QF Focus Magazine ‘Get on yer Bike’


Last month we had a fascinating piece by Tracy Ford, about how she started cycling, the initial trials and tribulations, and how, through hard work, dedication and tenaciousness, she won a place on the Team GB duathlon team for the 2017 European Championships.


This month we catch up with Tracy following the event, for which she has put so much into. “We’re on our way home. I’m very proud to say I’m bringing a silver medal home for Team GB” said an ‘over the moon’ Tracy Ford after


participating in the European Duathlon Championships is Soria on 29th April.


“All went very well, the weather was reasonably kind to us, it was very cold, six degrees and 35km/h winds but it stayed dry. The course was a very technical one, and battling with the wind made the bike leg a bit challenging, I finished in 1 hour 23 minutes and was very happy with that.” “It was a tough race, as I said the wind was pretty horrendous, which made it hard going on the bike leg, especially


for those


like me: with bike the combined weight is only 59 kg! An advantage


uphill


but not so on the descents”.


Reflecting on her achievement


she


noted: “Because I got a podium place I have automatically qualified for the championships in October 2018 which is being held in Ibiza. My goal is to be on the podium again and bring home another medal for Team GB”.


The European duathlon silver medal winner is not one to rest on her laurels and, in addition to claiming her place for the 2018 championships, she entered the sprint distance triathlon at Blenheim Palace. Tracy also noted that her uncle Gordon Butler was a veteran champion time trialist. In September 2012 at the age of 76 Gordon was knocked off of his bike and died of his injuries.


There is now an annual Gordon Butler 10 mile Memorial Time Trial, a race that Tracy feels she should enter in his memory.


So Costa Blanca resident Tracy Ford is proving just how tenacious she really is. Not content with coming second in the Europeans she still has a busy schedule ahead of her and is already setting her sights on Ibiza 2018.


Looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637 487 377 or call into Cyclogical, Calle Los Arcos 7, Quesada.


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