Leaving early was meant to allow time to recover and get some training in locally. The cahnnel tunnel does save time on travelling but driving through the night to arrive early on Thursday morning did not leave Ali, Tony and myself with energy to do much. A quick paddle and a swim in the lake then a singlre bike lap on the Friday to check over the road surface and that was it.
Come race day I was nervous about the kayak section as I had not felt comfortable since becoming the Bristish and European Champ at Brigg. What has gone wrong? trying to hard I suspect.
Confidence was high in the other disciplines and I was to come second in the swim behind Stefan Teichart and lead all the other title contenders out of the water 1:25 down on Stefan.
The kayak was next and I had wobbles from the start and never got a rythym going during the 7km 5-lap course. Only posting the 15th fastest kayak i was leaving a lot to make up on the bike. I quickly set about getting into the top ten and making up lots of time. Having the 2nd fastest bike leg behind the winner got me up to 5th place with only a hilly 10km run to the finish line. Michael Hasa(CZE) was behind me so I knew I could not cruise through and supporters gave me a time check of 4 mins to the runner ahead. Posting the 2nd fastest run split left me only 24 seconds from 4th. Oh for another mile!
I am happy with the results overal and i am under no illusion that I will ever make the olympic kayak team but have another winter to get it sorted. Hopefully the coaching at Runcorn CC will pay dividends.
Leading out the main contenders on the swim.
Paddling could do with some work!
Germany sprint distance champs at the end of the month! hoping to better last years 5th place.
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