Crowborough Tri Club
Newsletter Spring 2026
Hello Everyone,
At last spring has arrived and our thoughts must certainly turn to being able to train outside, especially cycling, and running will be less muddy and open water swimming will follow soon. Our indoor turbo sessions will continue until the end of April, after which Thursday evening cycles will begin with the longer evenings.
However, before we get into recent achievements and future events …
Firstly, and really important, the club's AGM will be held after the swim session on Monday 27th April at the Boar's Head Inn starting at 7:30 pm.
The aim is to tell everyone about what's going on in the club, and discuss future events using your input. Please do come and have a drink, perhaps something to eat, have your say, catch up with other members and enjoy what is a relaxed (and not overlong) evening.
If you would like to join and be prepared to help on the committee, please consider putting your name forward to any of the committee members. The existing club committee are all happy to stand for re-election. At the moment it comprises:
Malcolm Clarke - Chairman
Dean Taylor - Chairman
JoJo - Secretary
Geoff - Treasurer
Rosie - Social Secretary
Andrew - Kit
Annie - Communications
However, I am hoping to be able to step back from my position on the committee as Communications and so hereby advertise the position. I feel it is time that a younger and perhaps more tech savvy member of the club to step forward to promote the club and all its activities, and to publish newsletters when appropriate. We have such a great club with so much going on, and I believe that the rôle is really important.
And now on to Recent Achievements!
So far this year, club members have already entered some events.
The Tunbridge Wells half marathon in February had Iain, Damian, Jane, George, Sam, and Sharon all running. Well done everyone.
Rob Atkinson took part in the annual Nordic Ski event in Vasaloppet, Sweden. It is a long distance endurance ski race over 90 km which took Rob 9 hours. A huge effort, which by all accounts nearly broke him, and he was doing it for charity ! We knew he could do it. So a big 'Well Done' to Rob. His Just Giving page is still open if anyone would like to donate to Mind. https://www.justgiving.com/page/robert-atkinson-vasaloppet
Also Paddock Wood half marathon took place with George, Geoff and Dean running. Not much information as yet but I gather it was a huge turnout of an estimated 2,500 runners for a flattish road race. Dean finished in 1hr 25.
On the cycling side of things I have heard that Botts, Andrew and Wes took part in the Kentish Killer on 1st March. This was a 100k sportif.
Not be outdone, Dean rode in the Hell of Ashdown the weekend before on 23rd February. Another 100k sportif and a huge event of up to 900 people.
Incredible riding, well done all of you. Such a great way to start your year.
Future Events:
Saturday 18th April is the club "mini tri" which is held at the Crowborough Leisure Centre and a great opportunity to use the skills practiced during the winter, and also to get together before the season starts. The format is:
200m TT in the pool between 08.00 and 09.00,
20k TT spin on the bike between 09.30 and 10.30.
Run on the track.
There is no transition nor road work.
It is a fun morning and a good excuse to get together as well as training.
There is a club ride on Saturday 16th May. This is not the IOW ride but a cycle ride to Folkestone. Then, for those who would like an easy return, catch the train home. I am sure there will be some who would love to ride back as well! There will also be an option of a shorter ride for those who don’t fancy the whole distance. More details nearer the time.
The Triathlon England South East Senior Series (TESESS). These are events for clubs in the area, and it's important for the club to enter some of these great local triathlons. And we need to stop Epsom from winning a fifth time !
Tonbridge Sprint Monday 4th May (Bank Hol)
East Grinstead Sprint Sunday 10th May
7 Oaks Sprint Sunday 17th May
Eastbourne Standard Sunday 12th July
Brighton and Hove Sprint Sunday 6th September
Southwater Relay Sunday 13th September
6th June - Blenheim Triathlon
It is in the diary as an event for as many club members as possible to come and race together. There are three start times to choose from, so we have chosen the 11 am start time. There are a few of us already booked in. So come along and join us.
If there are any other competition dates you have identified which might be of interest to other club members please let me know. Iain has already signed up for Ironman Tours on 14th June, and Bayman XXL * on 10th October. This might be a stretch for some of us, but they are very popular and sell out very quickly.
* Bayman XXL is at Mont-Saint-Michel in Brittany. Swim 3800m, Bike 180km, Run 42km.
That, I think, is the lot for the moment, although you never know someone somewhere will be doing something amazing.
Happy Training.
Annie Sidgwick
Communications