By Jamie Whyte
Well I have completed the last half Ironman of my north american season with a another top 5 result in the Calgary 70.3 Ironman this morning. So I couldn't quite repeat my top 3 placing from here last year, but still happy with my third top 5 finish of the season.
Calgary 70.3 Prizegiving
(Photo: Jamie Whyte; Click to enlarge) |
The conditions were tough for racing with heavy rain over night that continued during the early stages of the race.
The swim went well this morning, exiting the water in the chase pack not too far back from the front group. Then the pace really went on during the bike today. Fellow kiwi Keiran Doe was going solo off the front and everyone who was riding well was committed to chasing hard, which was great to see. This made for a very solid 90km bike leg.
To make the bike ride even more difficult, my gel flask bounced off my bike when crossing a bridge immediately after leaving T1 (I know...rookie error!!). So I rode the first 35 km without fuel and had to settle for a sticky power bar from an aid station for fuel on the bike. I missed my Espresso Hammer Gel today!
I came off the bike in 7th, so again had to run well to move into the prize money positions. By half way through the run, I had moved up to 4th place and had my sights set on Australian Paul Mathews. I was always closing in on him but just couldn't get across the gap as he held on for 3rd.
Kiwi Kieran Doe performed one of his classic victories leading from start to finish, with American Brian Fleishmann in 2nd.
Once again I have had the pleasure of being looked after by a fabulous homestay. The Naphin's of Calgary have been great all week and have made me feel right alt home. And well done to my host, Mark, 6 foot 6", Naphin for completing the race in a good time today. Good effort big fella.
Back to Penticton tomorrow where I will train for the next four weeks in preparation for Ironman Canada on the 29th of August. Looking forward to the new challenge of my first Ironman.
