Land, lakes and bikes Written on May 21, 2009, by matt.
Ben Bardsley tells us the tales of hard riding, cold swimming and fast running…
Saab Salomon dominate Fred Whitton Challenge
The Fred Whitton Challenge is the ultimate of a test of cycling endurance and suffering. The event is in memory of Fred Whitton, a Lakes Road Club stalwart. This year was the tenth anniversary ride and attracted over 1000 competitors from all over the country.
Riders complete a circuit of the Lakeland passes, starting in Coniston. The route takes in the relentless Kirkstone, then the mighty trio of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter, before heading out West over Fangâs Brow and Cold Fell. At around 100 miles riders are faced with the cruel gradient of the aptly named Hard Knott, before finally battling with Wrynose then back to Coniston.
After a week of storm force winds and torrential rain, Sunday 10th May dawned with gentle winds and mild temperatures. What a relief!
A large group left Coniston at 08.30, it was not until Honister that any action was seen. International cyclists James Dobbin and Rob Jebb pulled clear at this stage. Bardsley found himself in a chasing group of six riders. The small group worked together until Hard Knott Pass, and then the race was on! Bardsley managed to dig the deepest and came home in third spot. This is the event that Cycling Weekly refers to as âThe Daddy of them allâ. A great result for Saab Salomon Outdoor Team.
âItâs never over, until its overââ¦an unexpected hail storm over Wrynose put down over an inch of ice on the road and made descending treacherousâ¦. but the mugs of tea just tasted all that much better once the finish line was reached!
1=Rob Jebb Saab Salomon5:46
1=James Dobbin Arctic Premier R T 5:46
3 Ben Bardsley Saab Salomon6:00
Success for Ben in Keswick Triathlon.
This weekends Keswick triathlon attracted competitors from all over the UK.
The course comprised of a 750m bracing (11 degrees C!) swim to Crow Park, a 22 mile tour of St Johns In the Vale and Derwentwater by bike followed by a run over Walla Crag.
Ben emerges from the swim
Saab Salomon athlete Ben Bardsley of Threlkeld held his own on the swim coming out of the water in 41st position. This was his first swim since February when he damaged his shoulder at the European ski mountaineering championships.
On the bike Bardsley found excellent form to put in a lap time only 10 seconds behind race leader Marc Laithwaite of St. Helens. Laithwaite and Bardsley were adventure racing Team mates back in 2002 and 2003 on Team Saab Salomon. Bardsley came off the bike in 3rd position and after a rapid transition was soon in second place. Despite posting the fastest run time of the day by over a minute and chasing hard, Laithwaite could not be caught. Bardsley however was well satisfied to podium in this prestigious event in his back garden.
Men:
1.   Marc Laithwaite (the endurance coach) 2hrs 2 mins 42 secs
2.   Ben Bardsley ( Saab Salomon) 2 hrs 4 mins 16 secs
3.   Tim Wylie (One Life Racing) 2 hrs 5 mins 40 secs
Women:
1.   Heather Dawe 2 hrs26min 03 (INOV8/Crosstrax)
2.   Rhiannon Silson 2 hrs28min 47 (Arragonâs Tri Club)
3.   Sarah Owen 2hrs 32min 58 (NYP tri)
