ON?WHAT can only be described as perfect race conditions for a Sunday in Devon in late May, Roadford Lake was again the host for a well-supported event on Sunday, May 22.

This time around it was a triathlon, consisting of a swim in the lake, cycle around the lake and a run along the paths and through the woods of the park.

With over 180 competitors gathering and competing over two different race distances, there was a buzz around the place for many, including personal trainer Matt Luxton who was doing his first open water swim event of the season.

Here Matt gives his own personal account of another interesting day at Roadford Lake.

He said: “Personally I was really happy with my performance on the day, coming fourth overall.

“The swim wasn’t amazing; I tried a different tactic and started at the front with the quick swimmers. On reflection that wasn’t a great idea, it took me about 800 metres to get into my rhythm by which time I couldn’t wait to get out and push the bike. I came out the water in 18th and with the mission to make up places began. I knew my training partners Mark and Rich were ahead of me, so that gave me something to aim towards.

“On the bike, it was the usual tactic to start with, trying to get the heart rate down and find a pace that was comfortable. Conditions were spot on for cycling, not too hot and the wind was very calm compared to the duathlon two weeks ago.

“I had a good battle with a couple of other competitors over taking each other, I would go ahead on the hills they would get me on the flat. I increased my pace on the second lap, to try and catch Mark and Rich.

“I did eventually catch Mark, who was having a great race and yet again we finished a bike leg together, much like the Ironman at Wimbelball Lake last year. So I ended up making up 14 places on the 24-mile bike course, coming into transition in sixth.

“The six mile run was extremely scenic but also damp. I wasn’t sure what I had left to be honest, but the training clearly paid off. I actually felt stronger as the run went on, maintaining if not slightly increasing the pace overtaking a couple of competitors to move into fourth. It was great to see my friend and Launceston-based athlete Dan Kinver, out on the course, looking really strong on the run.

“Another top event run by Freak Events at Roadford. It was also really nice to see a few of my clients do their first ever triathlon after some gruelling months in the cold and dark getting ready.

“Thanks to all the supporters and spectators on the route. As an athlete even if we don’t say hi because we are panting like a dog, we really appreciate it.

“Personally, it’s one more Olympic distance race at Wimbelball Lake, Exmoor before a short break before building for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Australia on September 4.”