The first in a 3 round Off Road Triathlon series, I was really looking forward to this one. I woke to feeling a little dodgy in the tummy. I put this down to the pressure of being labelled Race Favourite and wearing a very heavy number 1. Those race directors have a sense of humour don't they! Very windy and quite chilly out at Lake Leschinaulta, quite a good turnout. I think there were around 64 competitors. Bumped into a few familiar faces. Shame Jase and Wade weren't racing, injuries meant they were part of the IOE crew. A typical Leigh race breifing "You can't miss a turn on the MTB" sticks in my mind.
I started the 2 lap swim in the middle of the pack. Amazing how different it is swimming in fresh water for a change. Out the other side of the lake, around a tree back in and dive in only to realise the churned up mud made the water black.......mental note keep mouth closed, keep mouth closed. The water cleared up pretty quickly, out at the other side I couldn't beleive I ran past 2dogs on the way back in. He was having a very ordinary swim. He's normally a fish.800m swim down. 31km to go.
Finished the swim and there were still quite a few bikes in the racks, can't have gone too badly. Onto the 2lap MTB I began winding it up. This was my chance to make up some time. It wasn't long before I remembered how slippery it is up here. The pea gravel on the hard ground makes cornering a gently, gently affair. Caught 2dogs agian at the first log, or 2 large branches over the trail. Didn't have time to have a good look but decided dismount was the quickest option. A couple of climbs and a little single track with a fairly easy logover I was passing a few. There were lots of eager riders missing turns ("you can't miss a turn on the MTB") and I seemed to be sneaking under them when they did so. I missed the turn into the best single track near the end of the lap, but had a bit of a gap on the next rider so no harm was done getting back on track. Second lap and I wanted to have a crack. I spotted Greg Mickle up ahead on one of the climbs and put in. Nice to see a smiling face.Almost finished I came across a girl asking which way. Follow me I said, she was very thankful at the finish. Turns out she was the Female winner., and no Nigel I finished in front of her. 24km+800m down, 7km to go.
Off the bike into the run, I heard Leigh over the PA saying the favourite has some time to make up. Truth was the favourite would be doing well if he could hold his position! First section of the run was an easy dirt road to get your rhythm. Then an uneven rocky section to sort em out. great bush loop through branches up and down embankments.....brilliant! Nothing boring about this stuff. Got passed by a couple but I was happy running my own pace and looking after the dodgy hammy. Ran with Owen for a while and we were pointing out the trail to each other as we ran past the signs. Thanks Owen, you could fit in on Crew1 "Teamwork makes the dreamwork"
Great race, 8th overall and 6th in category. Had a ball. Must have had a go because the legs fell quite heavy today. That may also have something to do with standing up drinking all day at the cricket afterwards but I won't go into that. Great atmosphere very friendly and lots of families, the "Little Indians" had a run around after the race, sausage sizzle on a nice big grassed area in front of the lake. Look foward to Round2 "The Enduro" hope to get a few more there next time.
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