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Race Report: IM 70.3 Port Macquarie (1st)

The start list was red-hot which didn't concern me.  I was there to get the job done on a course that suited my strengths.

I have to say thanks to the guys from blueseventy – my wettie got a tear in the week of the race but they got me sorted, and the Helix once again madefor a fast and comfortable swim.  I got out to a good start and pushed the pace early in the swim. I immediately pulled away from the other boys taking only Josh Amberger with me. I swam really relaxed but set a speed that would send out a warning to the others guys that I meant business.

Onto the bike and out over the hills I worked into a good rhythm and pulled away from Josh, I broke the bike down into little pieces and made sure I took every corner, climb and decent as well as I possibly could knowing it would give me more time at the end of the bike. I rode hard and really knuckled down on the flat sections hitting very respectable speeds and power output.  Apparently someone said that the Teschner was sounding like a helicopter coming as I rode past.

At the start of the run I heard time gaps back to the group from 5-8 minutes so I assumed 5 and went out after the win. My run was very strong as I tackled the very hilly course, which was very similar to the run at Wildflower. I knew if I just ran within myself I would be able to hold on, and as I got to the last couple of kilometers I started to take it all in and enjoy the victory - my first 70.3 win and the start of something special.

The win meant a lot to me and I thank my coach Grant Giles for getting me to the start line in one piece and in the right frame of mind, Grant is one of the best coaches in the world and has the skills and positive outlook to take me to where I need to be. Just quickly thank you to the race organizers for running the event over a 'real' course, too many races are tedious and boring to watch, tough racing makes for great racing and the best TRIathlete on the day wins.