A Suitably British Event

Sunday saw a visit to some corner of London Docklands to watch the London Triathlon. I wouldn’t normally do such a thing but it was a nice day and The Duke was taking part. Cripes! I never realised he was fit, though I had noticed he doesn’t smoke that often. He fairly shot round the course. First the swim which saw hundreds of chaps bobbing about in the docks for a while before they thrashed off for a mile and a half. Spectating this part wasn't to exciting as they can't hear you and you don't know who is who as all competitors wore the same blue hats. We cheered all the same.

Then the 40 kilometre bike race. This was the reason I was there really. He was using my bike as his bike was built by hand in a barn in 1945 to celebrate the end of the second world war. I think it was built from fossilised baguettes in France by a soldier with one eye and the last time he took it out the front wheel amusingly fell off (as did he) at traffic lights. My bike on the other hand, actually works.

Most of the field were professional / serious type athletes. This didn’t deter the man himself though oh no! We saw him go past, legs flailing and elbows at regulation postman height as he didn’t dare change gear as the last time he had tried that on his bike the handlebars broke. It was all very British. Not to much sweat and get there in your own time. Even better he spurned expensive kit and for this part of the race wore a very visible pair of black Calvin Klien underpants over his shorts to stop any "flapping about" as he put it. He said later that a very fit and attractive female triathlete had slowed down slightly to give him a playful smack on his arse whilst shouting "Come on Calvin". Knowing him I bet he managed to get her number before she disappeared into the distance. All very excellently Chumly Warner.

Then they all had to run 10 kilometers. A kilometer I am informed is a little less than a mile but faster in a continental way. The Duke was in his element in this part and breezed around.

We. For there was indeed a "Team Duke" saw him come in past the crowds at the finish. We thought it was only fitting that he crossed the line grinning and puffing on a large cigar.

He romped home a very credible 273rd out of 306 competitors in a shade over 3 hours and 15 minutes.. Well done that Duke!

Team Duke and the support team then retired to the pub.

I might try it myself next year. You never know.

Spurred on by this I again cycled into work and back today. I'm starting training early.