Sydney ITU
2012 Sydney ITU what a great event for the good old Piranhas. With only 5 Orange triathletes trying it out in 2011 and with Rachael’s fabulous race report there was a surge of interest with 20 Pirahnas making the trip to Sydney. And if you thought we would lose each other in the big smoke no chance-stepped out of the car at Domain to find the Benton family followed shortly after by most of the Orange crew.
Watching the elite races stirs the blood, not as exciting as last year with no prangs right in front of our eyes but still very inspiring.
Everyone was looking forward to swimming the harbour with the Opera House as a sighter, riding the Bridge and running through the Botanical Gardens past the Art Gallery and through the City. The one down side of this race is the distance from the Registration, Expo and finish line (outside St Marys Cathedral) to transition (Lady Macquarie’s Chair).And yes the instructions had said very clearly check your pack to make sure your identification wrist bracelet and bike numbers are in your pack as soon as you get your pack but one Piranha did not do so till at the check in. Oh no anyway Dan Benton showed why he is the Shepp and sensibly suggested go to the Help Desk. So with my poor little old lady look sneaked into transition with no numbers. Just need to remember to put number on bike in the morning.
We all know the importance of prerace nutrition and rest prior to a big race. Well it just doesn’t happen at Sydney with registration, elite race to watch, bike into transition and shopping. Second fail of the day didn’t eat, didn’t drink enough, didn’t bring a hat and walked way tooo far shopping.
The morning arrived bright and fine well it would have been if it wasn’t dark Andrew, Nick, Alison and I met at 5am and walked up past the Art Gallery to transition. Note to self for next time put a torch in your race bag for dark mornings. Transition all done now head to the Porto loo queue with plenty of time. Note here always notice which door the last athlete came out of and not open the one next door where you display some poor women undressed, not sure who was more embarrassed Jess or the lady but the queue certainly got a laugh.
Race underway.
With 3 minute waves and 1759 swimmers there was quite a bit of waiting for your wave but very orderly. No chance of a warm up swim a couple of stokes and the hooter goes. No jelly fish this year and a bit more swell especially in the last leg and better steps to climb up this year but still a very long run to get your bike. Why don’t they make the young strong competitors run the furtherest to get their bike instead of the old and decrepit?
As expected Tristan and Dugald took the honours in the swim with a tight tussle in the women between Kim, Jess and Tracey. Luckily Jess went to transition training and did a speedy helmet don which was caught on camera and is beamed across the world.
Tristan 21.22 Dugald 22.40 Peter 26.15 Kim 27.24
Scott 27.51 Jess 28.20 Jarred 28.36 Tracey 28.47
Phil 29.04 Mark 29.17 Alison 30.09 Andy 31.38
Steve 31.42 Andrew 31,48 Dan M 32.44 Dan B 34.30
Simon 34.40 Cas 36.54
Unfortunately we lost Nick and James along the way so no times for them.
Onto the bike, past the Art Gallery, down to the Opera House, along the Cahill Expressway, down the Western Distributor, over the Bridge and back 3 laps in total. Lots of Piranhas encouraging you along the way and Steve Martin had way too much energy and breathe screeching like a banshee as he flew past up a hill. Unfortunately Kim took or failed to take the right turn and earnt the honour of first in the 45km ride but at least she didn’t do one whole lap too many as a lady was telling us after the race or one run lap too few hey Steve.
Once again Dugald was showing us how it was done with Steve not far behind and then a whole bunch and Jess leading with women.
Dugald 1.05.12 Steve 1.09.16 Peter 1.12.45 Dan M 1.13.47
Tristan 1.13.51 Mark 1.13.52 Phil 1.14.2 Dan B 1.15.50
Andrew 1.15.56 Scott 1.16.04 Jarred 1.16.23 Jess 1.18.45
Simon 1.19.11 Alison 1.20.17 Andy 1.22.48 Tracey 1.26.28
Kim 1.27.25 Cas 1.45.02
Onto the run you guessed it past the Art Gallery, past St Mary’s and the best cheer squad known to man-20+ screaming Orange fans which made you feel you could sprint this- around and around then home. Hooray. It was here El Presidente came unstuck sprinting to the line a lap too soon which became evident when you check his time! It was here Phil and Jarred showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels with Jess and Alison leading the women.
Phil 43.17 Jarred 44.53 Dan B 45.09
Tristan 45.30 Peter 46.12 Dugald 46.47
Mark 48.45 Jess 49.55 Dan M 50.58
Alison 52.06 Simon 52.24 Scott 52.26
Andrew 53.25 Kim 54.31 Tracey 56.22
Andy 59.43 Cas 1.12.10
Now all we have to do is collect our bike and find Woolloomooloo Bay pub for celebratory drinks. When it was suggested the way was past the Art Gallery Andrew Holmes was heard to say “I refuse to go past the Art Gallery again”
Time now to hear everyones stories and work out Le Mug winner. Congratulations to the two Jesses Jess Richards for her great handicapping and Jess Symons for being the winner narrowly from Alison. Unfortunately Jess S was unable to attend the pub so Alison was able to celebrate in style. Not sure that Jess S realizes the ramifications of being the Mug winner!
Thanks all for a great weekend and as always the families for the great support they give us all.
