REVIEW: Total Guide 'Chilly' Duathlon

After having worked with the fantastic DB Max for over 10 years, and competing in their races for over 15, we jumped at the chance to be Title Sponsors of the Chilly Duathlon and 10k.

The Chilly Races are held every November and March at the Castle Combe Racetrack and with the traffic free circuit, it has become a favourite among seasoned athletes and novices alike.

Conquering the Elements

My training had gone pretty well and I was looking forward to getting a PB for that course and despite the weather forecast throughout the week I was hopeful that it would change at the last minute. Alas, the 46mph winds and rain did materialise, disc wheels were banned and I thought that there was a possibility of it being cancelled.

While I was travelling to the race, I got a funny voice note from our TGt Race Reporter Matt Gleed who was participating in the Chilly 10k before the Duathlon who told me to turn around and go home as the conditions were howling.

Fortunately, being title sponsors meant I had to show up and I was glad I did. Despite battling the elements (this track is so exposed, you even feel the wind on calm days so this wind and rain was something else), it was a super fun morning and I was only 4 mins slower than my PB for that race which, given I was a complete wimp around the windy corners, I am happy with. And will certainly make racing in kinder conditions feel easier.

An epic-fail from me but an epic demonstration of customer service from DB Max

I'm ashamed to share that in all the busy-ness of filming for our sponsorship and coverage of the races, I completely missed the ankle tag in my race pack which is what you wear to record your times - I only noticed on the start line! But how is this for customer service....I saw Will the Race Director at the end of the first run and shouted over to let him know I wasn't wearing my tag and when I came in to transition for the final run, a marshall handed me another tag to put on so I could record my finish time! That is absolutely over and above and really demonstrates how much effort all the team at DB Max put in to making sure everyone has a great time. Although, I'm still mortified I managed to forget this after having done the Chilly multiple times before!

There is always a fun and friendly atmosphere at DB Max Races but the weather meant there was even more camaraderie between the competitors than usual and there was lots of friendly banter and the marshals absolutely made it. I obviously looked as nervous as I felt on the bike and the legend that is 'Shouty Dave' gave me some fantastic shouty words of encouragement and I felt stronger for it.

We all hung around at the end to share our race stories over a nice warm coffee and to watch the race presentations and there were some fantastic times too. Congratulations to all the winners:

Male

1. Henry LLOYD WILLIAMS - 46:16.7

2. Craig BURROWS - 46:54.8

3. George MANNING - 47:00.2

Female

1. Laoise BENNIS - 53:40.7

2. Penny GUESS - 54:26.9

3. Lizzie WILKINSON - 55:59.3

Relay - Team NOT SO DYNAMIC DUO - 48:51.2

Crossing the finish line of a duathlon is a moment filled with exhilaration and a great sense of accomplishment, especially having survived yesterdays conditions. DB Max Chilly Races always deliver great courses, a warm atmosphere and fantastic race bling. Whether you are a seasoned duathlete or a novice looking to embark on a new adventure, the world of racing awaits with lots of different races on offer from DB Max. You can view their events calendar here.

Find out more about DB Max HERE!