For the first Pro Tour race, I didn't have the training I would have liked, but hey what ya gunna do. The main aim was not to come last. The week leading up to the race was pretty terrible, weather wise, It was windy with a bit of rain thrown, which was not going to lend for an enjoyable race. Come race day, it was calm, dry and sunny. The river wasn't real flash, pretty dirty and a fair whack of weeds floating around. The start of the swim went pretty well, until about 3/4 of the way around when i tightened up slightly and lost the feet of the lead pack, coming out of the water 40 sec behind them.
Luckily I came out of the water with 3 others, which made for a nice little group on the bike.
We worked well on the bike together, taking turns as if we have ridden together for a while, which was nice - sometimes you get the clingons in your group, which doesn't help when you are trying to catch the lead group. Through the ride the pace was high, but we just couldn't close that gap to the lead pack, which hovered around that minute mark. During races like this you always wonder if did too much on the front of the pack and you get slightly worried, coming into transition, that your legs will hold up.
Coming off the bike the leg felt alright but knowing before the race that there wasn't much speed in them and I was just hoping that I could hold a descent pace through the run. Legs the held up, it wasn't quick but I didn't loose any spots and went sub 19min, which is always good.
Being that the aim of the race was not to come last, I was pretty happy crossing the line in 9th and only a few minutes behind the leader. Knowing that there is plenty of training to come and a lot more fitness to be found for the up and coming races.
Emmo and the team at Elite Energy organised and held a really great event. It was nice to see Nowra holding a triathlon again, after a few years in the wilderness. Alot of people supported the race, competing and spectating which is great to see.
