This years age group standard distance event took place last weekend in Leeds as part of the ITU World championship series for elite athletes. Located in and around Roundhay Park just on the outskirts of Leeds it was more than capable of safely accommodating the many attendees on the day. However despite allowing a very generous travel time for my 7.50 swim start I arrived at the lakeside with only minutes to spare ….not the best way to start but ensured the adrenaline was certainly flowing! Pitifully inadequate parking access and extensive queuing for entry, registration and finally access to transition etc reflected poorly on what was otherwise a great event.
At 19 degrees the lake swim was really pleasant. Despite some muscular activity from some keen competitors in our wave ( I sensibly refrained from ducking the culprits ) I emerged from the water near the front of my wave. Then followed a lengthy run ( ! ) to T1 and then onto a tricky 37 Km bike leg. 4 tight dead end turns on each of the 2 laps meant it was difficult to get into a rhythm on the deceptively undulating course. Still managed to stay well up within my age group to this point emerging from T 2 in second position only to slip down the field during the run leg. The 3 loop lumpy run around the park was tough culminating in a steep uphill finish onto the blue finishing mat almost 3 hours after the start.
Delighted to be back competing again after 3 years away from this level of racing – a final placing of 5th ( of 15 ) in age group was perfectly acceptable on this testing ETU /ITU qualifying course.
David Davidson
