Powerman Austria - Weyer - Aug 22 2010
The plan was not to overcook the first run, to stay within the second group and save the legs for the bike. Big groups didn't form as the heat seemed to take it toll but I kept pace with Jochen Nedrinck (who ran away with the Powerman Belgium title three weeks ago) for most of the run and came into T1 in 6th which was a well controlled start.
Straight up the mountain on the bike and I was feeling pretty good reeling in the men ahead on the steep gradient. Then 8k in suddenly bang, I was roaring and felt immense pain as my left calf cramped up completely. I tried to rub it out but it was spasming and had swelled up like a golf ball under my skin. I jumped off the bike and stretched it out quickly which seemed to do the trick so I was back on and motoring again maybe losing 30 seconds which was good damage limitation but I had to repass the place I had just lost. I soon finished my energy drink and was already feeling a little woosy so I knew I had to drink a hell of a lot more. I even took a wrong turn going over the summit but a local cop set me right and the time loss was minimal but the heat/dehydration was clearly messing with my mind.
On the second lap of the bike the gaps between athletes were huge so concentration was all important as it became a lonely battle as about a quarter of the field DNF'ed in the stiffling heat. Then half way up the second ascent of the mountain I could see I was catching somebody. To my shock it was current world no. 1 Anthony Le Duey FRA and I caught and passed him easily so the poor guy was obviously in trouble. Then over the top Jonas Baumann SUI flew past me so I was back to 7th but it was becoming a race of survival which I knew was now the key to a good result. I was very worried about the cramp reoccuring on my dismount and having a one man pile up in front of the spectators but I could still get the leg over after 3 hours of racing!
The death march. If a horse was seen to be running like I felt on that second run they'd have shot it on sight. Everybody was dying on their feet as the temperature at the finish hit 40C. I've never wanted to walk in a race before but I can now understand how somebody could. Incredibly I ran the third quickest (or least slow!) split and picked off another place to come home in 6th place in time to see the five guys who had beaten me bathing in the town fountain getting interviewed on TV.
Big thanks to the old man for coming out to support me at what is a fantastic event on every level. I got quite a bit of TV time from the moto c TV ameras so hopefully I'll be able to see myself on Austrian television and there is something really special about being tracked by a TV helicopter while racing! I've been getting a lot of love for being the lone Paddylete on the circuit but it would be great to see a few more Irish involved in the Powerman Duathlon series. There are a lot of very strong run-bikers in Ireland who would really suit these races.
I even took my first bit of IPA prizemoney which I can hopefully make a habit of. Money makes the wheels go round after all.
