Forster Triathlon Race Report
Forster is a beautiful little part of the NSW coast and this was
my second time racing the Sprint triathlon up there. However this was my first
time racing the draft legal event and first time having a crack at a draft
legal sprint distance triathlon, an exciting thought that I was soon to find
out was a lot of painful fun.
Race morning and there was a deep fog over the race site that
turned into beautiful sunny weather, couldn't get any better for racing. Warm
up done and wetsuit on I was raring to dig into the 750m swim, 20km bike and
5km run.
The buzzer sounded and we were off, the first 300m of swimming
was crazy fast, I couldn't believe how quick the front pack went in the swim, I
pushed myself to stay with them but lost feet just before the swim turn around.
On the return I found myself swimming in the chase pack with the leaders
getting further and further away, this was not what I wanted. Exiting the water
I was 50 seconds down on a pack of 6 and 10 seconds off my younger brother. A
smooth transition and as soon as I mounted my bike I dropped the hammer, going
for the front pack.
After a couple of minutes I was in a pack of 4 and we started to
work quite well together, everyone rolling turns. Just before the 10km turn around
we found the front bike pack was just over 1 minute ahead of us, which was far
from what I wanted. I wasn't at this race to fight for 7th place, I wanted to
be in the battle for 1st. 12km in and
after having an earlier chat with Jack he attacked and we dropped my brother
Jason from the pack, one less person to worry about getting off the bike with.
Rolling into transition I positioned myself at the front and made sure I was
ready to hit the pavement fast. Runners on, helmet off and I exited transition
in 7th place, first out from my bike pack.
The first 1km of the run was fast, I hit it hard but was passed
and dropped to 8th, the second lap come around and I could myself battling for
7th with Jack, I knew if I could hold on until the last few meters I always
have a solid kick and back myself over a sprint finish. The last km I was
really starting to hurt and my legs were starting to get heavy but I dug deep
and held on until the last 300m where I kicked, know that I wanted the inside
line going for the finish chute. The last part is a bit of a blur but photos
show me coming over the line in 7th.
Every race I find myself going to that next level that I didn't
think I was capable of and coming out with some things to work on so next race
I can go above and beyond again. Thanks to everyone for the support over the
weekend. Two weeks until the NSW super sprint weekend, an awesome tune up for
Runaway Bay.
Until then,
Ryan
