** Update at bottom ** 

I have done a few Triathlons and unfortunately this one ranks near the bottom of the pile. Here's my review of the day.

Registration was quick and we were given a t-shirt which I'll be honest looked a little cheap. No event information on the shirt, just a small swimmer,cyclist,runner in the top corner. Last events i have done like to celebrate the day and print tri info with dates etc. Nothing. They are missing a trick here.

No boxes in transition, no mention on the website of race briefing pack. Now I know British triathlons rules have banned boxes but as no mention in emails we presumed this was allowed. The weather was rough with heavy rain forcast. I asked why we weren't told of this as my towel, trainers clothes are all going to getting soaked. The reply "well your going to be getting wet anyway" I may well be but it's nice after a soaking bike ride to quickly dry off with a DRY towel and to put a DRY running top and hat on. Other participants had bags which were larger than the boxes not allowed. You really need to inform us if this before the event so that we can bring a waterproof bag. 

The brief before the swim was very well delivered as was the issuing of the timing chip. We were then issued round to the start point were we was put into our start order. It was very hard to hear the swim Marshall.

With the swim you did 2 lengths then duck under the lane ropes and swim 2 lengths in the next lane and so on. This worked surprisingly well as I was expected bedlam. When I watched my wife doing her swim segment their was swimmers queing up to get past the slower swimmer at the front slowing in some cases 7 people behind deep. There was an actual queue with people walking. Marshals didn't do anything. Also I spotted a chap actually doing backstroke ?? Again nothing was said. 

Upon completing the swim and T1 We had to mount the bikes at the bottom of a small incline but before a bend. This was bad positioning and i saw a number of people struggling to get clipped in. A better position would be at the top of this at the entrance to the main road (like the Rossendale Triathlon). The bike route was 3 loops of an out and back, perfectly straight and flat. On a dry calm day this would be awesome. Unfortunately on the day it was like the perfect storm ! The marshals were fantastic and very encouraging. 

Back into transition to be greeted with soaking clothes, towel, everything. Lovely. Decided to just put on my soaked trainers, leave the cold clothes in transition and go for the run. This was a straight out and back. With the weather it was tough going and i was looking forward to the drinks station at halfway.... Ah ... Problem here. No drinks station, nothing. Every previous triathlon i have done have given water as a minimum. Running back with my mouth open to trap rain water it was then lol. Some great encouragement from other running And some banter which was great.

And we come to the finish which had quite a few people cheering us on which was great to see and very much appreciated. I got to the finish and was greeted to 2 teenagers just looking at me. I asked what they want me to do it where to go and i received a blank look. After deciding they would probably like my timing chip i handed it over, again greeted with a blank expression. I noticed water in the back of a van so decided to chance my arm and ask for one... Success ! Pushing my luck I decided to ask for the good bag as promised by event organiser some months previous. My goodie bag was a cheap looking medal. That was it. I then walk off, confused to my family. 

Security on the day was very well done apart from the end which wasn't great. I showed my race number to gain entry into transition to get my bike and lost my race number to get back out, also my race number had blown off  my bike during the cycle. Walking out of transition it i said i couldn't find my number and it was a "ah don't worry about it off you go!" I couldn't believe it. No checking up, nothing. I don't know what measures could be taken but surely something ? Stronger race numbers and the bike numbers that wrap around the seat post ?

Route was alright, marshalling great but cheap t-shirt as medal and no refreshments on the run not good at all. We got more at the finish when we have done £15 10k runs. For the same money other triathlons have given out hoodies and great medals, great customised tshirts, medals and food bag. 

This could be a great event if the organisers look at some other local triathlons and take notes, West Lancs Tri and Rossendale Tri are Prime examples. 

Unfortunately I won't be back. 

*** Update *** 

All entrants results have now been published online expept mine which looks as though my timing chip hasnt recorded anything. Have questioned this with the organisers and also sent screen grabs of my timings from Garmin. Awaiting a response. 

After many emails between myself and the organiser i`m being told that the chip hasnt infact worked. I was asked what i thought my finishing time was and they added this to the official results ? I`m struggling to receive a refund for the event. Maybe i should of told them i had a 50min finishing time and that way would of won the prize money for the day as it doesnt look likely i`ll receive anything else back !