Wilder and Bridge win the first Outlaw Half

Richard Wilder and Carol Bridge were the winners at the Outlaw Half at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. The sell-out event had over 1000 finishers.

Wilder and Bridge impressed over the 1.2mile swim in the regatta lake, 56mile bike ride around Nottinghamshire and 13.1mile run along the River Trent path, claiming the wins at the first ever Outlaw Half.

Having attracted professional athletes including Craig Twigg and Luke Dragsta, Wilder started under the radar despite his class as a former standard distance ETU European Champion. However, his focus on 7 July’s Outlaw is clearly paying off as he raced to victory in 4hours 22:24.

Cardiff based Wilder commented:

“That’s a surprise! I knew I’d come off the bike in seventh and my aim was top ten.

“I’m cycling really well at the moment so that felt comfortable all the way round. Obviously you never know until you start running how you are going to feel.

“I’ve done a couple of these before but I’ve not trained properly, but I’m doing the Outlaw this year so I’ve done a bit more long stuff. In the past I’ve blown up on the run where as I felt solid all the way round.”

Ian Turner from Cambridge finished second overall in only his second ever triathlon. Having actually crossed the finishing line first, he was beaten by Wilder who was in a later wave start. He said:

“I thought someone was closer to me, so I’m pretty happy with that.”

Local boy, Craig Twigg, was disappointed with third having missed considerable training with illness.

Luke Dragstra, who has recorded 8hrs 13 in Roth previously, was 9th despite waiting on the sideline for a long time to get a spare wheel. He said:

“I didn’t get too frustrated as I’ve retired from real serious racing but I still like to go for it. Coming from behind and passing people is kind of motivational. It was fun, I’m glad I came out.”

Carol Bridge led from start to finish in the women’s race, exiting the water with a considerable lead and biking powerfully to open an eight minute gap over Vicky Gill.

She said:

“I did a middle distance race in 2007, this is my second one. It was good, there was loads of support. It’s a nice race.

“I raced elite last year in some sprints but I haven’t got the speed now, that’s why I’m dong longer stuff. I feel I can race this distance.”

“I haven’t done that much running so I was pleased with my run. The commentators kept saying about the girl in second being a good runner.”

Gill was running Bridge down with every mile, closing the gap to two minutes by the finish and moving gracefully yet rapidly through the field. Gill has her mind focused on the Outlaw in just under five weeks time.

Naomi Warr, a previous fourth place Outlaw finisher, took the third spot overall.

Local Paralympic swimming star, Tim Reddish competed in a relay with his sister, Lisa, doing the swim, Total Fitness Nottingham shop owner, Mark Redwood, powering the tandem bike and Del Pitcher on the run. The team finished as the third fastest relay of the day.

Entries for the Outlaw Half 2014 are expected to open in September, but now the focus is on the Outlaw in just under four weeks time on 7 July.

Results

Overall Men

1. Richard Wilder, 40-44, SAN DOMENICO RRC, 4:22:24
2. Ian Turner, 35-39, Riverside Runners, 4:24:10
3. Craig Twigg, 40-44, RACETIME/USN RACE TEAM, 4:24:49

Overall Women

1. Carol Bridge, 25-29, RHONDDA TRI CLUB, 4:38:09
2. Victoria Gill, 30-34, Swim for Tri, 4:40:41
3. Naomi Warr, 35-39, Bike Science, 4:47:32

Relays

1. Team Beauty and the Beasts, TFN Tri Club, 4:28:56
2. Team Formula One (Nottingham), 4:30:03
3. Team Total Fitness Nottingham (shop team), 4:32:38