Now that I have had a few days to wind down and take in everything from my race week at Copenhagen, I thought I would share with you my race report.
I drove to Copenhagen on Thursday morning to be at the press conference for Challenge Copenhagen. After that it was time for a massage and physio, so I could be ready for the race on Sunday. As usual the last two days involved very light training and a lot of relaxing and eating!
Like so often, the Danish summer was not too warm and a lot of rain. On Saturday I managed to check in my bike before the heavy rain storm began. With all the rain, I prepared myself that the course was going to wet one and the chance of punches was a lot greater.
On Sunday morning I woke up feeling great and ready to race
During the swim, I positioned myself in the second pack and was happy with this as I did not want to push it too hard. I came out of the water with the second group and found myself in 13th position. I was pretty satisfied being in this position because I know I was sitting with the right guys.
With the wet roads the famous Danish Flinstones became a major factor in the race, which saw me have my first flat tyre at the 15km mark. As I had to stop and change my tyre, it caused me loose the group. Back on the bike and after another 10km I got passed by my coach Michael Kruger and I decided to follow his pace and try to catch back up to the group.
Unfortunately I could only stay with him until 70km where I got another flat tyre. I changed my last spare tyre and from there on I was on my own. The rest of the bike I was hoping not get any more flats, as I had no more spares. For the remainder of the bike, I felt things were going good as parts of the course had now dried out. Then with 300m to go to T2, I got my third flat and had to ride in with a flat front tyre.
Out of transition I was in 17th position and I knew I had to do something special if I was to move up into the top 10. I started out harder than I normally would, running at 4min pace, but I was feeling really good. On the first of the 3 lap run course, I had already caught a few runners who were either running at a slower pace or about to drop out. I knew I could not drop my pace as I had Aleksandar Sorensen-Markovic 2 minutes behind me and running well.
On the second lap I had moved into the top 10 and was still running well. The crowd was right behind me which helped a lot!
It started to get really interesting on the third lap as some people had gone out too hard at the start and were starting to really struggle. I managed to catch Luke Dragsta with 10km to go. At the last turn around point, with 4km to go, I was only 24 seconds behind my coach Michael Kruger and knew I had it in me to catch him. It only took me 1km to pass him and as I was he told me that Bo Ballegaard was only 20 sec in front. He was now in my sights and with 3km to go I felt confident I could pass him as well. I knew I had to keep a fast pace if I was going to catch him and pass him, so with 3.39 pace I caught him and I was hoping he would not be able to follow me. But he did not make it easy and he found the extra speed to stay with me. It was only on the third attempt, I got enough speed to loose him. I kept running fast until the last 200m when I was sure he was not behind me. It also meant I could enjoy the last few meters to the finishing line in front of my home crowd.
I came over the finish line in 6th place, which I was extremely happy with. After the 3 flats on the bike I wasn’t sure I would be able to get close to the top 10. After the race, I found out I had set the fastest run time of the day with 2:43:49. This is a new PB for me. I don’t know if it was the new Newton runners or the quad and calf Compressport tubes, but I feel both made the difference and allowed me to run at such a fast pace the whole marathon.
Overall I’m really happy I decided to do the race. I’m really impressed with the organisers from Challenge Copenhagen who in the premier event, put on an awesome show.
One of the funny stories they shared with us afterwards was that during Saturday night, the rain was so heavy that T1 was destroyed and they had to rescue aero helmets that were floating around like small ships. Working around the clock, they managed to get everything back up and organised so when we arrived Sunday morning, there was no evidence of what had happened during the night.
There was an estimated 125,000 spectators who came out to support the athletes. It is so good to see that the people of Copenhagen are behind the event especially since it is such a long day for spectators.
Can’t wait for Round 2 next year!
Find the cake and cookies – it’s holiday time!
Since the ITU World Champs, I returned to Denmark and back to parents home in Jutland. I wanted to get away from Copenhagen for a few days to relax. Being on my own helps me to prepare for big races.
My last hard session before Challenge Copenhagen was on Wednesday where I competed in the Tistrup Mini-Tri. It consisted of 250m run through water, 20km bike and 3km run.
Tistrup is a small city 10km from where I grew up, so I really enjoy being able to support events like this. This year there was 720 competitors and 150 children completed a duathlon, which is a record number in only it’s fourth year.
I was with the first group of runners in the water and took the lead on bike after 2km. Even though it is draft legal, I managed to drop the closest two competitors on my back wheel. I came off the bike comfortably leading which meant I did not have to go so hard on the run. Crossed the finish line after 43.22min which was not enough to beat the course record I set in 2008 but very happy with the win.
DTR’s Dale Steveson shows Jason Akermanis the skills behind shot put at the highest level.
You’ve just been chicked!
Last Thursday evening I headed up after work to the beautiful coastal town of Forster, once the home of Ironman Australia and now the home of the TNSW Female Triathlon Camp. This was the third year running and this year we had 50 wonderful ladies from all walks of life participating in a fun filled, 3 day intensive training camp. I have been fortunate to have been involved in this event from the beginning and have watched the concept evolve into what was this year the best camp yet. We stayed in style (as ladies do), in the luxurious Sevan Apartments which were absolutely gorgeous and provided stunning views overlooking the picturesque Forster/Tuncurry. The 3 days involved multiple sessions of swimming (both pool and open water), bike sessions (including skills, generic bike maintenance and road riding), transitions, and run sessions (providing running skills and pacing tempo sessions). Along with the physical sessions there were seminars from a qualified physio and a dietician, discussing the importance of physical maintenance through appropriate bike set up and nutrition, and also a mind and body seminar provided by TNSW’s leading sponsor, Larissa from TriShave, as well as Q&A sessions with professional triathletes and coaches.
The sun was shining all weekend and it was great to talk with so many inspiring women who all had a different story to tell. There were some who had overcome serious illness and other obstacles within their lives, successful business women, mothers and loads of exuberant ladies who just wanted to have some fun! The camp was headed up by the TNSW Coaches Mick Maroney and John Hickey who both shared their contagious enthusiasm along with the rest of the coaching team and special guests (too many wonderful people to mention). The camp finished off with a sprint triathlon race which was put on by Forster Triathlon Club and allowed many of the girls to complete their first ever triathlon. The water was 13 degrees which shows just how tough and determined all the ladies were to get through!. I am so proud of all the women who participated and made the weekend such a fantastic experience, not just for them but for myself and all of the other coaches.
Train hard and Keep Safe!
Nic Ward 
New Hampshire again and that means more rain and grey skies, I raced here earlier in the year at the Mooseman 70.3 where I had a great race to finish 3rd and decided to venture east again for the Timberman 70.3 which is held about 60 miles from Boston in around the same area as Mooseman. I travelled with my friend Josh Rix and the trip was not without drama, crashing our hire car within the car park lot but that is another story altogether. So we started our trip not quite to our expectations, but we were still positive as we were apparently staying at a “resort” near the race. After missing the turn off we managed to find our resort and much to our amusement it turned out to be a trailer park with resort a resort price tag especially for the city folk! Our cabin was smaller than a caravan and for the resort price tag we were a little disappointed to say the least.
The race field was stacked with great names like Potts fresh of his win at Boulder 70.3 and in devastating form, Gambles who was off a win in Lake Stevens 70.3 the week before, Raynard Tissink, TJ Tollakson, World Long Distance Runner up Tim O Donnell, Richard Allen, Josh Rix and myself. Not to mention Chrissie Wellington where I wouldn’t be unjustified as naming here as a legit contender in any mens field overall, so all the talk amongst the pro athletes was not getting “chicked” especially with Chrissie just coming off an 8.19 ironman win in Germany with a 2.48 marathon.
The race started fast with noted swimmers Potts and O’Donnell clearing early leaving a 2nd pack containing the rest of the noted athletes in their wake. Personally I have been swimming the best of my career lately and was confident of being comfortable in the pack, but in saying that I have had a huge week training as I am preparing for REV 3 ironman in 3 weeks, with 150km running week under my belt this week and a long 250km ride the Wed before I guess something had to give and I really struggled in the swim, I came out with the 2nd pack with Tissink, Rix, Gambles and Tollakson but I was on the rivet the whole way, but once on land I found my legs and hit the hilly bike course hard.
Potts was 2.30min up the road and TO (O’Donnell) was 1 min up the road, we reeled in TO quite quickly leaving Potts out in front. The bike leg was another fast one with Tissink driving it with a bit of help from Rix and myself. I could see TO and Gambles biding their time and on a few occasions a large gap would open up indicating they might be struggling, but they hung tough and stayed in contact. At about the 70 km mark Tissink attacked and quickly rode out of sight eventually putting a quick 2 minutes on the chasers, I broke away at the end and gained a quick 30 seconds on Gambles and TO and was feeling good.
On the run I decided to run my own race and concentrate on the back half of the race. TO, Gambles and Allen came storming passed me at 2 miles and I hung tight. At about 6 miles I had to make a quick toilet stop as I was having stomach trouble, dropping to 7th place on the road. After my break I felt fantastic and really put the hammer down on the 2nd lap eventually grabbing 5th spot and the last paycheck behind Gambles in 4th, TO in 3rd, Tissink had a great race to get 2nd and Potts who I think is a legitimate Kona contender took another freakish win.
On a personal note I just scraped under 4 hours on a tough hilly bike and run course which was satisfying and to get in the money is always good! This was my 5th top five performance this season in five 70.3 events with a 2nd, two 3rds a 4th and now a 5th. I just need a win to complete the sequence, bit that is not as easy as it sounds especially when there are at least a few World Champions in every field over here. I have one more race and that is the REV 3 ironman on Sept 12th and the signs are good with the legs feeling great and the training volume picking up. I am really happy with my season over here so far as I had aimed to place top 5 in most of my races, a lot of people thought that was unrealistic considering that I work full time but am happy to prove people wrong and hopefully give some age groupers some inspiration in that you don’t have to be a full time pro to achieve your goals whatever they may be and whatever level you race at.
I must give a big shout out for my Boulder room mate Tim Berkel who won Challenge Copenhagen last week in a huge effort, Tim has had a great season so far and our mantlepiece in Boulder is running out of trophy room! Also congrats to everyone who raced Yeppoon last weekend, well done Tiff and Stef from the Oz Tri magazine and Tri mulit sport for practising what they preach especially Tiff who cranked out her first half ironman, a huge effort on a tough course in the heat coming from a Melbourne winter and everyone else who raced, I am sure to be there next year. Anyone else looking for a hot half ironman to do, go up to Port Douglas for their annual race, its great Hawaii prep as it starts at 11am! Plus there is nothing better in a half ironman than running along the beach at Port Douglas jumping over backpackers in bikinis! Speak to Guy Bisley from the Tri club and tell him I sent you, he is sure to look after you as he is the “man” in Port.
Thanks again for the great support from back home and will update again soon for my prep for REV 3, only one more to go then its HOLIDAY TIME!
Matty
Last weekend I travelled to Geneva, Switzerland to race in the European Cup. Arriving on the Friday night, I immediately looked forward to my race on the Sunday. The city was busy and loud; and full of some really amazing buildings. It definitely looked like a cool place to race!
The day before the race involved some training and course recognition. The bike course was extremely hilly – with a climb of about 1km and at some parts a gradient of 12%. That was definitely going to make the race interesting! The run was mostly flat along the foreshore, with just a slight rise at the turn around.
I woke up the morning of the race to pouring rain. It had stormed overnight and this changed the course slightly ; it had decreased the water temp to a wetsuit swim, and it would make the cycle a lot more technical.
My swim started off well and I was swimming within the first pack to the first buoy. I faded slightly throughout the rest of the swim and I ended up coming out at the front of the second pack.
Within the first lap of the bike, it was clear that positioning and technical skills were going to be very important, as already there were a few crashes. It was raining quite heavy now, and the white lines and speed bumps on the road, particularly on the downhills and corners were very slippery. It also made it very cold – I was shivering for most of the ride! I positioned myself within the first 3 riders at all time during the cycle, to try and stay away from crashes. As the laps went on our pack caught up all the other athletes, bar one, and became a group of around 10. Unfortunately no one was willing to do any work to catch the eventual winner, Jodie Swallow, who was out in front on her own. By the end of the cycle, she had made significant time on us.
I entered T2 first within my pack, and I had a quick transition to exit in first. I’m not sure what everyone else was doing as some people were in there for 20 seconds + longer! This gave me a good lead into the run, which was important as it would come down to a running race to determine the positions from 2nd place down. There was a large group not far behind ours, and I knew there were some good runners within the group also. rd place, I could relax a little. nd place – my best position so far in a Continental Cup. I really enjoyed my short trip to Switzerland and I definitely look forward to going back to race again.
I took the first lap quite hard, and I was a little shocked to realise that by the end of the first 2.5k I had quite a large gap behind me. I worked really hard to keep good form and maintain my position. First place was too far up the road. By the last lap, I was starting to drop off the pace a bit, but knowing I had a big gap behind me to 3min behind me to 3rd place, I could relax a little.
I crossed the line in 2nd place – my best position so far in a Continental Cup. I really enjoyed my short trip to Switzerland and I definitely look forward to going back to race again.
It was a dream come true to be invited to participate in the International Keirin Circuit in Japan and during my six month and five month stay over 2009/2010, I learnt and experienced many fantastic things.
I was one of five from around the world to be picked from the world of track cycling, which was such a great honor.
I had never competed in Japan before, so I was going in blind. Thankfully some good results came pretty quickly and I won my first two races of 2009, earning me a spot in the final where I took 2nd place.
From then on things stayed pretty much on that pathway during my 2009-2010 stint.
In 2009 I won 25 races out of 42 and won five finals making me one of the most successful international riders to compete in Japan.
With two World Cup gold medals, a silver medal in the World Championships and the fastest time posted by an Australian on a 250m standard track, 2009 saw my best season to date.
Leading into 2010, mentally things got a lot harder as everyone knew I had some talent in the Keirin Circuit, so the pressure was high to win and do better than 2009.
In 2010 I didn’t get the chance to compete in as many races as the year before however I was much more consistent, finishing up with a perfect record, qualifying for every final at every race that I competed in and walking away with four finals wins and an overall 19 wins from 33 races. Over the two years combined my results confirmed the fact that I had become one of the best international athletes to have competed in Japanese Keirin.
During my stay, I learnt so much both mentally and physically about how to prepare for events as well as staying well conditioned over a long period. I also experienced working with the Japanese media due to the huge following of Keirin racing there.
I am very grateful that I got to experience Japan the way I did. I believe it has helped me become not only a more professional cyclist but also a better person and would love to return to race, should I get this fantastic opportunity once more.
After a cracking weekend in Sydney, however a terrible performance (in the city to surf) I set about dealing with a chronic injury that seems to plague my performance at random times throughout a season and the city to surf was one of them. I had three days to get it right before road tripping with Tarryn and Oscar to the Barossa Valley for the National Duathlon Championships. The race was run from a little town called Tanunda nestled in the heart of SA’s luscious wine country. The run was dead flat. A 2.5km loop completed four times, however strong winds made drafting remarkably advantageous. The bike course was a tough 20km loop completed twice including a 3km climb at 7% up Menglers hill. This ride would be tough enough, but mother nature decided it wasn’t so decided to throw in 60km/h plus winds, driving rain and freezing conditions. It was then another 2 laps of the 2.5km run loop.
The first run was relatively controlled with a pack of five of us running a conservative 33mins. Each of was trying to hide behind the others into the head wind at one point we stopped, no-body wanting to take the initiative at the front. My leg was behaving itself until the 8km mark where it once again tightened up, but with only two kilometres to go I managed to nurse it into T1. I lost a little time in T1, finding my helmet proved difficult after it had blown four bike lengths away. I then bridged the gap across to the leading three just before the start of the climb and then dropped my chain. I was forced to stop and put it back on and then set about catching the boys in front of me who were way to strong for me up the hill. My disc wheel and TT bike wasn’t such an advantage up the hill but on the way back to town into the headwind I managed to again bridge the gap across to second and third only to get dropped again up the hill. I couldn’t manage to bridge the gap into the head-wind on the second lap. I entered T2 about a minute down on third and nearly three on first. I had no chance of catching third, couldn’t feel my feet on the second run because it was that cold and was in damage control for the last 5km.
I thoroughly enjoyed racing on this tough course and would love another crack next year. I learnt quite a bit today as I was pushed by seasoned duathletes Dan Green, Raf Baugh and James Attard who were much stronger and in great form heading into the World Championships in two weeks.
On a separate note my wife Tarryn managed to win her AG 30-34 to claim the Aussie title. Each competitor received a beautiful bottle of Barossa wine for finishing and this certainly wet the lips for an enjoyable couple of days of good food and wine after the race. It’s now time to knuckle down and prepare for the Half Ironman season.
