Great day of sprint racing, and a taste of the quality of SUP events in the UK. Over 40 entrants, huge crowds, amazing weather, amazing competition… oh & I got a podium so stoked!
The event was sponsored by the Sup Store & UK SUP forum standuppaddlesurf.co.uk.
I arrived early & helped the boys set-up, an awesome startline donated by Animal
The morning consisted of four rounds of heats culminating in an exciting finale around lunchtime. I did well in all my heats either winning or coming second.
The final was a hard fought battle with John Hibbard taking the lead, Charlie Grey a close second & me & Mark ‘slasher’ Slater fighting it out for third. I had the position coming into the turn but Marks experience helped him sneak inside me on the turn, I lost my balance & took a fall… by the time I was back on it was always going to be tough to catch him. Sadly I couldnt quite do it & took forth place. The worst bit about was I lost my SUP Store cap in the process, never to be seen again 🙂
After a short rest we all reformed for another full round of heats. It ended up with pretty much the same guys in the final. Again John & Charlie pulled slightly away but it was very close. This time I was taking no prisoners & Mark & I battled on the turn. this time he was unlucky & took a fall. I was shattered but knew this was my chance to take the third place. I put the power down & kept ahead right to the finish.
Sprint Result
Men:
Winner
John Hibbard
Runner-Up
Charlie Grey
3rd Place
Pete Holliday & Mark Slater