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Hi MAD Tri Members, as your club Chairman I would like to wish you all a happy New Year. Last year was an excellent one for MAD Tri with 90% of our members entering at least one event during the 2006 season and finishing.

The following is a review of the year written by Sarah, I believe it summarises the wide spectrum of personal achievements made by club members during the year. So well done and good luck with your sporting ambitions for 2007.

Sarah's review of the 2006 season:

Firstly well done to MAD_TRI members – Jacquie Wright completed her first triathlon at Tidworth finishing second in her age group. This achievement was remarkable considering that Jacquie had to contend with the after effects of a stroke in 2005 and the discovery of a hole in her heart – now plugged! Jacquie went on to event at Springfield (one week later!) and Marlborough before concentrating on increasing her running endurance to run the Bristol half marathon.

Ros – put your t-shirt on before your helmet! Great composure despite a minor hiccup in transition – it was the rain that threw us out….

Jackie Shale was at St. Mary’s triathlon in Calne in May – swimming in a 2 piece bikini, Jackie emerged from the pool intact and proceeded to swan around the course maintaining full composure and wardrobe.

Well done to Victoria Harvey who quietly entered Ironman UK with Chris and both completed the course! Dave Geddes went to Roth and completed the Ironman course at Sherbourne, despite having to take a few moments out to lie on the tarmac.

Congratulations to Steve and Louise Scammell and Ian and Simone Merrington on the arrival of Ellis and Lucy respectively.

Alex and Connie Painting participated in their first junior triathlon at Andover in July this year. Congratulations to both for completing the course – we look forward to a repeat performance next year!

Lucy Lassiter’s new bike debuted at Farringdon, along with a pair of go faster legs. Lucy clocked the 4th fastest bike leg amongst the ladies field. I’d like to know – where did she get those legs? The ride was a tough 33 miles out and back riding into a challenging head wind.

Jon G., Phil, Abi, Steve S. and Sarah participated in their first middle distance this year. Crossing the line, reactions varied from ‘Where’s my rice pudding?’, ‘Never again’, 'Rubbish!’ and ‘Bring it on!’ Delight from all – delayed or otherwise - all completed the distance injury free.

We hear that Ant, Bryan, Jon G., Abba, Abi have so far entered the Nice Ironman/woman challenge in June – same day as Marlborough.

22 members completed the Marlborough triathlon this year. MAD TRI fielded the biggest team of ladies and men – numbers, not size! The first 3 out of 10 meant MAD TRI took home the ladies team award! Alice came over with dad Ian to spectate and Andy did a great job as team photographer.

Hard luck Steve C. – a cranky chain/gearing system on the bike leg forced him to stop and whilst adjusting vital bits, Sarah nipped past. Steve biked and then ran a gutsy leg to finish 5 seconds behind. Abi was delayed at the lights at Manton when a mature citizen spent too long making his mind up when too cross the road. Abi fell off in sympathy and by the time she had remounted, same citizen had stopped the lights again! Fortunately, Abi’s rear brakes were working – thanks to Chris H. for the loan of the vital nut and bolt after his race.

Jacquie W. and Steve Coombes organized a well attended soiree after the Marlborough triathlon to celebrate also the launch of the new website. Thanks to those to helped with catering and to those who were able to eat, drink and be merry after a busy day.

The biggest Ouch! Award goes to Chris Rhodes who came off his mountain bike during a fun race on a non racing weekend. Travelling hard and fast downhill without bike or padding, Chris had some sore bits to deal with for a few days. Glad to report, a full recovery was made and Chris is under full sail again.

Best wishes for the 2007 season
Sarah.