DNF (Did Not Finish) - the three letters we absolutely never, ever want to see next to our name in race results. But, a bit like punctures, the law of averages says the more you race, the more you increase your chances of a DNF (and let’s not forget there are different types of DNF to make it an even more of a nightmare).

So, what do you do if you do see those dreaded letters and they’re actually linked to a mechanical problem that’s no fault of your own? Well, #TeamTCUK athlete Dave Risebrow has one answer…

“So, I had my first mechanical DNF in seven years of racing yesterday, not a bad average! Luckily it wasn't a massively important race and I would much rather it happen 15 minutes from home than at an A race that I'd paid £100s to be at but it was still frustrating nonetheless.

"The hub on my disc wheel became un-bonded which meant, under power, it was completely seized. The result? A long walk back to T2.

"I always try to look at the positives to take away from a race if something untoward like this happens and they were:

1. Stunning race in a stunning location and the weather was amazing which is obviously very rare here in the UK

2. 19 minute swim, second out of the water…my swim training is obviously going well!

3. Up until the mechanical, the bike and my legs were feeling great. And, after looking at the winner’s eventual run time, I'm confident based on my current run fitness that I could've put a decent enough gap into him with what was left of the bike to have ‘probably’ taken the win. See, always positive thinking me!

4. My new nutrition plan is working wonders.

Of course with positives there are always negatives, the main one being I now have the hassle of trying to sort out a broken disc wheel!

I guess my main reason for writing this particular post is to say that although it's incredibly frustrating at the time to DNF - particularly through a mechanical issue - I hope anyone who finds themselves in a similar position takes the time to reflect and focus on the good aspects. There is always something positive to take away from any race.

I’ll leave you with a shot so you can share my experience visually too. This photo says it all:  my look of disgust on the bike as I’m slowly being passed by the entire field of competitors!