Kinsale Triathlon Race Report

Tuesday, July 27 2004 @ 09:08 AM IST

Bren (right) writes in with the following race report. "First things first, a big thank you to Loraine for organising accomodation for almost 30 people and second, thanks to Cork Triathlon Club for putting on a great race."

"For most the race began on Friday afternoon with the five hour drive down to Kinsale. Not much going on, unless you were in the car with the Tilmeister, "Got the T-shirt" Derek and Tsunami?s number 1 travelling super-fan Sarah. The journey was filled with tales of past athletic dominance and crazy training stories - five hours worth..."

We arrive and the beautiful Gatorade girls are there, as promised, greeting and making sure we know everything possible about sensible hydration and the untold benefits of drinking copious amounts of the green stuff. Got dinner. Was told by my diet coach that i ?must carb load?. Pasta, ice-cream and chocolate sauce were on the menu. We did a quick reconnaissance job on the swim and run course and then into bed for 12.30 sharp.

The morning of the race arrives. 7:00 AM - half a bowl of muesli, a piece of toast followed by my first ever cup of coffee, a trade secret in the triathlon world. I managed about five forced sips and said ?I reckon the sink wants some?. Looking thirsty as ever. You would too, if you had a tap over your mouth but could only drink when some one else turned it on. Down to transition and ready to race. Almost 250 people taking part and over 10% of competitors hailing from Tsunami. ?Tsunami, Tsunami, Tsunami? the crowd roared.

The start ? what a pox! Walking down to the beach, Tom and I are the last two to get there. ?Any questions BBBBBEEEEEERRRRRR let's go GO?. Bren quick zip me up screamed from Tom's panic stricken face. It didn?t seem to do him too much harm as he exited the water first Tsunami male, toe to toe with The Tank in a time of 10:56. Reliable as ever, Anna exited the water second female and first Tsunami in a cracking 10:25.

Onto the bike - a nice out and back. A few drags on the way out, but the luxury of a nice bit of down hill all the way back. As I neared the turnaround, I saw Trevor Woods closely followed by our Clive fresh from Ironman Germany. After him neck and neck were Dave and Tom, followed directly by Ray and Anna. Five in the top ten half way through the bike. Well done guys! Clive put in the best Tsunami bike split 33:34 and 3rd fastest on the day.

On to the run and the reason Kinsale is named "King of the Hill" sprint distance triathlon. Through transition Ray, Anna and myself left together, closely followed by Wes. As we exited the gate, for a split second I could see Tom and Dave at the top of the hill. All this and Wes hot on our heels. Lovely up and down the hill, coast around to the turn around, finally to the finish and sprint to the line.

Then the fun started. In Carrick Dave had worked the loaves and the fishes. This time the picnic was something else, with I?d say around 50 tri?rs sitting around enough food to feed a small army. All nicely rounded of with lovely apple pie.

Into the water for a post race swim and time enough for the boys to get competitive all over again. Races to the buoy and back: hats off to Trevor, 1st again and Tom in 2nd dominating the swim at the moment.

Back to the B&B for a quick rinse in the phone box*censored*shower. Many a tired athlete gathered around in the Back Door Pub for the prize giving.

• 1st Male Vet ? Clive
• 1st Female ? Anna
• 1st Team ? Tsunami

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