Let's face it, most of us will be glad to see the back of 2020, not least because the coronavirus pandemic has caused utter mayhem and left us triathletes with cancelled race calendars. One race did, however, go ahead and long-term #TeamTCUK athelete, Andrew Boyle - or Bogsey as he is fondly known! - and his brother, Matt were on the start line. Here's Bogsey's race report for the Evolve Half Distance triathlon that took place in Womersley, North Yorkshire in July...

I actually couldn’t believe it when I found a triathlon that was on. Even better, it was half iron distance and only 30 minutes from my house and my brother was doing it too. 

On the morning of the event race registration was done while in the car, every competitors' temperature was taken together with the one supporter (my Dad) per triathlete who was allowed into the race venue. Pre-race all competitors had to wear a mask but everything else felt like a normal race morning. 

Just before the race started it started to rain. I was delighted, my perfect race conditions 14 degrees C with a bit of rain. 

The swim course was a two lap course with each lap being 1000 metres. It was a socially distanced start with two people setting off every 10 seconds. It led to a very relaxed swim, which I enjoyed. I came out of the swim and most of the bikes were still in transition so knew I must have had a decent swim. 

The bike course was a flat and fast two loop 58 mile course. I had a pretty uneventful bike, couldn’t believe it when I came off the bike in second place. I was further boosted when I saw my brother had finished the Olympic distance triathlon (which was being run at the same time) in a great time. He gave me great encouragement:  "fu##ing go on r kid!" 

I had visions of chasing down the guy in first place for about 5 seconds when someone passed me before I had even got to the run out sign. I had  a decent run and ended up finishing in third place (though was demoted to fourth based on gun time). I was chuffed to bits and really enjoyed my first and only race of the year. 

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Thanks to Matt for keeping me motivated and fit with a great training plan throughout lockdown. Also special thanks to John Lamb for his pre-race advice which meant I finished the race with both socks on.