History has been made at Kaiteriteri beach in Tasman Bay. For the first time in New Zealand national multisport champs took part. It was good to be part of it.
Rain drumming on our tent woke us up on the race day. I have organized all gear and food night before, so all I had to do was set up my two transitions, as the race was going to be self supported – one on the beach with kayak and the other one with mtbike. During my warm up and looking at the sea the kayak leg started to make me little bit nervous - looking at the waves and swell. But all the worries disappeared with the start gun.
The race started with 3 km trail run to spread the field before 11km sea kayak leg. It was good to see so many people cheering us up as jumped in to kayaks. I’ve paddled my Sharp6, but many competitors were using surf skis as there are more suitable for sea paddle. Once we left the safe harbour the sea greeted us with 1m swell and wind coming from all directions. I had limited opportunities to train on open sea, so the kayak leg was about surviving then concentrating on the perfect paddle stroke. Even due to challenging conditions I still managed to keep my placing. I can proudly say after that I am better paddler now :)
Rain drumming on our tent woke us up on the race day. I have organized all gear and food night before, so all I had to do was set up my two transitions, as the race was going to be self supported – one on the beach with kayak and the other one with mtbike. During my warm up and looking at the sea the kayak leg started to make me little bit nervous - looking at the waves and swell. But all the worries disappeared with the start gun.
The race started with 3 km trail run to spread the field before 11km sea kayak leg. It was good to see so many people cheering us up as jumped in to kayaks. I’ve paddled my Sharp6, but many competitors were using surf skis as there are more suitable for sea paddle. Once we left the safe harbour the sea greeted us with 1m swell and wind coming from all directions. I had limited opportunities to train on open sea, so the kayak leg was about surviving then concentrating on the perfect paddle stroke. Even due to challenging conditions I still managed to keep my placing. I can proudly say after that I am better paddler now :)
It was good to be on land again. The rain stopped as we headed off for 32 km mountain bike leg – my strongest discipline. The mtb course climbed and climbed and climbed more before descending down purposely built sweet single tracks in native bush. We have been warned about some parts of the track being very steep. Due to rain they also became muddy and it was little bit tricky to walk them down. The course suited me well with lots of climbing and I managed to gain couple of places. After 2 hrs of biking my bike’s drivetrain was getting really muddy so I was pleased to make it to the last transition without any technical problems.
Lucy cheered me up in the transition and I was away for the last leg – 9 km trail run. Now we were racing in the hottest part of the day so it was good to be running in the bush. Just as I was thinking that I did not have any cramps trouble, I ran past a guy who was obviously struggling due to cramps. I was glad that I adjusted my nutrition after my last race.
The clock stopped after 4hrs 8min. I finished 2nd in my age group.
Also those who placed within first 3 in their age group qualified for the elite race next day. I took that opportunity to race with NZ top multisporters like Usher, Hagener, Voyce... Those guys are just incredible. For me the second day was more about enjoying myself as I was pretty tired from previous day.
