British Standard Aquabike Championships, 11 May 2025

This is the first year that British Aquabike Champs has taken place so I thought I should enter, especially as it fitted in with European Middle Distance Champs the following weekend.

It was a super early start for us, leaving home at 4 am for a 7.30 race start. Everything seemed a long way from everything else, registration, trek to transition to rack, trek back to swim start. We definitely had no spare time for my usual pre race coffee. First race of the season and I've have not swam open water this year. Over 60 ladies was one of the larger age-groups and strong but I had secretly hoped could make top 5.

A mass swim start in a very murky but shallow lake. Totally manic, but I'm OK I'm a big girl, just got on with it. Managed to swim under 30 mins I haven't done that for a while if ever. I was happy with that. 

I set off on the bike, on an undulating course but nothing too bad, I just couldn't seem to push myself the required amount and it was a 2kph slower than I wanted. Also came 9th which was last in my age group. I was a little disappointed. I consoled myself with the fact that my time was faster than medal positions in the some of the younger age groups.

I think on reflection that the busy bike course stopped me cycling to my full potential. I get anxious when it's a continual overtaking and being overtaken situation, as I don't settle into a focused mindset. Anyway, it's done and onto the Europeans.

Julia Dolman