Everyone I have talked to about this race told me, that it is allways raining and cold on this winter race. Ready for the worst I've entered this mountain multisport race. During briefing the race organizer told us to dress warm as it is very windy and 0 degrees on top of Mt. Isabel. It was hard to believe it as it was warm and sunny at the start.The race started with a 9 km mountain run up Mt.Isabel to 1319m. Within the first 20 sec our heart rates rose and we were climbing. I do not favor races starting with run, so at begining I was just runing in my own rythm. After 1/2 hour the climb got steeper, I started to feel good a was gaining places. After 55 min of climbing and mainly crawling on all four I was at 20th place right at the peak of Mt. Isabel. The hardest part was over - now just fast descent down the ridge to the bike transition at the Jack's Pass. I was looking forward to the bike leg as it was my first race on my new bike. I've entered the world of big wheels and spoiled myself with Specialized Epic 29er. The bike just flew through the steep course and I've managed overall 8th fastest bike time.
The clock stoped after 2:13min. I finished in 6th place only 4 sec from 4th place due to narrow finish shoot. I have realy enjoyed the race and hope to be back next year to better my time.
Ps: thanks to James from CYCLERY, Timaru for hooking me up with such an owesome bike.
