and go through exits and entries in a calmer and less stressed surroundings.

My initial observation was that the transition area felt very small.  With racking for 500 the gangways between the racking was very tight.  With this in mind i kept kit to a minimum and on a small towel.  More on this later.

The 750m swim was across the lake from the near bank before taking a left turn and then a further left to return to the original bank but nearer the transition point.  The lake was clear and fairly warm.  This was my first lake race this year and it was a nice change from salty, choppy water.  

Race briefing was clear and done to each group as we entered the water.  The waves were of about 50 people but as we cuold spread along the bank the start was not as frantic as i have had in previous races.  The depth of the lake was undulating and i never encountered problems but i did hear of some that 'drifted' of he route getting grounded.

Swim exit was via a rubber mat covered ramp.  The ramp just touched the water.  I didn't realise this and on exit went to put my foot down and there was nothing there!  To exit i had to get my fingers into the matting and crawl out.

The route from the swim to transition was not too long (I was near the run/swim end, furthest from the bike exit/entry)  Quick change, making sure to tuck my kit under the racking and i headed off for the bike leg.  My earlier concerns about the size of transition soon proved correct.  I got stuck behind a athlete who was getting his kit on then walking out of transition.  I also found myself walking over/running my bike over others wetsuits as they had not tucked them away.

Once out on the bike course it was well marshalled and easy to follow as like the swim course it was basically a large rectangle.  The roads were fairly flat with only one major junction to cross which was manned by the local police.  There was a technical section involving a few left and right turns in quick succession but once again this was well marshalled.  

As a Non drafting race, the straight flat roads made this much easier to comply.  The trickiest part of the cycle was the dismount and transition.  The dismount line was on the road with a sharp left turn off the road into the transition.  This was a little hairy as some left it a little too late to stop!

Transition was once again cramped, i got stuck behind a cyclist walking in and then by a group of relay runners stood in the way waiting for their team mates.

So i headed out on the run, i was looking forward to this as it was a trail run around the lake.  I was worried that i had brought the wrong shoes as it had rained the night before and i had brought my road trainers.  It was a little greasy at times and i may have been a little quicker but it wasn't a major issue!

The 2 laps of the lake was a refreshing change from road or path based runs and was very picturesque.  After the second lap you had to double back on yourself to run up the finish funnel.  I heard some had fallen as the corner was wet from the nights rain.  I just slowed, turned and began again and had no issues.

I crossed the line, got my medal and headed to get my timing sheet.  Not only had i done a fast run i was happy with my swim too!  Packing up and getting going was simple.  The carpark was easy to get out of and not that hectic.

Would i do it again? Yes, when does the entries open? i have a time to beat!

Pros:

• Well organised
• Clear, warm lake swim
• Easy to navigate
• Good Marshalling

Cons:

• Transition was too small
• Pontoon water Exit would have been better than short ramp