This weekend wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was supposed to have qualified to race at next years age group sprint euros in malmo, Sweden at Eton earlier In the year, but old mans injuries put a stop on that. I had to enter the Monikie Qualifier in Dundee instead. Even though I spend a lot of my working life up there, I didn’t quite realise how far away it was to drive, especially in the circumstances....
... now those circumstances were made a little easier after I was able to transfer from the standard event to the sprint at Woodhorn the night before on Saturday after I’d pre qualified to race the Euro Standard Age Group event in Estonia after my position at this years champs in Weert.
Back to the racing. This was to be a solid training weekend now I’m over my injury woes and training block has begun for the worlds in Lausanne in August. I still wanted to race in Northumberland on Saturday, an event that was shifted to 5pm at night, to register some points on the north east regional Grand Prix. Now I’ve not raced many local events due to racing around the country but we have some great racing and talent up here. Woodhorn is a great race and once again I had a great swim although the 750m once again measuring over 1km slowed times down just a bit. Exiting the water inside the top ten I was leading out the main field and managed to shoot through transition to safely get straight out on the bike.
The days earlier downpours had dried up and the roads were drying out to. I was riding through the field but getting caught up riding through the earlier Standard waves second bike lap it was difficult to see where I was. I was holding my own passing rider after rider. Position feeling great and starting to become more and more comfortable the more I ride.
Back into transition and my dad counts me in in 4th place. A two lap 7km run around the lake to conclude was going to be difficult to judge but we were out ahead of the standard race and I was soon catching the 3rd place athlete. I pulled alongside and instead of settling in I turned the screw to see what he had. Nothing was the answer and I opened my legs to pull away clearly into 3rd. Lap 2 and I was in clear 3rd place not making or losing ground on any of the other athletes but I couldn’t be complacent so I didn’t let up. Kicked hard for the final 3km not leaving anything in the tank and not thinking about the race to come in less than 15 hours time.
Crossing the line in 3rd place 1st vet in a race won by super league junior athlete Daniel Dixon from tri England’s next generation elite programme, was a great statement of intent back on the podium on the north east field and a test of where I’m at leading into this next block.
Shit... 3.5 hours to drive and I would be arriving in Dundee ready for my next race so I couldn’t hang about for the podium. Never mind it would be collected by a good friend and I was on my way. Stopping in a lay-by to eat a bowl of pasta I arrive in Dundee at 11:30pm enough time to roll out the legs and get my kit ready.
The 6oclock alarm was set and my mind was racing but I was travelling solo. To much for the kids so I was able to settle and get some shut eye.
The 6oclock alarm was set and my mind was racing but I was travelling solo. To much for the kids so I was able to settle and get some shut eye.
Straight up and out this morning there was no hanging around. Ten minutes and I arrived at the race park. M3 events Monikie tri festival, Scottish Championships and Euro champ qualifier. The field was stacked by all accounts and being that far north I knew no one. Speaking to my coach on the drive up yesterday, the plan was to “just do enough”. This is training after all and only a b race albeit a qualifier.
Erdinger team kit on, I was treated like royalty. The guys were so grateful for the end of race supply they had been sent and walked me through the race talking me over the swim bike and run which was great as I hadn’t been able to reccy any of it.
Erdinger team kit on, I was treated like royalty. The guys were so grateful for the end of race supply they had been sent and walked me through the race talking me over the swim bike and run which was great as I hadn’t been able to reccy any of it.
Diving into the water from a beach start I was feeling good straight away settling into a long stroke, I was once again finding myself pacing out at 1:08/100. I’ve never swam like this before. 8th out of the water and out onto the bike I was immediately into my rhythm. Like a metronome on a course that rolled over the Angus countryside. Posting the second fastest bike split everything was going perfect. I just had to hope my legs held out on the run. With a 3rd fastest run I needed not worry. I had started the second lap of the run and passed a group. Fresh in the mind of yesterday’s race I had to just run straight through them. I did and they had no answer. Turns out they were both veterans and opening a minute over them by the end firmly secured my position on the top step.
Malmö here we come £20 better off just a shame I wasn’t Scottish as I’d have been Scottish champ to!!!
8th overall 1st veteran to rival yesterday’s podium of 3rd overall 1st veteran!!!
I should race tired more often!!!
Thank you as always to Elliot for getting me back to fitness and racing like I know I can do!
To ERDINGER Alkoholfrei and all of the time for mixing it amongst the best.
To RACESKIN keeping me kitted out in the best threads.
To Fast Forward wheels for keeping me rolling fast and with confidence.
To Aquasphere, I’m not sore what it is about my swimming at the moment but that new PHANTOM Is surely helping.
Elivar nutrition keeping me fuelled and hydrated.
And last but not least, to all my team at Coalfields Tri Club for their motivation, support and inspiration in everything they do.
8th overall 1st veteran to rival yesterday’s podium of 3rd overall 1st veteran!!!
I should race tired more often!!!
Thank you as always to Elliot for getting me back to fitness and racing like I know I can do!
To ERDINGER Alkoholfrei and all of the time for mixing it amongst the best.
To RACESKIN keeping me kitted out in the best threads.
To Fast Forward wheels for keeping me rolling fast and with confidence.
To Aquasphere, I’m not sore what it is about my swimming at the moment but that new PHANTOM Is surely helping.
Elivar nutrition keeping me fuelled and hydrated.
And last but not least, to all my team at Coalfields Tri Club for their motivation, support and inspiration in everything they do.