Rowers' Revenge Results

2006 results

These will be available from the Mikrotime website.

Race report to follow when I've dried out and got all the mud off my shoes. Well done to all the competitors who battled both themselves and Mother Nature today and avoided puncturing.

Triathletes are known to like a challenge and the 2006 Rowers' Revenge Triathlon, organised by Marlow Rowing Club, proved to be just that. Take a 4000m row followed by a 25km cycle and finally a 7.5km run raced against the clock, throw in a bit of weather (wind, showers, thunder and hail stones) and you have enough to challenge the hardiest of athlete.

Despite the weather 401 competitors and teams turned out on Sunday morning determined to take on this infamous rowing triathlon, the final race in the 2006 Concept II rowathlon series. Event founder, Mike Spencer-Jones, got proceedings for the 12th Rowers' Revenge underway at 10:00 when he started the first of the racers on their way. 52 indoor rowing machines were lines up in a marquee in Higginson Park for the row section. Cheered on by their supporters the triathletes completed their 4000m row in the shelter of the tent before running out into the variable weather to take on the 25 km cycle.

The bike route took the athletes out of Marlow up Oxford Road and Chalk Pit Lane to the Frieth crossroads. Several athletes falling victim to the flints and gravel washed onto the roads in this section resulting in puntures. From Frieth the cyclists descended to Fingest and along the Hambledon valley to Mill End before returning along the Henley road, up Medmenham hill to Marlow and back to the park.

Having racked their bikes they started the 7.5km run by heading out of the park and crossing Marlow Bridge. Following the road passed Bisham church and Bisham Abbey they headed for Temple, running under the tunnel and down to the river to cross the bridge at Temple Lock. The final 3km took them along the farm road to the top of Pound Lane and finally returning to the finish line by Marlow Park Cricket Club pavilion to collect their Turner Sports goody bag and race t-shirt.

379 competitors completed the course with the majority of the remainder suffering from puntures. Quickest of these, racing for time only, was David Koss in 1:25:20.23 while the fastest qualifying athlete, M30 and overall winner was Ben LANG in 1:25:32.33. Second overall and fastest M40 was local triathlete Christopher HEAP in 1:26:34.97, 3rd was Ben RYALL in 1:26:36.17 with Marlow's Mike SIMPSON in 4th with the fastest run split of 26:16.95 in 1:27:46.33 despite a 2 minute penalty. They were followed by the fastest team from Warwick Boat Club in 1:28:53.44.

Rob BALDOCK from Cambridge 99 rowing club was 9th overall and 1st M20 in 1:29:12.42, 9 seconds ahead of 2nd M20 Tristan BARNES.

The Furnivall Sc won the Women's team event, finishing in 1:39:49.14. 20th Overall was first lady home, Michelle PARSONS in 1:32:33.43. Michelle, who has just moved into the F40 category also won the Saddle Safari mountain bike for breaking the F40 course record by the greatest percentage, just beating Marlow's Steph MOTTRAM who won the Junior ladies event in a record breaking 1:40:37.78, 83rd overall. Steph's brother Michael MOTTRAM also won the Junior men's event in 1:37:27.38. Marlow's Natalia WASE made it a hatrick for Marlow winning F30 in 1:40:43.86.

The M50 category was won by John MCAVOY in 1:37:35.50, 3.5 seconds ahead of Richard VIDGEN. The M60 winner was Brian WILLIAMS in 1:58:40.13 with M70 athlete Gareth ROWLAND not far behind in 2:13:59.66. F50 winner Jane FRUEN crossed the finish line in 2:02:01.26 while Dee Cafari, who is in training for the Mark Webber challenge in Tasmania, crossed the line in 2:30:50.71.

Marlow Rowing Club chairman Ian Hewitt handed out the trophies and SwimBikeRun prizes at the end of a long and damp day and thanked St John Ambulance for their assistance and the members of Marlow Rowing Club for braving the weather to marshal for the event.

The 2006 sponsors race was won by Andy Rackstraw of Saddle Safari, his opposition, Tim Hobden from Landmark, being under doctor's orders not to take part! He didn't manage to beat event founder Mike Spencer-Jones whose 1:44:50.1 was just over 10 minutes quicker. When he had got his own breath back Mike gave thanks to the support of all the sponsors and admired the spirit of the competitors who had helped make the event such a success.

2005 results

Now up on the Mikrotime website - click here to go direct to Rowers' Revenge 2005 results.

Race report to follow (after a bottle of wine or two . . )

Félicitations aux triathletes français et au Monique FONDIN après qu'elle ait gagné la bicyclette de Saddle Safari.

Saddle Safari trophy goes abroad at 2005 Rowers' Revenge Triathlon

Monique Fondin from France, racing in the women's over 50 category, took over 30 minutes off the current category record while racing at Marlow Rowing Club's Rowers' Revenge Triathlon on Sunday. Her time of 2 hours 1 minute and 50 seconds putting her first in her age group and gaining her the additional prize of the Saddle Safari mountain bike for the biggest improvement in a category record.

A total of 364 athletes took part in the 11th Rowers' Revenge. Olympic bronze and world gold medalist Sarah Winckless, assisted by world u23 gold and world silver medalist Zac Purchase, started the athletes on their way. Beginning with a 4km row on a Concept II indoor rowing machine, they then ran to their bikes for a 25km cycle around the Hambledon Valley before returning to Higginson Park to start a 7.5km run through Bisham. At each changeover and at the finish event commentator Chris Richards provided much encouragement, announcing each finisher as they crossed the line.

Defending overall champion Hywel Davies took the course by storm. He reduced the over 30 category course record to 1h21m28s, 2 minutes clear of his nearest rival, with a devastating final run. The 4km row, 25km bike and 7.5km run course being a short distance for Hywel who has competed at half ironman distances this year.

In the ladies events Michelle Parsons once again took overall honours, while sealing first place in the over 30 ladies in a time of 1h32m42s, 8.5 minutes ahead of the next lady.

Second male overall and over 20 category winner was Paul Holdaway (1h23m26s), while the over 40 winner, Christopher Heape, was 4th overall in 1h24m32s. David Koss was the first over 50 male home in 13th overall (1h28m16s) and Les Bailey from Worcester Tri Club won the over 60 category, 128th overall, in 1h41m37s.

Jack Hockley took the honours for Marlow RC, winning the Under 20 category in 1h38m45s, 93rd overall.

In the team events Mike Wilding's team took the open team honours in a time of 1h26m59s, 7th overall, while Marlow Rowing Club took the ladies team event. Helen Selden, Claire Hayley and V Richmond completing the course in 1h35m23s, 56th overall.

Ingrid Hansen took first place in the over 20 ladies, 126th in 1h41m22s, and Jacky Balfour was the first over 40 lady home, 222nd overall in 1h50m2s. Emma Keys, 275th in 1h54m50s, was the first under 20 lady home.

In the sponsors race Andy Rackstraw of Saddle Safari's 1h55m (277th overall) wasn't quick enough to beat Landmark's Tim Hobden who came home 10.5 minutes ahead in 1h44m22s in 155th place.

Race director Mike Spencer-Jones was delighted that the day went so well. "We had perfect weather conditions for the race, for once", he said, "and many of the category records were reduced as a result".

Full results and event details online at www.rowersrevenge.co.uk

2004 results up at www.mikrotime.com, race report to follow.

Event pictures are available from Pro Sport Photos

Cathy Rogers storms to Saddle Safari prize at 10th Rowers' Revenge Triathlon.

Marlow Rowing Club's Rowers' Revenge Triathlon, held last Sunday in Higginson Park, Marlow, attracted a record entry of 500 competitors, up from 350 in 2003. Weather predictions of very inclement weather dissuaded around 120 athletes from turning up on the day, but for the 377 who started the race conditions turned out to be nearly perfect, apart from some light rain early in the afternoon which made the roads a little slippery.

Forty-eight rowing machines were lined up in the main marquee where racing was started at 10:00 by Olympic silver medallist Cath Bishop, who set the first 24 athletes off on their 4000m row. Competitors were then set off in groups of 12 every 5 minutes until the last wave started at 13:20.

Following their row, competitors had a short run to transition to collect their bikes, which they then pushed to the exit before mounting in Pound Lane to begin the 25km cycle. The cycle route took the athletes out of Marlow, up to Frieth, through Fingest and Skirmett to Mill End, before returning to Marlow.

Once they had racked their bikes back in transition the competitors set off on the final leg of the event, a 7.5km run. This crossed over Marlow Bridge, passed through Bisham, crossing the river again at Temple Lock, before returning to the finish in the park, under the watchful eye of race commentator Chris Richards. All finishers were rewarded with a medal and t-shirt in the Turner Sports goody bag. Among the early starters were the over 60 men. They were led all the way by Les Bailey, who finished in a time of 1h46m25s, despite being mis-directed when a route arrow was turned to point the wrong way.

In the over 50 men John Booth and Lee Holdaway were 3 seconds apart as they left transition for the second time to start their run. John then pulled away to win in 1h32m7s, with Lee 3 minutes behind.

The over 40 men's winner was local athlete Christopher Heape, who came 6th overall in a time of 1h26m2s. Seven seconds then separated 2nd to 5th in this tightly contested age group. The overall winner emerged from the over 30 men's group.

Hywel Davies' time of 1h23m31s left the defending champion as winner for the 2nd year running and pipping series leader Dan Staite into second place in 1h24m40s.

The men's over 20 category was also closely fought, with just 17 seconds separating the first 3, and 6 1/100ths separating 2nd and 3rd. Ben Lang emerged victorious in 1h25m8s, putting him 3rd overall. Jesse Elzinga took second, just beating Dan Darley.

The junior men were headed by Mark Edwards who finished 22nd overall in 1h31m54s.

Battling it out in the over 40 women, Cathy Roger's held a 30 second lead over Julia Hodgkinson after the row, but by the second transition this had been reversed with Julia having a 30 second advantage at the start of the run. Cathy dug deep and chased Julia down to win by 6 seconds in 1h40m18s. The battle between the two athletes had also brought down the course record for the category by 6m7s. This meant that Cathy had also won the Saddle Safari special prize of a mountain bike for the best improvement in a category record.

The over 30 women's event was dominated by overall ladies winner Michelle Parsons whose time of 1h33m52s placed her 48th overall and 5 minutes clear of the next lady.

Jessica Taylor from Ful-on Tri was second woman home on the day in 1h38m50s and fastest in the over 20 women. Kara Wurt from UTRC was fastest Junior Woman in 2h1m13s.

In the teams Lesley Parry-Jones' team took the Women's Team title in 1h38m6s, while Team Barnes from Vesta Rowing Club took the Open Team title in 1h31m34s.

The fastest athlete from Marlow Rowing Club on the day was Ben Tipney in 1h33m15s.

Three hundred and sixty-nine athletes finished the course. Full details of the results can be found at www.mikrotime.com or on the event website www.rowersrevenge.co.uk.

Special thanks are due to Saddle Safari, Turner Sports, Landmark, St John Ambulance, Marlow Park Cricket Club, Waitrose, Thames Valley Triathletes and Wycombe District Council for assisting and supporting Marlow Rowing Club in organising a successful event.

The 2003 Rowers' Revenge Triathlon took place in Higginson Park, Marlow on Sunday 5th October.

Full results available at www.mikrotime.com

Now available - 2003 results with ergo/t1 times split (for those who want to know their row time).

Photographs from the 2003 triathlon will be published at www.instantmemories.co.uk shortly after the event. Just enter FYP code YE9KS to be taken to the Rowers' Revenge page. Pictures by Mark Lord will be available for purchase.

The 9th Rowers' Revenge Triathlon, organised by Marlow Rowing Club, took place on Sunday in the scenic surroundings of Higginson Park, Marlow. A cold northerly breeze kept the temperature down, but didn't cool the spirit of the competing triathletes who had travelled from around the UK.
With an increased entry over 2002, 262 athletes completed the 4km row, 25km cycle and 7.5km run.
Racing started at 10:00 when Sir Steve Redgrave set the first 22 athletes on their way on the Concept2 indoor rowing machines in the General Higginson Room of Court Garden.
Fastest athlete onto his bike after the 4k rowing machine row was Dan Darley from London, leaving transition in 14m39, closely followed by John Mead from Aldershot and Rowathon Series leader Hywel Davies, though Cookham's Steve Turner from Team Rentacrew handed over to his cyclist Rob Withers in 13m50. On the 25km bike Team Rentacrew once again turned in the fastest split of 39m37, but Hywel Davies from Rugby wasn't far behind in 40m17 to lead as he started the 7.5km run. A blistering fastest run split of 26m14s brought Hywel home as 2003 winner in a total time of 1h21m24.49s and confirmed his status as Rowathlon series champion. Second overall was John Mead, with Dan Darley in third. Hywel collected a Concept2 indoor rower, signed by 5 times Olympic Champion Sir Steve Redgrave for winning the series.
Fourth overall and 1st in the 40-49 category was local Triathlete Chris Heape from Maidenhead in 1h24m37.74s. Adam Horder was fastest in the 30-39 category in 1h27m20.46, 7th overall. Marlow Rowing Club's Dan Tipney was fastest under 20 in 1h31m9.83s, coming home in 18th place overall, 5m20s ahead of David Read from Henley. 23rd overall was Peter English from Royal Chester winner of the 50-59 category with a time of 1h32m34.27s, closely followed by John Booth from York. Winner of the over 60 category, and Saddle Safari prize for best improvement in a category record, was David Gardner from Llandudno in 1h43m.

Team Rentacrew proved to be the fastest team, winning in a time of 1h30m50s

In the ladies race a close battle between Rowathlon series leaders Michelle Parsons from Evesham and Colette O'Neill from West Drayton saw Colette onto her bike first in 16m27s with Michelle only 9 seconds behind. But it was Michelle who pulled away recording the fastest bike and run splits to take 1st place in 1h33m26.66s, with Colette a further 55s behind. This gave Michelle a winning lead in the ladies Rowathlon Series and the prize of a Concept2 indoor rowing machine. Fastest in the 20-29 ladies category, and 5th overall, was Mathilde Pauls from Berlin (a former junior winner) in 1h42m6.43s. Clare Kleanthous from Milton Keynes was fastest in the ladies 40+ category, and 20th overall, in 1h57m10.39s.

Race director Mike Spencer-Jones said "Thanks are due to all the Marlow Rowing Club helpers, St John's Ambulance, Landmark, Turnersports and Saddle Safari Cycles for all their assistance in making the event take such a success. Plus a big thanks to Concept2 for sponsoring the Rowathlon series."

The 2002 Rowers' Revenge Triathlon took place in Higginson Park, Marlow on Sunday 6th October. Excellent conditions prevailed, resulting in some fast and close racing.

2002 results with ergo/t1 times split (for those who want to know their row time).

2002 results on the Mikrotime website.

The 2001 Marlow Triathlon (The Rowers' Revenge) was held in Very wet and windy conditions on Sunday 7th October.

2001, 2001 by event

The 2000 Marlow Triathlon (The Rower's Revenge) held last Sunday was the 6th triathlon organised by Marlow Rowing Club. It also turned out to be the biggest and the best so far.
Athletes travelled from Chester, Cambridge, Kent, Warwick and Bedford to take part, as well as from more local places - Reading, Maidenhead, High Wycombe, Abingdon, Oxford, Henley and Marlow. 180 entries were received, 80 more than last year, and 144 athletes completed the 4000m row, 25km cycle and 7.5km run course.
The race started and finished in Higginson Park, Marlow where the whole event provided an impressive spectacle for the visiting public. Athletes first had to row 4000m on a rowing machine. They then ran to their bikes to cycle 25km around a scenic, but testing, cycle course which started with a 7km climb out of Marlow before going through the Hambledon valley. Returning to the park, to rack their bikes, they then ran 7.5km over Marlow bridge, through Bisham and over Temple Lock bridge before returning to the finish in the park.
The overall winner, Mark Edmonds of Tri UK Inc, finished in a time of 1hour 27minutes and 55 seconds - beating Tim Janisch's winning relay team into second place (1h28m25s). Fastest lady on the day, for the second year running, was Miriam Taylor, from Star Club in Bedford, in 1h44m44s. Miriam is the current rowing world champion in Women's Lightweight coxless pairs.
Marlow Athletes Nick Gill and Sue Walker (who is a former world champion in women's coxless fours) helped Marlow RC to retain some of the silverware, winning the M 50-59 and W 30-39 categories respectively.
Event winners received a glass bottomed half-pint tankard, while the winning relay team received cycle speedometers from Saddle Safari Cycles. All finishers received a goody bag provided by Turner Sports of Marlow and a Marlow Triathlon T-shirt.
Full results can be found here 2000 (Now available 2/10/2000) and by event. Special mention must go to Laura Ralston of Reading Rowing Club who beat her event record by over 8% to win the Saddle Safari prize of a mountain bike.
Thanks must go to all the event marshals, Saddle Safarii Cycles, Turner Sports, EDS Ltd, the St John's Ambulance Service and Maidenhead ATC for helping to make the event such a success.

2000, 2000 by event