The first edition of a new, iconic iron-distance race – The Bastion, is set for this Sunday 13th July and this new prestigious title and the £10,000 prize pot, has attracted some of the best triathletes in the country to Hever Castle, Kent, ready to take on the mammoth 140.6 mile swim, bike and run course.
Chief threat in the men’s field is a multiple Ironman champion and current Scottish champion, Fraser Cartmell. Fraser comes into the race buoyed from some decent results in Europe and with the Scottish title fresh on his mantelpiece.
Fraser Cartmell said:
“I’m really looking forward to it. Hever Castle is a stunning location, albeit a brutal one for the athletes. I’m just hoping the weather will be kind as that makes all the difference.”
The women’s title is looking no less competitive; with the win looking like it will be going to Scotland here as well. The battle for the women’s title is likely to be between professional triathlete and reigning Scottish champion Alice Hector, against Team Freespeed’s top amateur and recent qualifier for the Ironman World Championships in Ali Rowatt.
Alice Hector said:
“As a new pro I need iron-distance experience and this race came up on my radar last minute, but it ticks all the boxes. I’m fit, healthy and more-or-less ready.
The organisers couldn’t be more friendly and welcoming. The race is set in a beautiful location. The prize money is very respectable, and they cater for everyone, from children through to beginners and elites. They do it all and I am really impressed – it is just what domestic racing needs.”
Designed by an ex-Royal Marine, each leg of The Bastion has been carefully planned to offer the ultimate challenge for both newcomers to long-distance triathlon and experienced long-course hands, ensuring that there will be plenty of drama played out over the day and across the 140.6 mile course.
With this stunning backdrop location, tough course and an unbelievable race package for all competitors, The Bastion is set to become a ‘must-do’ iron-distance triathlon.
The unique swim has been hailed by some competitors who have visited Hever Castle triathlon before as ‘the best open water swim ever experienced’. The 3.8 kilometre swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese tea house and heading into the scenic river section.
The 180km three loop bike course represents arguably the toughest iron-distance route on offer in the UK, with around 2,000 metres of ascent covering ‘areas of outstanding beauty’ in the High Weald of Kent before passing through Hartfield and over the Ashdown Forest.
The four lap run route is mainly an off road trail run. It circumnavigates the two stunning estates of Hever and Chiddingstone Castles before an iconic finish in-front of the Hever Castle drawbridge that once gave passage to King Henry VIII into one of his Royal homes.
All entrants will fully earn their finishers medal, premium branded ruck-sack, branded sports body warmer, Speedo towel and Buff Original headwear. The recovery after this epic challenge begins immediately after with a complimentary hot meal and free sports massage, plus the rights to accurately claiming a place in history by having taken part in the first ever Bastion Triathlon at Hever Castle.
The race will can also claim to be offering one of the biggest prize purses in the UK, with the winners taking home £2,500 and the total prize purse amounting to £10,000. Further prizes will be for the top-3 male and female competitors in the 40+, 50+ and 60+ categories.
You can follow live coverage of the race via Twitter (@CastleTriathlon)and Facebook or by following the hashtag ‘#BastionTri2014’.
You can view a course preview video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auEA3KkV8Jc