Here is the (social) race report for the day:

​

6am vibe check: 2/10. Despite Louis tempting us, the morning started amazingly with the alpha-bois being the only ones on the right side of the road, collectively securing the back row for banter purposes. After we had shown Zach where the toilet was the coach journey there was almost as boring as Mellor’s spotify playlists, or his snoring apart from the revelation of N I C K on the race register. Arrival at 10am, which whilst being early was apparently even earlier at Bristol time for Lily and Zak to join us around 11. The packingbois were ready for another military operation, executed to exquisite precision (not bias at all) and its nice to see Mellor and Charlotte finally having something in common looking after their bikes with a cuddly blanket. Eventually much to Hugo’s enjoyment (and possibly some bribery), the bike leg was shortened, and the race was ready to go ahead!

In the mens ‘elite’ wave (seems an exaggeration if you ask me) we had some strong boys going, Mellor led into T1 and held this lead all the way whilst a strong bike leg from George took him past Hugo into second Sheff (#represent). JJ got overtaken by an old man shortly before the end, Cameron had a strong showing, Euan Naruto run into the finish whilst being closely pursued by Joey who hadn’t grasped the concept that to beat someone you have to cross the line before them… And slightly further back Stephen powered through the second run whilst Mat pulled a sneaky on Jimmy and pipped him to the post, although a certain Hallam committee member was there to comfort him at the end.

Post 1st wave vibe check: 7/10

Shortly after this the girls set off, Ellie nice and warm from her private waiting room (Dad’s car) whilst Meg just about finished her plaiting to make the start. Anna, cheered on lovingly by a certain training officer, absolutely smashed it and placed 36th overall!! Special mentions to Alaw, Helen and Millie for completing in good times as well.

Then came the mixed wave, with some serious competitors facing off for bragging rights. Guy (after breaking into the coach to retrieve his kit) stonked the first run along with Ed, those two leading our boys and gals home whilst Mellor said hi to Charlie Austin. The battle between the commonside girls was similarly close with Amy pulling through on the second run although Lily did make a good fist of outsprinting someone a foot taller than her. Coming off the bike there was a pack of bois who we expected to hotly contest the second run. Mr Foster, fired up since he got a rude awakening on the bus led them home, whilst Zach had toilet issues for a second time in the day… Although Sean was unable to tie his laces Nick still tried his best to have a longer T2 but sadly just missed out on that accolade. Everyone will be relieved to know that Lauren finished in time to go and vote for labour and Larry’s car recovered for him to vote Tory. Good showings from Fin, Theo, Leo, Isobel, Charlotte, Maddie, Maike and Gabby too.

Post race vibe check: 8/10

BIG DUNCAN

This is where banta bus v2 kicked on. Some cans were flowing, tunes were on and fun was had. However the pre race high started to fade until the service station stop….

Pre services vibe check: 6/10

Big Duncan had done us a solid and disproved the myth that you cant buy cans at a service station and the boys came out with a good haul – Guy came up with an ingenius Coke-can to rival Sam’s gooch can and Nick finally had a crown to cement his status as prettiest princess.

Cans were now properly flowing and the bus was distinctly split into the two rooms of Poptarts (small at the back big at the front) with some unlucky souls tucked in the middle and getting stereo – not that it discouraged George and Anna from having flexibility contests amongst other things. Joey, inspired by our rendition of Bo Rap demolished a full pie to assert dominance over Euan who didn’t touch his quiche.

Post services vibe check: 10/10

Finally we made it back to Sheffield, where we met Cameron who was disappointed with the shortened race so had just run back instead. Lily and Zak (obviously still on Bristol time) arrived and bikes were taken home before a few hardy souls (/legends) hit the pub for a couple. All in all a good days work.

On a serious note, thank you all so much for competing, everyone did amazingly and thanks to Lily and Zak for driving as well as all the committee for organising and helping to run the day, especially Lily M. As a club we also send our best wishes to the person involved in the incident and hope they make a full recovery.