Salford Triathlon – 30th July 2006

Report by Rhodri Williams

With only 2 weeks remaining down in Pembrokeshire before I head back to Cardiff (been down here working for a year for those who didn’t know), I thought I’d bow out with a lengthy race report….

Two fellow Cardiff Tri members and I made the long trip up to Salford to take part in Salford’s ITU event on the 30th of July. Registering and racking our bikes the night before, it was quite apparent that this was a big event and would draw in the crowds.

After a decent nights sleep in our budget ‘borstal style’ hotel, we set off nice and early for our wave’s 7am start. Getting there in plenty of time, I was nice and relaxed as I got my stuff ready. Then panic set in as I realised I’d left my timing chip back in the hotel! My race began at 6:20 as I darted back to the car and sped off down the road back to the hotel. After grabbing my chip and bombing it back I arrived at transition as everyone was making their way to the water! Araghaaa! I threw my wetsuit on and legged it to the water. I jumped in and landed next to my mate who was laughing at me. I’d made it…with around 5 seconds to spare! Woohooo!

The klaxon went and we were off. After a bit of a ‘kuffuffle’ I found some clear space and settled into the 2-lap swim. Despite being utterly knackered after 400m I did a decent enough swim. No records broken, but I was happy. Then came my second nightmare! When I’d racked my bike the night before, I’d tied my helmet to my bike frame. During the mornings timing chip mayhem, I’d forgotten to untie it! It took what felt like ages for my panicking hands to untie the blinking thing! Dough!

The bike was flat and fast, but as technical as it comes - 8 laps around the city. That meant lots and lots of tight turns, which I am useless at. I did my best not to loose too much speed, but for me it was either hit the breaks hard or hit the ground hard. After putting several minutes into my 2 club mates on the swim, they flew past me on the last lap of the bike and I was too tired to do anything about it. Oh well!

The run was a nice flat 4-lap course. Whilst I was knackered I ran ok. I tried lifting the pace every so often, but just couldn’t. So I just kept a steady pace the whole way around. I just about managed to muster a sprint finish as I saw the crowds and came into the finishing chute.

Despite the unnecessary stresses I’d caused myself, I still did a decent enough time, coming in at 2:20:06 (although my watch said 2:19:51!!!). Job done! Due to work commitments I’ve had to get by on minimal training this year, so I was happy with my time.

That’s me done! I’d just like to take this opportunity to say thanks for making me feel welcome these last 8 months that I’ve been a member of Pembs Tri. You have an excellent club and some really good athletes. I especially like the Time Trial champs you do. I think it’s a very good idea and I might try and get something similar started when I get back to training with Cardiff Tri. Take it easy folks and I’ll see you at the usual races next season (plus Tuska and Bala this year)!

Full results can be viewed by clicking here.