2010 K2 Race Report

The K2 cycle ride is around the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. It starts in one of 4 towns, either Coromandel Town, Thames, Tairua or Whitianga. This year was Coromandel's turn again. This year was the 9th running of the event (since the entire route has been sealed).

Training has been going really well leading into the ride and have done a fair amount of hill work so was expecting a good ride.

The day was looking ok so made sure I stayed hydrated leading into the race and ate well i.e. lots of carbs.

There are 7 categorised climbs for the King of the Mountain jersey and had plans to have a go if I felt good.

I started right at the back of the first group and settled into the ride. The first climb is only 7Km or so from the start so was not going to worry too much about it. Once I got myself a bit closer to the front I noticed that there was already someone off the front! Turns out that the KOM from last year had the idea to break away early to get some points. I did not think that was a great idea so stayed back.

The first climb did not feel to bad so decided to have a go for some points but was past by one guy so only managed 3rd. Legs felt much worse on the next climb and I was struggling to hand on so did not even try to contend for points on it!

Then the rain started and I got cold and wet. There is about 50Km of flat and I sat in the whole way drinking and eating and trying to stay out of trouble.

The next climb is a biggie! about 9Km long not steep for the whole way. This is where things started to go really wrong. All that early drinking turned against me as the weather was not that great. I has to stop to pee! I couldn't believe it. Before the climb proper started I rode a little bit off the front and pulled off to the other side to do my business! There was a long queue of cars behind so it made it easy to get back on - still not the best! Then Gary put in an attack half way up and that really hurt me! By the time we went past the first drinks stop I was struggling to hang in the first group and got tailed off towards the top. Fortunately, there is a good fast descent so had not trouble getting back along with most others... I thin I hit 80Km/h plus :)

The next part of the course is rolling and then lots of flats. I stayed in the group and kept quite feeling ok but not really enjoying myself. There were a couple of guys getting interested in breaking away some did get up the road. I did not even notice I was too busy just trying to stay in the group.

The next climb out of Tairua was ok and I did not have any major trouble. then onto Whitianga I was just sitting in too. I had to stop again for a pee though, in the pooring rain and a headwind. They were riding really slowly so decided I could manage it. Just did although it was hard work getting back on.

From here there were 4 more hills plus the biggie at the end. Not really much to say other than I was just trying to stay in contact. I think Brain had a go as we got closer to the finish and I went with him (and everyone else too) but other than that I stayed quiet.

The final hill Whangapoua starts about 8km from the finish is about 3.5 Km up, with an equally long and very tricky descent. I started about mid pack and worked up close to the leaders of our group. By about halfway up there were about 5 of us & pulling away from the rest. I actually started to feel OK for the first time. My legs were fine and I had not really pushed all day. By the time we got to 3/4 up I started to fade a bit and could not maintain the pace. Over the top I was about 50m back and got past by another rider. The descent was ok but got stuck behind some cars and took a while before I plucked up the courage to pass them. That cost me as Michael shot past near the bottom! He went past so fast that by the time we got to the bottom he was way too far ahead to catch.

I held that place to the finish. 11th overall so not great but a lot better that it was looking for most of the day!

The Team Time Trial

Well I got dragged into the Hope Gibbons Team Time Trial again this year. I was not really all that keen for it as I have not really done that much in the last 4 weeks and certainly nothing that would set me up for this... but they were short of riders and in the end I was the 3rd rider of 3 to count. Sam Weston, the 4th rider in the team did not have a TT bike and as a result really struggled.

Eric Drower and Dave Mann were the other two and they are considerably better at this kind of thing than me!

The course was 40Km out and back two lapper, in Gordonton. It's probably pretty well known to the Secondary Schools and they use this for the North Island champs. Unfortunately the road surface is not that great so is usually a slowish course.

On the plus side for once there was not that much wind.

We started out nice and steady at 45-50Km/h but neither myself or Sam could handle that. So every time we came onto the front the pace would drop. This was not by choice I say. There was a bit of a headwind on the way out and we slowed as we came to the turnaround. I was already running scared as the heart rate was way up over my current AT. It was starting to stay above it! Bugger. After the first turn we got going up towards 50Km/h again for a couple of big turns by both Dave and Eric. After coming off the front, then Sam I missed the pace being lifted and then Dave and Eric gaped the both of us. I stayed on Sams' wheel but he could not close the gap. I went past and then they waited for us. A bit of a stuff up by me there. The problem was that neither Sam or I could really hold the same kind of pace so they would lift it just as we were trying to get back on... not the best really...

Sam and I skipped a couple of turns and then Sam was gone.

I got my breath back (see the HR dip just before half way) and started to take a few turns again. Not that long mind you.

The start of the second lap I was not feeling too bad but controlled myself and skipped every second turn. The wind seemed a bit stronger this lap and we slowed down quite a bit. Eric had taken a couple of big laps and was not feeling to good. Dave was just being controlled.

At the third turn with the wind at our backs things really started to heat up! Eric lifted it up to over 50! and Dave upped it too. I came through and the pace dropped to 47. Bugger. anyhow Eric came through again and we got up to 53... I'm hanging on for dear life hoping that he does not go any faster!

The pace settled down towards a more realistic pace for me at around 48 and I was able to take a few more turns and hold the pace. It was not really until the last 5Km that I became confidant that I would stay in contact and not blow up :)

We crossed the line together in a time of 52:30. I was very pleased with this. Ave HR 170 max 177. This is very high for me. I guess because I have not been doing much the HR has gone higher than it might have normally. Ave speed 46Km/h Max 53Km/h.

A Fantastic day

I have had my best result at Ironman New Zealand! What more can you say... very pleased.

The day started at 4:50 so not too early...a reasonable sleep. Sam had been a pain for the last couple of days and I was really worried she was going to stay awake all night! Thankfully it was not too bad. Got about 5 hours sleep. Sam had just woken anyway so Iz was getting up... too.

I had a reasonable breakfast of muesli and tea... and got all the bottles and the bike special needs stuff together and off we went...

Left the house at 5:45. A little ops on the way. The guy behind us was not paying attention and hit us from behind. Bugger. Not too much damage though. A short delay and we were back on our way!

Thankfully there were no more dramas and I got the bike sorted and headed down to the swim start.

Got my wetsuit on and into the water by 6:50. Not as soon as I wanted but I was still quite relaxed. I swam out to the far right and found Liz and Maddog so decided that this was a good place to be. Had a look around to see where Tony was but could not see him. I figured he must have been right up close to that right start buoy.

Swim:

The Gun went a little early than I expected but got going OK. Funny thing about an IM, there really is not that much in the way of a rush off the start line than compared to other races. Of course it helped that the pros were not with us. I did put in a bit of an effort to start with and tried to find some feet to swim off. But I was hardly going for it! Got some but they were rather nasty! The guy was kicking all over the place and zigzagging all over too. For the next 10mins I was fighting to get away from this guy. Very frustrating! He seemed to keep covering me! I just could not get around him... Finally someone else comes up beside me and I jumped onto his feet. The rest of the swim was pretty uneventful and actually went very quickly. The only thing was I did struggle with the drafting a quite a bit... it seemed that the guys I was drafting off really did now swim all that straight. With about a Km to go I decided to up the pace a bit and went my own way... I did pull away a bit and caught up a group. Just at the finish I caught Hamish (although I did not know it until the after race photo :)

Just under 58'. That's a best by about half a minute. Certainly a good way to start the day!

T1

My transitions are sometimes great and well sometimes a bit of a goon show! I ran quite steady up to the transition area and into the tent. Got help getting the wetsuit off but he could not pull it off my feet! He dragged me across the ground! Can you believe that? Anyway he stopped and I had to work it off each foot by hand. Crazy stuff. I had socks in my bike shoes and the socks were nicely folded to get on quicker. One of the helps unfolded them Doh! Put on a gillet, rolled up arm warmers and put some salt tablets into back pocket and took off for the bike. Got to the bike OK and out. Getting on the bike was a complete disaster! I knew that wearing shoes from transition was a risk. Both cleats got gummed up with mud and I had to clean them before I could click in. The problem is I did not find this out until after the first attempt at mounting my bike, so I nearly came off! Doh! (again). Oh well, no damage... yet. After that I felt that things might go my way!

Bike

Once on the bike and up to speed I unrolled arm warmers and started drinking and eating a bar. Feeling pretty good about the day. It's always fun going out of town for the first time a bot of a buzz. Very easy to get a bit too excited...

There was a bit of wind and rain about but really was not too bad... Once I got up to the race track upped the pace a bit and started to catch a few people... Did have a little ops at about 55Km/h when I just checked to make sure my bottle was not coming out... went over a small bump and the rear wheel flicked out a bit! That scared me, jeepers I really did not wanna come off at that speed... Got into a good group but it was growing fast. Getting really worried about being busted. I did a Tony trick and let myself drift off the back a bit... Spotted Cream Puff about half way out, just had enough time to say Hi! No chance for a quick Chat or something else.... Tony.

Spotted Tony heading back... looked like in the front group looking good. Another 3m plus to the turn, so he was at least 5m up the road. At the turn around, went around very gingerly... felt very slippery... I did not lean the bike at all. Very big group now. I must have been on the back of a 50 rider bunch. Did look very cool seeing them all lined up in front of me...

I made a bit of a blunder here though... I stayed just where I was happy that things were going along nicely, but as we started going up I was not paying enough attention to the front of the group. Dam it, someone about 10 riders up let a gap form and no one went 'round him. By the time I realised what had happened the gap was nearly 200m. Doh! (not again)... I rode to the front of this group and carried on but, by the time we got down through town and back up private road and onto Broadlands again there was not sign of anyone.. Oh well. Time to settle in and eat some more. I did put in a bit of an effort on the climbs to see if I could bring that group back, but not to be.

Start of the second lap

I rode the next 20Km on my own so that made about 30Km alone. Possibly a tactical error on my part here. Halfway out I finally got caught by another smaller group. I decided to sit in again and rest a bit...

Saw Tony again just before the turn around. A little sooner this time so he was going well. Maybe 2m30s this time I thought.

When we hit the bridge I decided to go again. I was looking at the watch thinking sub 5hours might be on the cards, so put in a bit of effort here. Two of us worked together quite well. Dropped him as we were coming up to the race track... 5 hrs ticked over as I was coming down Spa Road. Oh well it was close. Just under 5:03 so a good ride ! A personal best so all good and feeling great. Not even my back was very sore.

T2

Into transition no errors and got the socks and shoes on quick plus arm coolers rolled up. Hey I was hopeful that it might get warm :) The lady helping me unfolded my socks too, this slowed down me putting on my socks. Dam that was 0 for 2. Anyway it was a very good T2 for me.. Then off up the ramp and out for the run.

Run

Saw Lynley on the corner of the bridge doing race commentary. She said hi! Coming down the other side was a great lift. Running quite fast at the bottom. Felt pretty good and set a good pace. Hr was about 143 so was a tad higher than '04, but I could live with it. The emotions really run high as you go through town... so many people cheering and calling out you name (it helps it is on your race number) it almost feels like everyone knows you. Of course very easy to get carried away with this.

Heading out for the first lap...

I saw Tony at about the 8Km mark. He was feeling it from being sick most of the week. Still looked in good spirits. I was happy but feeling cautious about the second lap.

I had a great first lap and kept the pace constant. I was taking lots of water with some salt tablets and a GU every 30mins. Espresso Love ones with double caffeine... very nice.

I got caught just before half way by this pro woman, she was running really well. We stayed together for a few Kms but she then took off! Not for me...

The start of the second lap I still felt OK and carried on if at a slightly slower pace. The idea was at 9Km to go if there was still something there to up the pace then. That's at the top of airport hill.

When I finally got there, there was no upping the pace going on... The pace had dropped a bit and I was really just hanging on. The quads and groin region was rather tight!

The last 6Km was a struggle and I was getting past quite a bit. I was looking for E's on peoples' calves. I did not see any. I was playing mind games with myself. Get to the next aid station. Have a good drink of coke and some water on the legs then get going again. This got me through and I was able to keep running reasonably well. It was great to get to the waterfront. The closer you get the faster you go and I did start to wind it up a bit.

Brodie went past me just at the Supaloos. Bugger I thought I had him. Anyway I had a look and no one else was going to go past now.

Down the shoot and had another quick look. And another. Nope no one there... now enjoy it!

9:24 10 min quicker than '04. Very pleased.

It just keeps getting better

Wow, I cannot believe it! 5 minutes faster than by previous personal best at Tauranga two years ago.

Ok, admittedly, the weather was perfect hardly any wind and a bit of cloud cover to keep the heat down a bit...

Starting with the pros was interesting at the start. Just like last year we drifted way over the line. This time I was quite happy about that! They were trying to bring us back and then the gun went. I found a set of feet for a while and then hand to swim in the front of a pack the whole way. Not much fun. Got stung whilst swimming through part of a jellyfish too. 29'44" so not too bad for the course with the tide etc...

  
Exiting the water...

Into T1 one did not run that quickly never seem to be able to just got caught by the first of the age groupers too. 1'23" 

Onto the bike and I did swim quite hard so was feeling not so great. Did not get going. A group started to form with me, Armando, Rob D and Paul W. We were going at about 40Km/h or there abouts.

 

Starting out it was quite wet...

Started picking up riders all over the place... Caught Jo and Shacks, then Walter, Glen G, Micheal K and Tony. That's when I tried to get away. No go every one was onto that. Then Michael K had a go... I tried to go past and push on. That lasted a few minutes then Paul went past and one other and I go pinged for drafting I cannot believe it! I'm quite sure I was not. well at least I am sure that 15seconds had not elapsed when the last rider went past me. But what do you do? Nothing I think just take the penalty and get going.

  
End of first lap on my own here due to penalty.

I got into the penalty box first but was too slow to line up and did not get the card first. So I was first in and third out. That did not go down to well either I do not think that the officials really new what the were doing. I reckon it cost me 3 mins from off bike to back on at speed. 

    

Just starting the second lap...

I caught the two in front of me Michael and Rob and then pushed on riding a lot harder than I might have otherwise... time with penalty 2h15m13s Still a personal best...

T2 was quite good for me, 1'23" I put socks on as usual so pleased with that considering it is quite a long run out of T1.

Then onto the run. I was feeling quite tired by this stage. Was beginning to wonder if I biked to hard... Michael then went past quite fast, faster than I dared anyway, then Rob. Rob then took a detour to a rubbish bin worried that he might get pinged for littering! Once 'round to Ocean Beach Road I caught and past Michael and did not see him again. I then past Shacks and Tony, his calf was gone so was only going to be able to try and complete. I started to feel good so tried to get going a bit. I sore Mark B ahead which gave me something to aim for. after turn around he had to duck into the sand dunes - he then came out just in front of me! Glen G then went past like a man possed. He is really quiet good at pacing himself on the bike.. I caught Mark at the base of the Mount track... Took it easy on the climbs and free running on the downs.

First lap with Rob just behind

At the half way in just over 42' - not bad for this course hoping for more like sub 41' but I'll take it! Had a GU and started taking coke. Things stared to take a turn for the worse on the beach road heading out again and I think I lost a bit of time. But once I started to work out possible finish times and see what was possible, I started to wind it up a bit... the Mount track the second time really hurt and the last few hills were quite slow...

'Round the Mount...

Down onto The Mall for the last time the cramp started to appear in the hamstrings but was still able to run well to the line...

The Finish :)

Total time : 4h 13m 30s 

Fantastic result. I think that the draft bust cost me 3 mins for a unofficial time of 4:10:30 Can you believe that? Very good conditions for the bike so a bike split could have been 2h12m !!!

A good day in the end...

Started the swim on the right hand side. Did not see Mr Doe so must have not been the best position. The sun was out most of the way so lots of sun strike and very hard to see where to go. The fact that the turn cans were being placeed while we were swimming was not great as it made it impossible to line up a land mark and sight off that.

Got to the second turn buoy in over 15mins so new I was not in for a great swim. Found a good pair of feet and tried to hang on. We did pass quite a few on the return.

Got caught by first team swimmer! Tried to hang on for a bit but was way too fast.

Out in 29'30" not too bad for me at the moment

About a 1 minute in T1, quite good.

Heading out on the bike, trying to wind it up!

There was a strong sou east wind from first thing in the morning so I tried to make the best of it early on in the ride...

Very determined to make up some ground.

The left leg was giving me a bit of trouble. I found siting as far forward on the saddle as possible was the best, but this did kill the quads a bit! Not to mention other areas ;)

Coming onto lake front still in 3rd place

The wind coming back was quite challenging, however at some parts of the course I found it was possible to wind it up a bit. But there was too much time spend under 38Km/h to get a great time.

I was still being hounded by one guy coming to the end of the bike leg, even though I made the most of the tail wind down the last part of Broadlands road and then Spa Road. I was in the 11 hitting 60Km/h and beyond regularly. He was up to the task.

Bike time of just under 2hr20m pretty good on this course and good enough for 2nd fasted overall (behind Mr Doe & Mr Milne punctured).

Just before T2 he went past (the bugger) and I never got close again. Time 1'20" got left behind. Putting on socks really cost me here...

Heading out on first lap feeling OK and tracking 3rd place...

3rd place was just 60m ahead at this early point on the first lap. I was feeling a little sore, with numb toes and a sore groin but felt that I was closing in...

It was not to be though as about half way on the first lap the left calf was tightening and I had to nurse it. He got away from me. There was another guy just behind me so was getting a bit worried he was going to catch me.

At the turn around another guy went past, fast. Dam it! I could not dare to run that fast. I was cooling the calf down with water at each drink station and that seemed to help. With about 7Km to go I gradually increased the pace and finished strongly.

Made it! A good second lap but not that happy.

Happy to finish (5th) but a little disappointed the calf was problematic. I had to hold back in the run and think that 2min quicker was possible if it was OK. Still less than 1 minute behind 3rd place, so I held the run together reasonable well if with the calf problems. 1hr 24 m 44s run split, 5th fastest and I negative split to too :)

Fastest Half on NZ soil, so not all bad!

3:49 at Taupo!

I cannot believe it. I think this is about my 6th time 'round the lake and for the first time I plucked up the courage to enter the classic race. I almost did it last year but chickened out at the last minute. 

This year dawned a really nice day, perfect weather for riding. It was cool with no wind to speak of., but with $20K in prize money up for grabs this was not going to be a picnic!

Right from the gun we I was on the limit! Not having warmed up it was really tough. I was glad I started at the front of the bunch because by the time we got to the left turn at the top of State highway 1 leaving Taupo I was almost on the back and out the ass! 

Thankfully it got a bit easier from there, but still plenty of climbing to go and everyone was still pretty much together.

At each chance I got I would try to sneak up a few places. There was over 100 riders so it did make for a big group and it was well spread out. Being down the back was a bit of a worry if a split happened up front, not much you could do about that...

The classic course is slightly different to the solo ride, where we turn left and roll down towards Kinlock. This makes the race a few Km shorter but adds another 200m of vertical climbing into the mix instead. Heading down into Kinlock was an amazing experience I was hanging on the back within about 2 minutes and the pace was close to 80Km/h, then 40 then 80! Do not know what was going on but you could always smell the carbon break pads melting before you needed to slow!

As soon as we hit the bottom we were climbing again. This was the hardest part for me. The climb was quite steep and very solid. Not much more left before I would be going AT. There were quite a few getting dropped here and I had to ride around them and be very careful of not getting dropped.

After this things seems to ease off a bit. I suspected that some of the contenders had gone off the front (not that I could see any of that from the back!). For the next 20km I got myself further up front and even did a turn or too.

Another group got away at 50km and this made life a bit easier again. Coming up to Kuratau Hill I put myself right on the front setting the pace. Matt went flying past early on plus one or two others and for a moment I was worried that the whole bunch would fly past! Thankfully they did not and I was able to stay in the first 15 or so quite close to the front...

Nothing much happened after that. Until Hatepe although I did get myself caught in the wrong place for the big descent before Turangi A bit scary in the middle of the bunch.

At Hatepe I put myself on the front right from the bottom with the hope of staying in contact. It turned out OK as only about 10 or so went past. I was beginning to think I could stay with them and put in a effort, passing Mr Sheldrake but he went past a few seconds later and what was only a 15m gap turned into 50m, then 100m very quickly and I soon realised I was not going to get on easily. I tried for about 5mins but it just was not happening. I eased off and waiting for the main group again.

At the airport hill I again went off the front at the bottom. This was not received very well at all! Various amounts of abuse was fired my way! - Go champ - go for the win - etc! All I was thinking of was not getting dropped as that legs were gone! Sure enough about 3/4 up and I got swallowed as the steep part of the climb bit.

I tried to stay close to the front though and along the lake front put in a effort to get to the front. Only to realise that I had gone to soon and again got swamped just before the right turn onto the finish line. I had to go 'round that bend with a least two on the inside and one rider on the outside.  Hold your line I shouted to myself! 

A few put up a good sprint Matt Yates got it I think, but really there was no point so I just rolled over. Pretty blood amazed at the result I could not believe how fast we went. There really were not that many people pushing the pace on the front. The pace was always high though, and other than the first 30km the hills were not too bad. I was very stoked with the ride! Just one small thing, not getting onto the Sheldrake bunch on Hatepe - which stayed away to the finished - was just slightly a bummer.

Now waiting for the contract offers to start to pouring in... ;)

Hmmm.......

At the people's tri in Auckland. Tony got it again but this time by only 9 seconds!!! Maybe next time. I just have to get the run time down to 37 minutes...

K2 2008

Well another great race, but this year with not so good outcomes...

I do not understand the attitude, if it was me coming up on a cycle race I'd watch it not try to get past a group of 100 riders or more at any cost! I was on the front at the time and as the ute guy had to avoid the tanker he came back to the left causing the bunch to move with him, only slightly but this caused a chain reaction down the peloton and that's when I herd the crash and followed by the tanker locking up his breaks...

Anyway I had planned again to go for the KOM and decided right from the start. The start was pretty aggressive and I was a bit far back but got the the front for the start of the climb up Pumpkin hill. Steve Came set a fairly high pace and I just hung in there... Another guy was contesting for the top so I had to sprint for the win. Iz was cheering on the side with Harry so that was a nice boost...

Someone got away (the eventual winner I think) I did have to do a bit of chasing before Whitianga to bring it back...

... then the accident... we waited for quite a while...

The pace was steady up the next climb Kuaotuni. I got the KOM point place wrong so had to sprint twice Doh! We rode nice an easy until the next climb with most catching back up to the group.

Steve C took another flyer to the start of Mydermans hill; I sat on him and took it, but again had to fight for it!

Up Whangapoua, Jim M took off after a suggestion from Tony - be careful what you wish for! Then these two guys in KE cycling kit took the lead and dropped all just a little. I again had to work pretty hard to stay with them, Mark C came through to try to take the win but I just got it over one of the KE guys. Man that hurt.

Towards the top

At the top!

At the bottom me and Michael L were in front, he descends really well! He talked about going hard but the rest of the group where closing so gave it a miss.

The next two climbs were a bit of fun too. I got the first of them, Mania with a hard sprint over the top, but the last one Kereta, I was running out of gas and only got 3rd. In hindsight I should have flagged that one...

We had a really nice tail cross wind down the coast and there were a couple of flourishes of action. I was in a break for a few minutes. Two guys got away before the start of Kopu Hikuai climb but I had given up worrying about them and was worrying about my chances of staying with the front group. I had a bit to eat before we got there but I do not think it was enough.

Sure enough as soon as we started going up I started going backwards. Bugger. Oh well, I rode at my own pace and did get a bit slower and slower towards the top.

The last few Km was really bad. On the plus side I did pass another elite rider who had well and truly blown!

Jim McM caught me up the small climb after the big descent - man that hurt! It was a lot harder than I remember. Jim was good though and stayed with me.

The last 20Km does have a couple more climbs that bite and I was not biting back any more! I was still able to do some good turns on the flat and downhills if that counts!

Jim towing me in...

Over the last 5Km I got slower and slower and took smaller and smaller turns on the front. Jim stayed with me and got me across the line. Thanks man. Just under 5h41m not too bad but could have been a bit quicker if I had not smashed myself on the climbs. Oh and if that bloody crash did not happen... I might talk some more about that latter.

On the plus side I won the climbs up Pumpkin (20), Kuaotunu (15), Mydermanns (10), Whangapoua (40), and Manaia (20) and 3rd on Kereta (8) for a total of 113 points. KOM in the bag for the second year running :)

Capricorn Coast

A Half! In the winter!

What a treat. We were always going to Aussie at this time of year, but it was a real bonus to be able to do a Half Ironman. The training weather back home was very much less that perfect. In fact, the consensus appears to be that the weather in NZ over June and July completely sucked.

Anyhow, it was great to be able to go up the Yepoon in our nice rental car (an A3) and stay at the Ridges (not as great as it sounds I'm afraid).

Race day was Sunday and it dawned fine if a little cold (a lot cold for the locals) and we had to walk down the beach to the start. I had entered the OPEN event in a spat of complete madness a couple of months ago. Started to get a bit nervous over that deal.

Race started at 8:00am and I just slipped into the back of the pros and let them duke it out. I was dropped before we got to the first can at 100m. One turn left then 1700m down the beach with a nice strong tide and the waves to our back right. I got left out on my own for a bit so dug in a bit to get on the feet of a guy just a few metres in front. Then sat on his feet the most of the way. I would have stayed on his feet the whole way but he kept moving all over the place. There were a lot of cans along the way and we had to keep these to our left so plenty to think about. The turn can came up real quick. Once around the feel of the tide really showed itself and I gave up trying to allow for it and just swam in letting myself drift a bit. 27' 45" I think to the beach. This was ok but was hoping for a faster time.

Took the run in easy and got my got myself into T1 with the HR down to a reasonable level (under 150) although the watch looked rather waterlogged :(

No dramas getting onto the bike and getting going although I still have trouble using my left hand to help put my left foot in shoe. I used my right hand instead! Very odd I know. Once up to speed the rough road really started to get noticed! And the wind. It was a 5 lap out and back course and there was not that much tail wind a bit of a solid course! I put the pressure on early to see who I could close the gaps on. Did take a lot out of some of the slower pros but the main front group were gone and there was no chance to get near as they were all drafting well.

I think on the first or second lap I might on hit 50Km/h in the down wind sections but there were not enough of these. Just before halfway my watch died completely. This was a really problem as I was using it as my guide for laps and how well I was going.

Lot of spares, drink bottles and other stuff on the course as the vibrations took there toll! It turned out I had a split of 2h 20m for the bike which included T1 and T2 so was very pleased with this. But at the time I had no idea and after loosing a bike shoe going into T2 (and having to go back and get it) I was thinking the race was not going too well.

Past the finish line for the first time there was a clock. I showed a time that would equate to 4h 30m if I did about an 88m run. This really set me back and from that moment on was rather negative and just wanted to get the run over. Not having done any real long runs in training possibly did not help either!

The run was a 3 lap course about a 1/4 on roads and the rest on tracks some of which were sand based. My the run flat but hard work. I did catch a few pros eacly on and pushed on but knew that I was not going super fast just solid. At the end of the second lap another pro went past me quite fast and I tried to up the pace to make it hard for him to pass (could hear him coming a mile away!)... as he finally went past I felt that he had me, but I pushed on and he got about 100m ahead. Through the tracks for the last time I upped the pace again and past this gut at about the same point he past me the last lap. This was very pleasing as I was still going strong...

Crossed the finish line and had not idea of time and place! It turns out the clock was broken and showed the wrong times. I was at least 10m ahead of first woman so that was promising!

A few days later results out said I was 16th overall and 14th in the open. Time 4h14m A fastest time for a half. Not bad going. Would have preferred none of the Age Groupers to be in front of me but all in all a great race. Shame about my watch. That will teach me to be to depended on technology.

The perfect Race!

Oh my god I cannot believe it! It is a rare thing - no matter how much planning or training - to go out and execute a race exactly as planned! For me this has happened only a handful of times. I have had a few very good races in past years but the truth be told they were races where I have gone into them with no expectations. For example my first IMNZ in 2004 or Hawaii that same year. That was a learning experience in both cases. The fact that I prepared well always helps of course.

For sometime now I have had the goal of executing a Half to a certain level and I always planned for this to happen at Tauranga... last year was close but just did not quite do it on the run and this year, well the run went even worse.

Of course I did still wonder if the leg that caused badness at Tauranga was going to flare up again so I put the plan together with some goals in terms of time and went from there!

The day started and 4:45am, downed a quick breakfast then off to the start! The weather was not too bad either... overcast with little wind! A surprise!

Swim

The swim was the same as last year a two lapper in anticlockwise triangle... I got myself well placed on the right and when the gun went I tried to hang on. The field at this race is not hugely strong but I did find a few feet to hang on to... including one poor guy that had a broken foot!

At the halfway point my time was about 13m45s not too bad a record for me! The second lap I just tried to hang on to the feet! Last leg we went a little off course and I lost the feet but only 300m to go!

Time: 27'45" A record my god what a great time!

T1

Got the wetsuit off a bit slowly but got toolkit in back pocket and off. No dramas. 59" a good T1.

Bike

Got up to speed and into my shoes then got going. Not too bad either... early on I did loose a drink bottle behind the seat but this was an extra one so did not worry. It did mean I had to get one at the turn around later though...

Past 5 0r 6 before Clevedon. Into about 5th place. Josh was just up a head. I slowly closed in on him. Started climbing into Kawakawa Bay together and carefully down other side. Josh and I were lapping out a bit and riding quite well.

Up Snake hill was steady but not hard. Good. Down other side again very careful. Josh was patient with me as I was going quite slowly.

The road after this is a good place to get some speed on and we started to catch another guy. Over the next two climbs we caught up to Glen G. Down to the flatter parts in The Firth of Thames I picked up the pace and we dropped him for good.

Josh and I continued to lap it out a bit. Turned out the wind was coming more from the south than the north so it was a bit of slow going. When we got to the flat proper I came to the front and upped the tempo. I expected Josh to come with me but he appeared to relax and lost contact. Rather than kill himself trying to get back on he continued at his own pace.

I saw the leaders quite early - oh no - but hey they are PRO's - before the turn around. Ended up being 3min for me to turnaround. Picked up a leppin bottle then lifted the pace again... This time I was able to hold 41-43Km/h so proving the wind was coming from other direction than expected!

Once back into the hillier sections I went back to a more steady effort not wanting to leave my run on these hills! Still I tried to maximise the downs and the flats keeping the speed up where I could. But I was careful on the technical descents like down snake hill...

Time: 2h27m33s - quite solid but not startling.

T2

Racked bike, helmet off and unloaded bag. Got shoes and socks on quick smart. Picked up hat with glasses and GU's and off. 57s Very good.

A funny thing happened. The Air inflated arch to run through was deflated? Two guys had to hold it up for me so I could run through it! It had the timing mats under it so I had to go through it!

Run

Hit the run quite fast. Aiming for 14m every half lap. The plan was to start fast and carry it on if I could. If the calf blew up then I would just try to hang on as best as I could!

I got to the first turnaround I was well under 14ms. Low 13s, very good and quite surprised. I was feeling tired and HR was high - around 155 but thought what the hell. Carried this on.

End of the first lap the time was under 27m very good. I had my first GU and carried on. I did notice a bit of a headwind in the exposed early part of the half lap this time though.

Saw Cam B on the course coming back. He gave a bit of nice encouragement!

I do like the 3 lap course, but you do find the out half lap for the 3rd time is the hardest. It was however becoming apparent that I was catching Bryan R and I got a split but he was too far ahead.

A very good last half lap... I was looking at the watch and figuring I could make sub 4h20 and a very good run time so had lots of motivation!

Time: 1hr 21m 58s Best half marathon time in a half PERIOD.

Total time: 4h 19m 13s.

This was even better than Tauranga's time this year and the bike course is way harder - although the swim course is much better here - flat and no tide and perhaps a bit short. The run is perhaps a bit faster here too.

Might be time to retire!

Day 4 - Twin Coast Tour Russell to Whangarei

The final stage of the tour starts in Russell. This was one of the first places in NZ to be settled by Europeans. Became a brothel town for Whalers I think!

Anyway the tours starts by going around the coast line up and down into each bay. The views are fantastic! You need to be nice and warmed up before the start too as the climbs start from 1km out.

I was not warmed up and was very tired from yesterday so things were not looking good! I got over the first climb just off the back but the elite girls were all behind me (and we did not see them again).

I was having to be a bit cleaver today... riding up to the front at the bottom of the early climbs then riding my own pace and slowly drifting back... I stayed on for the first 20Km like this until we came to a slightly longer climb we a split occurred. This most likely would not have cause any major issues but a car passed my small group (a Merc) and blocked us on the descent so we did not get back on! Very annoying!

We had to chase for the next 10Km. A break had gone ahead but Thankfully no one was interested in chasing... All back together...

I decided that it was best to avoid that situation again and went to the front doing the odd turn but nothing too serious.

The major climb of the day is about 4km long and is an average of about 7% so the selection is always made there, given all the previous climbs and the 1.5Km climb just before it as well.

Sheldon G decided I think like me that the best thing to do to stay on was set the pace! He went straight to the front for the first shorter climb and stayed there. I was a couple of places back.

On Helena Bay hill... I started right on the front, and set an OK tempo. No one was having a bar of that and started to go right past me... There was quite a steady wind coming down the hill so once tucked in behind the pace was not too bad...

Sheldon was setting the pace for most of the way. I was slowly drifting back but tried to hold wheels... by the time JK came past (the last still in the group proper) I was about 16th and had to really dig deep to hang on. There is a bit of false flat before the top so used that to move up a bit and held on to the top!

Yes! Very pleased to still be there! The wind was strong and with 40Km to go I felt I would be able to lap out and do my turn...

This was only partially true! Some of the guys were still interested in attacking and it was amazing how often this happened when I was on the front...

Going down State Highway 1 towards the finish we saw the leaders up the road not too far away and this caused a bit of a stir! I had to sit in for a while - this was proving difficult with the head crash wind coming from the right... a lot of gutter riding was happening (we drive on the left down here :)

I few more attacks go in, including a good one from Scott G on the right... Again I'm on the front! A few go through then a gap and I am stranded trying somehow to bridge! I flick my elbow but no one goes past, finally someone goes but attacks and I cannot get on his wheel! Bugger this is really hurting... Finally one of the young guys comes through and gives me a few seconds rest. This is enough and I come through again and we bridge! All back together.

The final part of the course is a gradual uphill. A good finish with plenty of room. Somehow I end up on the front again. Dam it I hate how that happens... Still have not got my head round these finishes... Anyway I go for it as hard as I can from about 250m out. But about half the guys go past without any trouble.

A good race. 15th overall. Will A 1st, Matt G 6th. JK 9th. Sheldon G 17th.

Waitomo no Wimps ride - Masters Race

The expectation for this race was for a 135Km ride from the Waitomo Caves via Kawhia loop. This did not end not end up happening because a bridge collapsed! Can you believe that! Instead it turned out to be an out and back affair - to the bridge and back.

That was not the only challenges for the day. There were a number of road works and new seal parts on the road as well as lots of gravel on the descents. This certainly made for an interesting day!

It started with a ride over gravel that had just been sprayed with water, making every one's bikes very dirty - then straight into the first climb of the day - of about 4km!

I tried to keep a low profile up front as the body was not feeling the greatest from the TTT yesterday! Having said that there were plenty of people willing to keep the pace high...

I did not enjoy some of the loose stones on the new seal which turned out to be on some of the long descents... I got dropped a couple of times - not a good look.

The last hill on the outward leg, Chris G put a bit of pace on. I sat on his wheel for about a km and then went 'round upping the pace. Dropped a few there... over the top and down the other side there was four of us including me Chris, Ron C and one other... There was then about 8km of flat to the bridge turn around. We saw the fun ride going the other way...

At the turn around the bridge was indeed collapsed! A whole section has fallen!

First climb back I took it very quietly and sat on the back... felt ok but did not want to overdo it. Kept cadence at about 90rpm in the 27... (as a master I have to make some concessions :)

On the next descent it was Ron that had trouble and lost quite a bit of ground... I was a bit off the back too but got on easily and then slowed it up to let Ron get back on more easily...

Onto the next climb, quite a tough steep one. Ron again led and I followed. He was riding really strongly. About 3/4 the way up I took the lead and put in a few surges to mix things up... Ron was right there beside me not letting up. Everyone else dropped off... I eased up and Ron came right passed again. Chris slowly caught up.

The remainder of the ride was very undulating and mostly up. Ron was doing most of the work with me taking some turns and Chris taking the odd turn. by now I was feeling very tired.

The finish was mostly downhill with a few sharp turns and then a short uphill - which we found out as we went. With 1km to go Chris was on the front, me just on his wheel and Ron a few metres back. Ron then attacked I tried to go with him but it would have meant going around a blind corner on the wrong side so thought better of that! Instead strayed on Chris' wheel, but Ron had a good gap and as I went around Chris up to the finish but I could not catch Ron... 2nd not too bad.

Just call me Mr Second Man! two from two... I think I'll go for a second next week to make it 3 from 3!

The elite race started 15 minutes behind us and they did not catch us ! We were all quite stoked over that.

Team Time Trail

I had my first real attempt at a team time trail today. It was, shall we say, a rather interesting affair. The team consisted of myself, Dave M, Geoff B, and late call in Matt G. We were not really all that organised and did not meet until an hour before out start time. Anyway we decided that Dave would be number one, me 2nd, Geoff 3rd and Matt 4th. Turns would be for until 85% max then pull off and signal with the old elbow flick.

After a good warm up we were off! Dave was really good and did not go off to hard - he is an ex pro and once did a TTT for the GB team a 100Km event where they averaged over 50km/h ! - and started the way he intended to continue with big turns...

To start with, I was managing about 30sec turns and was holding close to the speed Dave set.

The course is a two lap out and back total 40km. At the end of the first 10Km I discovered that my turning was very bad and ended up 10m back not a great start! (Turns out this did not improve!)

The wind was not too bad more of a cross headwind on the way out, coming back we were able to manage a few km/h more.

At the half way and the second turn around I again struggled and got left behind a bit. Dave had to wait...

See the gap after the turn (Dave, then me)...

And now Matt on the front and Dave looking back waiting for me. Doh! Not very PRO at all...

I was now starting to feel quite second hand and thoughts were beginning to enter my mind about calling quits. These thoughts soon ended as Geoff was not holding his turns and was coming through straight after me. He was soon gone - Geoff is a very good sprinter and a really strong rider and can often fake a good ride. But with only two or three rides in the last month is just not enough!. Matt also had plans to only do one lap, those had come to and end too!

I was entering new ground now. As a longer distance triathlon guy I am quite used to riding at about 40Km/h for 90Km, but to be holding 45-50Km/h even though only for a short time was starting to take its toll. My turns started to get shorter... Dave's were not.

With 10Km to go. I again lost 10m but got back on quick and started to feel a bit better. I started to take longer turns and was able to hold closer to Dave's speed. He was still really strong and was not ramp-ing up the speed to fast allows Matt and I to stay in contact. This final section went very quick and we passed a couple of teams - always a good buzz to moral.

With 5Km to go we were really going and I was more confident of be able to hold on so the turns were getting better and a little longer. Even Matt's turns were good. We were holding around 48-50Km/h. I did a good turn for about 1km at over 50 with 2km to go... and then Dave finished for us at 51. Very impressive. I came up beside Dave at the line to try and bring Matt further up in the hope of gaining a second (they only time to the nearest second).

Results 40Km TTT: 2nd. (beaten by Morrinsville - 53m 31s)
Time: 53m49s
Ave speed: ~ 45Km/h
Ave HR (me) : 161 bpm
Max Hr : 171 bpm

Not bad for second TTT ever!

No Wimps Ride

Following the TTT on the Sunday will be another race Steven Cox's no wimps ride. I will do the Masters race so that will make it a bit easier.

This is really a final ride hit out before the Auckland Half next week. I want to ride solidly but do not want to nail myself. It depend who turns up.

Going easy might be quite difficult as it has more hills than K2 - but less Ks only 135Km.

Team Time Trial

My second ever team time time this Saturday.

It's a 40Km TTT with Dave M and Geoff B and myself. There should be 4 of us but do not know if we have a 4th yet. Should be interesting as these guys can fly... I'm sure I'll be able to keep up but depending on the wind will not be sure just how much pace I'll be able to maintain on the front.

Will be interesting.

Day 3 - Twin Coast Tour Opononi to Pihia

The flat stage. All so they call it, but there are a few hills early on that really test you. My plan today was to sit in and cruse along and just stay in contact!

Funny! Actually it could not have been more different.

The attacks started from the gun and I was happily camped on the back of the peleton, when I saw up front Matt G doing all the chasing. I was feeling pretty crappy to start with so the thought of going up front did not appeal... but not even Matts' bro was up there... Anyway after that chase and the pace slackened I moved forward...

Things were a bit more exciting as Scott G and Rod C were on the Pino tandem, this was not what I would call cricket, but the trick was to go with it... they were racing up ahead to get a gap before the next climb, so some of us decided to chase...

Another group got away including Will A, Steve C and one other... these guys made a reasonable gap and then Matt started to chase again... I went up there and helped - so much for the easy day!

I spent quite a bit of time on the front and perhaps delayed the tandem getting back on. It was obvious what was coming but I stayed on the front keeping the pace reasonable. Anyway the tandem finally went passed at over 60Km/h !!! I tried to chase but noone was coming nor were they really all that interested. Mike N was nicely tucked in behind the tandem. He was gone!

After a few minutes we started to chase properly including Matt, JK, myself and a handful of others, maybe 6 or 7 total. I was already quite tired by this stage. For a long time I did not think we were going to see any of them again.

We did catch the tandem, then there was a big gap and some interesting challenges - getting around a truck at a left hand turn that was stuck! I attacked!

They moved the finish another Km down the road this year... to make it a bit safer apparently. With about 5km to go there are a couple of steep climbs, JK nailed the first one and I dug really deep to stay with him and push over the top, then did the same behind Cameron H on the second one. I did this with the thought that the break might be struggling over the climbs. Anyway Cam and I put a gap on the peleton. I kept going and then Cam went passed. After that I could not go past again! He was going really well. Cam said to just sit in. We came up to the old finish about 100m in front. Cam dropped off and I went over the top first and hit the descent hard. Unfortunately there was quite a bit of flat on a dead road and a bit of a headwind and I just about stopped!

They caught me at the bottom of the climb to the finish and I came in nearly last! Oh well was another great day.

We never caught the break, won by Mike, Will 2nd, and then Steve C. Will now leading on GC. I tried for Matt but we just did not have the horse power. I think I needed the 11.

Day 2 - Twin Coast Tour Dargaville to Opononi

The second day of this tour is a fantastic ride through the kauri bush. There are some big kauri trees not that we get the chance to see them!

The tactic for me today was to simply try and stay with the first bunch - and little else. Matt G attacked right from the gun! ON the start line he said that he was not really interested in riding. I guess attacking is one way of making things interesting!

I did go through to the front a couple of times but nothing to serious... certainly not really chasing.

The first serious climb is at about the 30km mark. I got myself on the front and managed to stay close. It was hard but before the top there was a gap but got back on.

There was a little break that was chased down. I also lost a bottle going over a bridge at speed.

On the descent into the start of the forest I found myself on the back caught behind some really slow riders this meant that I had to chase at the start of the forest climb - not ideal! Got back on and went straight to the front and took a few solid turns. Nothing too serious but wanted to make sure that I did not get dropped. A couple of times I suffered because of the pace...

Made it to the top with the group! Very pleased... down the other side was better being close to the front. Did get passed by a few but overall was able to easily stay in contact. Towards the bottom where the roads straighten out we hit 80Km/h!

Lapped it out with everyone and I think we caught someone that was away. Over the second to last climb I had to dig really deep. Then the last climb - a short 800m at over 10% gradient - I completely bonked just could not maintain the effort required... Unlike Matt G who flew up it and no one could hold his wheel! Great stuff to watch from the back...

Once off the hill I did manage to hold off the bunch behind for a 16th place... not fantastic but I'm still here :)

Day 1 - Twin Coast Tour Whangarei to Dargaville...

This was the first time back at the tour for a couple of years. I decided to enter the elite again but did not have any great expectations about placing. Two years ago I just slipped into the top 10 and I guess felt that to go any better than that would be a big challenge.

For me stage one was divided into two parts. The first half I was only sitting in at the back not getting to adventurous. There was a breakaway containing at least Will A.

After the bulk of the hills we come out onto the main road to Dargaville. Just before the flat road starts there are a couple of rather tough climbs. I decided - pretty much spur of the moment - to ride a bit firmer before the climb started proper. Me and one other got a little break. I rode harder up the climb and we got even further ahead. At this point I thought that the peloton would close us down but instead we caught one of the guys off the front (Mark C). He was not in the greatest of shape and although tried to come through a couple of times really was toast! I bit further on could see Will, he waited for us... and as soon as we caught him we were off!

I jumped on the front and upped the pace... to on 45km/h and tried to hold it for a few minutes at a time. The other guys were keeping the pace up there too. At one point we were given a split of about 2 mins.

With 5km to go took a quick look and I thought that we might actually stay away... but no it was not to be... with 1 km to go they were right on us... I tried really hard and we held them off until the bridge but they caught us just at the bottom and I was first into the left hand turn (with 300m to go) but was about 18th over the line!

JK go the win and Will 3rd. It was good fun and worth the effort!

Maraetai again...

Any great day out at the East Auckland region beach. I have to say that this is a really great location for a tri. Being the start location for the Auckland Half it was a must to come out.

The water was great, still and calm. I started well and got on the feet on this girl stayed with her for about 1 1/2 laps then pushed on. Record swim time of 23m20s, Very pleased.

After a quick transition (1m) got going on the bike. Almost immediately I realised that it that I was in for a tough bike! The legs were quite tired and sore... Oh well got on with the job the best I could. Time check at 10km of 1m20s. Coming back was a bit better but the gap was the same. There were three including Josh W and Glen G and they were working together well - most likely cause they saw me coming - thanks Josh!

Another good transition and onto the run, started a bit conservatively and then worked into it. At the turn around had a gu. Time to leader Glen G was growing so was not in for a victory today... Although Josh was getting closer... On second lap of run Josh was only about 20secs away so really pushed it... up the hill and down the other side flat out... he was going strongly too and just did not quite make it. Must have been no more that a second or two in it. The last part of this course is tight and narrow and there were quite a few people to pass which prevented any chance of a late passing manoeuvre...

Good fun!

It would be nice if the weather was like that for the Half in a few weeks time :

Another Tauranga Half...

Well the Tauranga Half is over for another year and this time it was very much a mixed bag for me.

The swim was a big disappointment. I thought that given the speed I have been going in training that a sub 30min 2km was on the cards. Instead it was over 31min again. There were a few issues to deal with, including the start that was disorganised with a lot of people over the start line. I thought that they would all be called back but it did not happen... Ended up having to swim over a large number of people and got in the wrong place. The tide was very strong too this caused a bit of a problem too.

A good transistion onto the bike but I must say I was not into it as I had swum really hard and still slow... was not able to eat or drink early on and did not get off to good start. Anyhow after about 20mins got over it and got going. Started to catch lots of people. Went passed Jo Lawn after end of second lap took longer than expected. Caught a number of the pros too. On last lap pushed really hard to try and make a good break.

Into run leg the transition was ok but took a while and I had quite a few pros and top age groupers bearing down on me. Held it together and stayed in contact. Things were going really well untill got 'round the back of the Mount then the right calf started to tighten. From that point on it was just a case of trying to hold on.

I ended up going quite slowly at the start of the second lap and got passed by Jo and eventual winner of women's race... but got going a bit better. Still a 92min run is pretty bad for me.

On the plus side got the win in Age Group and fastest Age Group bike split. So as I say not all bad. :)