RACE REPORT: SWANSEA 70.3

Racing in Europe is a very different experience to most of the races we do here in the Middle East. It can rain for starters, although the proverbial biblical rain did fall at the recent Ironman in Israel. Rain can mean slippery roads which can be treacherous on downhills. We very rarely get the opportunity to practice those skills that are required. Rain in Europe is often accompanied by “cold” and can make for a miserable day out.

As a coach what advce can you give? If its cold you should protect your extremities where you can lose body heat; so buy some warm gloves, potentially a body warmer for under the trisuit and a beanie for under your helmet. A few extra seconds in transition will be well worth it to keep you from freezing on the bike. The water temperature in Dubai rarely falls below 22 degrees C, whereas in Europe, the further north you go, the colder it gets. Most wetsuits carry a manufacturers min temp of 12.5 dgrees, but its pretty chilly in 17 degrees water and a thermal wetsuit with a built in liner, although a bit heavier than a normal one, can keep you warmer for longer. Skull caps can be worn under the race swim cap to keep your head warm. Booties and gloves can also be used for recreational swimming too!

It makes racing in Europe more of a challenge but its all good experience…

Here is the latest race report from the race in Europe from one of our athletes.

On my 19th birthday, with the support of my coach David Hunt, I decided to race the Swansea 70.3.
The weather couldn’t have been worse, and I was getting in the water already wet and cold. I felt strong on the swim, even though the jellyfish took me by surprise.
Coming out of the water I felt good, but it was a long run into T1.
Getting on the bike was cold and windy, but I enjoyed the first few kms on the flat getting time on the aerobars. However, when I hit the hills, my legs slowed down. They were all short but very steep and the 20% incline on one of the hills made my legs sting.
After finishing the 90km on the bike I started the run very dehydrated. The course was good and apart from my stomach cramps, I enjoyed the run.
Overall, I was unhappy with my finishing time, but it was good experience and I learned a lot in preparation for the 70.3 World Championship later this summer.

By Olivia Stirling & David Hunt