Got a decent start in our wave of men 44 and under. Started right next to Brad and it was nice to have a familiar face right there with me (and I kinda figured we'd see each other a few more times during the race). I've started to realize that the start of these sprints people just go all out when they shouldn't be because they fall off the pace after a couple hundred yards. There were at least 10-15 guys around me til nearly the first turn buoy. Then I seemed to break free and there were 2-3 guys ahead of me. I bridged up to the closest one and latched onto his feet. It was quite choppy and there some bigger swells moving in occasionally as well, but I sighted often and kept my bearings on the next buoy and the feet in front of me. The second leg was really quick despite being the longest distance as we had the current with us. Made the turn for home and had to fight the current sort of cross-ways. Drafted off the same guy the whole way. Swam right up to the beach and popped up and ran into T1.

Nothing.

Had a good rack position, put on my glasses and helmet and grabbed my bike. As I ran out I realized that the bunch I swam with was still in transition. One guy followed me out and I got to the mount line just ahead of him.

Not much. 7th overall here and 2nd in AG.

I hopped on my bike and the guy who left transition with me got a few bike lengths ahead of me. Slipped into my shoes and got my bearings on the opening stretch of road through town. A cop siren blared and I noticed that a cop was just ahead of him. Thought to myself, ok, he's in the lead and I'm 4 bike lengths behind him. This is a new experience for me. We get to the first turn and the lead guy goes right (course goes left). The cop had slowed there and kinda stopped for a second in the middle of the intersection. I sat up and yelled to him but he didn't hear, then I yelled to the cop standing there who pointed me left like I thought was the right way. So off I go and the police escort comes by me and I'm getting the road cleared for me. At mile 2, a guy passes by me and says, 'that guy made a BAD turn', I agreed, wished him well, and he pulled ahead. I tried staying with him, but he was a very strong cyclist. I gradually watched him pull away but figured I'd use the
opportunity to push myself. The cop had his lights on so I could see where he was for a long long ways. By mile 6 or so the road got curvy so I finally lost sight of them. Then I was in no mans land. Quiet country road. Just me pushing the pace and keeping the cadence up. I was wondering if/when someone would catch me and I was glad that it didn't happen til mile 8-9 or so, and I was extra glad to see that it was my buddy Brad. I told him he was now in 2nd. We were right at the sharp turn where you have to slow way down. We made the turn, went up the false flat and I gave him his 4 bike lengths. Then I decided to try to stick with him as long as I could. He gradually pulled away, but I wasn't losing much ground and never lost sight of him. Did a nice flying dismount and ran on the grass on the side of the sharp gravelly road into T2.

Not much. Good ride for me. I pushed the pedals hard.

As I ran in, I saw Brad running out. I know he is fast in transitions, so I tried to get a move on as I wanted to at least keep him in sight on the run.
9OA/2AG.

Run faster with my bike.

I was running scared. I had no idea who was behind me or where they were til the turn around and just wanted to run my own race. I just focused on Brad up ahead and keeping the distance between us manageable. I saw the leader (for the first time since mile 6 or so on the bike), but I was at the first mile marker and him at the second and he was haulin'. At the turnaround I gave Brad some encouragement and told him that there was prize money on the line. I saw the guy behind me and he looked like he was moving at a nice clip. I didn't check a time split, but I figured if I pushed the pace, that I had a chance at holding onto 3rd. The rest of the run was uneventful. Pushed hard, and saw the runners on the way out, including Simon and a few friends. Just ran hard and didn't want to get passed - and didn't.

Not much. I've ran better in a sprint, but not after pushing myself that hard on the bike.

At the finish I saw Brad, congratulated him and traded some stories with a few of the other guys and met up with a few friends. Had some food and drinks and waited around for awards - won some cash and a nice backpack.

In retrospect, I was in a very close battle for the podium, and I got 3rd because I transitioned fairly well and held my own in all 3 events. The guys in 4th and 5th and elsewhere in the top 10 either had slower transitions or a slower swim where I was able to make up time.


Not much today.


I really like this venue and area. I hope to be back. It's a great course in a kind of overlooked part of this region. Nice roads, nice views, good swim course. Good stuff.