Torbay Tri athlete conquers Silk Road Mountain Race through Kyrgystan

“It has been a journey that has pushed me to the limit and often beyond my physical and emotional limits, but one that has shown me some of the most breathtaking places on this planet,” writes JON PRESSLING.

The words of Nick Cull who recently completed the bike adventure of a lifetime, cycling nearly 1,900km and covering 37,000mts of ascent at the incredible Silk Road Mountain Race through Kyrgystan.

Riding unsupported, Nick followed a route across gravel, single and double tracks along old Soviet roads with very little Tarmac.

Nick experienced a true sense of the wilderness as he camped beneath the stars along the way and soaked up all the incredible scenery and which provided a constant source of motivation to keep him pedalling towards the finish.

Members were out in large numbers at the Sportiva Torbay Sprint Triathlon as the local event also played host to the club's championship race for 2022.

Donald Brooks took the overall race win and was joined by team mates racing around the Clennon Valley pool, velopark and fields.

Results: Donald Brooks 43.59, Andy Longthorpe 51.35, Mark Colombini 52.52, Ben Flower 53.57, Rob Petherick 54.05, Rebecca Langman 54.16, Peter Hayward 55.25 , Steve Donnelly 55.43, Paul Whitehead 57.16, Paul Chamings 57.25 Tony Hodge 58.14, Frank Reay 58.40, Simon Swift 59.07, Graeme Kay 1.01.49, Vince Langdon 1.02.13 Nicky Washbrook 1.02.22, Cassandra Harrison 1.03.35, Ben Nelson-Smith 1.03.54, Vivek Kulkarni 1.05.48, Rachel Cooper 1.08.36, Linda Bracher 1.08.59, Caitlin Moss 1.11.07, Rob Pressling 1.11.09, Sallie Malt 1.13.15, David Hewit 1.14.21, Jo Coish 1.22.43

The previous day, the club were also represented at the popular mixed relay event with Donald Brooks, Gary Burman, Laura Wilby and Holly Jones teaming up to claim a podium spot with third place overall and were first senior team behind two considerably younger teams.

It was a family affair at Bournemouth Half Marathon as sisters Katie and Sarah Hine enjoyed a day beside the sea.

Taking in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers along the stunning coastal route, Katie claimed sibling bragging rights in 1.40.24 with Sarah finishing in 2.00.27.