2018 saw my first attempt at Bowood Triathlon and I wish I'd not waited so long!

The car park was close to the registration area which helped the logistics. Some of the bigger setting events also have bigger distances to cover just to get to the start line! Not so with Bowood. Once parked the registration tent was within site. The transition area was just over the road and past the cafe which is perfect to grab a coffee on the way.

When smoothly checked into transition the numbered racking was well organised and spaced out. When you get to transition and take a peek down to the lake is when the awesome beauty of the estate hits you.

It takes a couple of minutes to walk down the moderate slope to the lake and race briefing area. This was well set up with a good overview by the guy on the microphone. Well set for the 1 lap lake swim.

And the swim! Wow, it really helped that the weather was so great (no wetsuits due to high water temperature too). The lake is really beautiful abd I found myself taking it in more than most races despite trying to get a good time.

Up to transition is a longer than average run. Worth being aware of that in your training. Out onto the bike there were 7 laps to count. The bike course was quiet perfect. Other than the high number of laps to remember the private estate roads were quite narrow with lots of twists. This isn't a top speed course yet it didn't detract from the event. The grand setting really came through. I'm not the best bike handler around the some of the sharp turns though I didn't find it frustrating as you could take the scenary in. One note, if you have a time trial and standard road bike I'd opt for the standard road bike. There weren't that many opportunities for aero-bar use and the criterium style circuit better suits a road bike.

And then onto the run. In 13 seasons of triathlon I've never been on such a stunning run course. The lake setting features again along with a small waterfall and a steep rocky, rooty section in the woods that's like something out of Alice in Wonderland. I even wanted to walk a third lap just to take it all in again after finishing!

I think I've struggled to get over just how lovely the event is. Not the fastest one with the long first transition and bike course but so worth it to take the environment in. Highly recommended!