Sam Goodall (click to enlarge)
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By Sam Goodall
Last Sunday was the annual Rodney Coast Challenge, which was the first multisport race that I competed in 6 years ago!
Last year Sean Donaghue and I competed together to finish first overall and also win the teams section. This year I decided to compete in the individual event again, as a warm up for the Steelman/Ironmaiden Festival of Multisport held in Waiuku on November 20th.
The race starts at a leisurely time of 9.15, but there was work to be done beforehand with kayaks and bikes to be dropped off at transition stations.
Conditions on the day were muggy, but it was looking like we would have a strong tailwind throughout the day. There was a nice relaxed feel about race morning once we were down at the beach, and it is always good to see new racers down at the start line, nervous and excited, ready to test themselves.
The hooter sounds to start the race, and the field takes off on the soft sand. This makes for the hardest part of the run as runners try to sort themselves out.
Once up onto the forestry trails, things settled down and I tried to maintain a conservative pace. A group of four runners formed a group just ahead, with two team runners, which is how I had expected the race to unfold. I was feeling relatively comfortable with my position, even though I was slowly losing time throughout the run. The drink stations were a welcome distraction, and it was good to see the group of runners just ahead going over the final climb, before descending to the transition area.
I had a good transition and got away smoothly on the bike leg, which was where I hoped to make my move. The strong tailwinds didn't suit me as a headwind would have allowed me to reel in the riders ahead. I made good ground however, without pushing too hard, but was conscious of getting through the road works over the bridge on a green light! As I approached the traffic lights I caught the first team rider, looked ahead, and saw that the light was orange... I sprinted to make the light, but the crew waved me down, and I was forced to stop. I was pretty gutted to have been held up.
While waiting a few minutes on the red light a group of three or four riders caught me just as the light turned green. I pushed over the climb just after the road works, and didn't see the riders again. I focused on riding the Kaukapakapa Hill well, and not pushing too big a gear. The legs felt comfortable up the first staircase, and looking ahead, I could see two riders ahead, riding the upper section of the climb. Once I crested the climb, the wind was buffeting me from the side, which caused a few anxious moments, but I managed to keep the bike upright down through to the Mountain Bike transition area.
I had a moment of panic as I couldn't immediately see my support crew, but spotted them just before I took to the gravel on the road bike! Again, the transition went well and I was away on the Mountain bike.
Sam Goodall (click to enlarge)
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The day had really warmed up by now, and the gravel was very dry and hard-packed. I made good progress and caught an individual racer, and a team rider around ten minutes into the ride. I now knew that there was one rider still ahead, so I pushed hard on the flat sections, and tried to stay in my seat and maintain a good cadence on the climbs. Over the second to last climb, I caught sight of the rider ahead, and just measured my effort, slowly reeling him in, and I aimed to catch him just at the base of the final large climb. This worked out perfectly, and we rode the climb together.
I had chosen not to change my aero helmet from the road bike leg, and this was not ideal at this stage as I had a small waterfall of sweat running down my face! We went over the top of the climb, and I wanted to gain a small lead getting into the kayak, so pushed the pace down the final descent. But.... I pushed the pace a little too much, losing the front wheel, some skin off my hip, leg, hand, shoulder, and very nearly my face. How I managed to have gravel and dust all over my face, but no grazes I don't know. I'll chalk that down to good luck! I didn't lose too much time getting back onto the bike, and caught back up, and we entered the last transition side by side.
Again I had a good transition, getting into my Barracuda K1, and pushed out into the river with a small lead, and I tried to settle into a rhythm as quickly as possible. The incoming tide, and low water made for pretty slow progress, but after 15 minutes I had settled the breathing, was paddling well, and I was resisting the urge to turn around for a look at the chasing boat! The bottle of Coke kept me going over the last 30 minutes, and once I turned the corner the river opened up, the tailwind helped me along and I could see the finish chute.
Wenderholm really is a great spot, and to finish here, under the Pohutukawa trees was a welcome and appropriate end to the day. It was a good day for me, and special to have come full circle, especially with all the familiar faces around.
Thanks everyone for your support, and thanks also to my support crew, my Dad, and good mates, Sean and Andrew, cheers!
Sam Goodall
Professional Trainer / Athlete
