XTERRA Matterley Duathlon
- Kerri-Ann Upham
- Feb 15, 2024
- 4 min read
5km Trail Run - 20km Mountain Bike - 5km Trial Run
Matterley Basin, Winchester, UK
Saturday 10th February 2024
With 2023 a distant memory, and the 2024 season a few months away, I was super excited to get on a start line and catch up with friends from the XTERRA community.
Matterley Basin, a venue famous for hosting Motocross Championships, is situated in the South of England just outside the city of Winchester. It's vast grounds and woodlands make it a great location for a winter off-road duathlon.
Race day was a typical British February morning, grey, damp and cold. Carefully crawling along the farm track towards the race village, dodging pot holes and puddles, it was evident that the ground was saturated from the relentless rain in the preceding days - it's going to be a muddy one!
Entering the car park, familiar faces emerged and the horizon was filled with XTERRA flags, banners and stalls - a professional set up that sent shivers down my spine as the excitement of returning to race an XTERRA event set in.
Race registration and transition is always a bustling and nervous atmosphere. I was desperate to catch up with friends that I hadn't seen since the summer but also conscious that my race preparation process had become a little rusty over the winter and keen to ensure I had everything in place.
Bike recon complete, numbers on, transition set, body warmed up, and the final number of layers decided - it was time to head to the start line.
Over 150 athletes filled the starting pen as race director, Doug Hall, took us through the briefing. A mixture of nerves and excitement filled the gantry before a blast of the horn signaled the start of the race.
If you hadn't done a warm-up your body was in for a shock!
Instantly, the run kicks you up a steep hill and with only long winter miles in my legs the rapid pace was a shock to the system, heart rate rocketing, lactate swamping my muscles, I was struggling to match the fast pace of the front runners.
In true XTERRA style, the 5km trail run was twisty-turny with muddy technical sections and plenty of ups and downs. Wet conditions from rain in the preceding days made certain parts slippery and treacherous - everything you could ask for in a UK trail run - it was great!
Entering T1 I was excited to pick up my mountain bike and take on the 4-lap 20km course. I was 60-seconds behind Lydia Dant who was leading the race and keen to start inching back some time. The course was designed to cater for all abilities, however, the slick, slippery mud provided a technical element that allowed those confident on a mountain bike to capitalise on their skills. My confidence and speed grew as the race progressed. During lap two I made a pass on Lydia to take the lead, pushing hard to ensure I extended the gap as much as I could. Lydia is the reigning IRONMAN Lanzarote champion and I knew she would be coming for me on the run!
Dismounting at the line, I ran through transition, using the finish gantry as a visual cue for where I should rack my bike. Scanning the ground a feeling of panic set in - I couldn't find my shoes!
"Where are they?"
"I'm sure I left them here, they're bright blue!"
An eternity seemed to pass, searching high and low, desperately shouting out to the race volunteers for help - I thought I was going mad.
"Shall I just take another pair?"
"Those blue ones look like mine but they are size 5.5 and I'm a 7 so it can't be them"
After 7 minutes of panic searching in T2 I finally got hold of my old training shoes and set off to complete the race. By this time Lydia had come through and was already well into her run. I knew a win was off the cards but I was determined to finish the race.
Crossing the finish line I was met by my partner Rob and a very embarrassed looking man (with size 5.5 feet) holding my missing shoes - he had worn them for the final run by mistake!
Bike collected from transition, dirty kit shoved in a plastic bag for another day and warm dry clothes on. We made our way back to the race village, encouraging others as they crossed the finish line, each one with a huge smile on their face. No matter what level you are at this is a course that can be enjoyed by all and it felt great to be a part of the buzzing atmosphere the XTERRA team had created.
Post race coffee and cake was on order, a hot, frothy cappuccino accompanied by the most incredible cinnamon bun, crusted with crystalised sugar and warmed up to release a melt in the mouth texture with every bite - heaven!
I may not have had the perfect race but I certainly had the best post-race tale to tell at the coffee van!
Overall, XTERRA Matterley Duathlon was a fantastic event. Perfect for those trying off-road racing for the first time and for experienced athletes looking for a winter blast out.
Photos on this webpage are provided by:
Carel Du Plessis (XTERRA Europe)
Instagram: @carelduplessis
Facebook: @carelduplessisphotographer
Instagram: @xterra_uk
Facebook: @xterra_uk
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