Bonus: Tri-Athlete (UK) July 1988: The Other Pages
Here’s the second of four bonus blog posts to go with the latest podcast episode. TSP24: Season Openers Part 1.
In TSP24 I said that outside of the three big races reports, there was plenty to get excited about in the July 1988 issue of
Tri-Athlete (UK). So I’ll present those pages below.
An editorial written by Chip Rimmer. He basically wrote the whole mag back then. He explains the highlights of the upcoming season.
The story of Peter Moysey’s problems with sponsor Donohues Estate Agents in Kingston. Probably a common occurence back then for the journeyman pro trying to fund their time on the circuit.
An extensive interview with Sarah Springman. This is where I found out that she had organised the Dave Scott Coaching Clinic in Cambridge in December 1987. I’ll post some of her Running Magazine columns soon. They were great. And probably encouraged plenty of runners, me included, to get into triathlon.
An ad for the Ireland Triathlon. Which I’m 99% sure didn’t happen. Although I’ve never found an official announcement. The promotor was Patrick O’Riordan. Who also put together the Bermuda International Triathlon. More homework needed. I’ll write a blog post and talk to some people who might know.
Two clip out coupons to subscribe. For Tri-Athlete (UK) Which I did. By asking my mum to write me a cheque for £14.50. And for the US and French editions of the magazine. I couldn’t read French back then. But I’m not sure why I didn’t also get a Triathlete (USA) subscription. Maybe as a Christmas present.
The perfect gift for the teenage tri-nerd.An for Scott DH handlebars by Bike UK. They suggest that the Scott in Scott DH is Dave Scott. Very wrong! See TSP3. And the Brancale XP7 helmet. A popular choice back then. I hadn't bought a helmet yet. But the Brancale one was on my short list.
The Reebok PB was featured amongst some running shoe reviews. I never had a pair. But this lightweight racer / trainer would have suited my running style perfectly.
My first look at the classic Winning Club ad with Glenn Cook exciting some water in the sleeveless Aquaman suit. Check out TSP21 for my thoughts on this iconic neoprene offering.
The BTA news column outlined some very usefull tips for the first time triathlete. That would be me soon.
The race results started at the back. I was struck by how early the racing got underway in Ireland. March and April. I couldn't find anything near me this early in the season.
Tucked away. Without even a mini-report. The top 10s from USTS Miami and USTS Houston. What was the USTS? Who were these people? I needed to know more. Full USTS pod coming soon.
A portion of the UK calendar, from late-June to October. I studied it hard. But I couldn't find anything close enough to Slough that would allow a 15 year old to enter. So I’d have to wait until May 1989 to do my first triathlon.
Right at the back. The Tri-Stars feature. Sub-titled. Presenting the sport’s local heroes. Every month 3 athletes were featured. Not necessarily fast people. But certainly athletes on the UK scene who were following the circuit and living the lifestyle.
Images:
Tri-Athlete (UK) July 1988
