Round two of the QTS was set to be a very
fast race over the super sprint distance of a 400 meter swim, 15km ride &
4km run. The short race distance is far from what I train for however these
races provide a great opportunity for me to race hard and try and challenge
myself against those who make these kinds of race distances more of their
forte. I have raced the QTS events for a touch over 10 years now and so I
really enjoy coming back year after year and racing these local events.
Race Day:
With just 400 meters of swimming I thought
that I could relax a little while still staying up with the lead athletes. This
plan backfired somewhat when I emerged from the swim and saw that a few
athletes had got a small time advantage. This proved to be the deciding move of
the race. Heading out onto the bike I had a few other athletes on my wheel
close behind however after the first 5km loop I found myself alone just a few
seconds off the lead 3 riders.
Photo: Leanne Handreck Photography
Rounding the turn to head out onto the second of
three laps I noticed Ben Shaw on the side of the road having crashed on the
roundabout reducing the lead group down to just two. With Matt Roberts &
Luke Willian still maintaining a small advantage over myself I stayed committed
attempting to
chase them down.
chase them down.
Photo: Paul McCarty
Coming into transition I slipped into my running
shoes and set about putting together what I hoped would be a fast 4km run.
Unfortunately for me Luke & Matt held onto their time advantage leaving me
to come across the finish line with the final podium position.
Photo: Leanne Handreck Photography
All in all the race was fast and lots of
fun. I was happy enough with another 3rd place which should move me
into 1st place overall in the QLD triathlon series for the
open/elite men.
The next race for me will be SafeGuard
Active 5150 (Olympic Distance) Triathlon in the Philippines.
