Andy Herd's London Triathlon 2000 Challenge Andy Herd is an extraordinary athlete, and one whom Garats Hay is very pleased to have had represent the Branch in the London Triathlon 2000.  Read his own brief account of the experience by clicking here.  Andy originally cut service in the Regular Army short to pursue academic goals, in the last few years Andy has gained a first class honours degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Manchester and qualified as a Microsoft Professional. On the sporting front, having initially taken on the challenge of triathlons in 1990, he has gone from strength to strength, gradually building up his abilities to the level they have reached today.  A level that sees him now in strong contention for selection for Great Britain in the duathlon team to take part later this year in the European and World Championships in Bath and Calais respectively.  His longer term goal is to achieve a place in the British Triathlon team to race in the World Championships to be held in Canada in July 2001.  He is on course now, having learnt in Sep 2000 that he has won a place in the national squad. Click here for a summary of Andy's proudest sporting achievements to date. Garats Hay clearly had a real pro going into competition in London on the 1st of October last - someone who really deserved to be supported strongly in the interests of fundraising for the Legion.  If you didn't send something in the way of sponsorship before he ran (swam and cycled), please consider doing so now.  Cheques, made out to the Royal British Legion (and endorsed 'Andy Herd - London Triathlon' on the back) can be sent to our Secretary.   Sporting Achievements 1991-2000 1991        Top 20 finish in the Inter-Services Triathlon Championships 1993         Runner up in the British Corporate Games Triathlon 1994         Champion British Army Cyprus Triathlon                  Winner - Cyprus All-Island Championship 1995         United Kingdom Land Forces (Army) Champion                   British National Age-Group Champion 1996        British North-West Regional Champion 1997/ 1998        Did not compete because of injuries and study commitments 2000        Lanzarote Ironman Finisher                 8th Placed finisher in British Age Group Championships                 Winner 'Boundary Breeze' Competition                 Selected for British National Triathlon Squad   London Triathlon 2000 Experience - Andy's Account There were 913 participants in the main event,  including 6 Elite competitors (full time triathletes) 4 males and 2 females. Overall - disregarding Elite placings because those competitors ran a different race format - I finished 8th. I finished 3rd in my age group in which 130 competitors ran.  The finish time and splits were as follows:        Swim 21:38 Transition1 2:22 Bike  1:03:47 Transition 2 1:18 Run   43:08 Overall        2:12:16 The bike course was very technical and specifically designed for maximum spectator participation.  Nonetheless,  I managed to ride one of the fastest bike splits of the day. The swim was well organised and seemed accurate.  The run was OK, but insufficient attention had been paid to the uncharacteristically hot weather.  There were insufficient feed stations and dehydration therefore caused me some problems. The Elite athletes started their race after most other races had finished.  As I mentioned previously, their format was slightly different in that they are permitted to draught (sit right behind each other to get protection from the wind and thus not have to work as hard). Simon Lessing, Britain's former Olympic medal hope, won the Elite race. In summary - a good day was had by all.  I have started the process of collecting the cheques from British Aerospace and other possible supporters.  I'll keep Branch members posted on progress.