Zimbabwean Triathlete: Chris Felgate

New Site...

2008-12-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Please have a look at www.chrisfelgate.com and let me know any feedback, both positive and constructive criticism is welcome!

TREK, Germiston Energade and Zimbabwe...

2008-11-19T01:55:00.000-08:00

It has been a good few weeks.. however, to rewind the tape to a mid week long ride prior to the Germiston Energade Triathlon. I was riding and couldnt work out why my legs were feeling so dead, "this bike is heavy"! After a few more km's I noticed my rear wheel was rubbing against the inside of the frame.. "what?!".. It was now unrideable and I was in the middle of joburg rush hour traffic.. a walk and wait at a bike shop, my fear was confirmed. The left rear drop out had come out of the frame causing the rear wheel to sit at an angle up against the frame.. all in all, a freak manufacture default. The guys at Just Fun Cycling (TREK- South Africa) were incredible in helping me get a new frame to use for the upcoming race in Germiston.

Race day was cold, wet and windy.. not a typical African summers day. I was out the water in the front group of 5, which remained the same on the bike. There were some attacks here and there, but in the end we were 5 coming into the run. I couldnt feel my feet in the first km of the run and slowly warmed up. I ended up a solid 4th, now establishing msyelf in 4th overall in the series.

A quick lunch with the Goodwins and was up to Harare. I had a good few days in Zimbabwe, getting some good training done on my old 'grounds'. I managed to get in a good presentation to the triathlon community in Harare, which was well received. Some people there saw me do my first race, about 14 years ago!

Now for about 3 races in 4 weekends then a short xmas break..

BSG Energade Series!

2008-11-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

I have now done two races since arriving back in Africa, both part of the BSG Energade Series. I am racing with the Nestle team which helps a lot with expenses around the races, as well as incentives for places. The first two races have been characterised by good swims and solid bikes and both ending with average runs. I have come 5th and 6th. This time is about getting over my stress fracture that had during the Games and as have learnt, these injuries take a long time to come back from. Nonetheless, I have been happy with my progress in the runs during the races, given my running consists of speed during aqua jogging and bouts of walk/running. I have also put in some extensive rehab work thanks to the knowledge I have gained while studying for my degrees and in the last two years of being a ‘pro’ athlete. I still have three to four more races before the end of the year so plenty time to gain more improvements!

2008-10-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU!

2008-10-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

This message is now about a public THANK YOU to all the people that have helped me over the last few years in either giving me generous financial assistance towards the incredible expenses that an Olympic qualifier faces or for giving me a place to rest my head while I either race or train. I had to do the physical work, but the support that I had along the way was incredible. There were many others that left messages of support and best wishes leading up to the Games…

Thank you…/ Merci beaucoup…

My Parents & brothers, Nick and Lawrence
Anthony Hall of SGS Mining
Tim & Julia Spotswood
Alan & Marilyn Brooks
Mike & Vanessa Naworynsky
Rob & Fiona Felgate
Maryon & Graham Goodwin
Hayley & Ross Goodwin
Libby Burrell & ITU Development
Zimbabwe Triathlon & Olympic Committee
Geoff & Rosie Lambrou
Mike & Lesley Hemming
Adrie & Ted Berk
Sander & Venetia Berk
The Netherlands Olympic Committee
Adam & Linda Selby
Jaime & Liam Philp
Dee & Andrew Brown
Gregory Vincent & Ploemeur Triathlon
David & Fiona Long
Jono Long
James Ferguson
Mike Schuil
Paul Laver
Dr Grant Landers
Neil Douglas
Jeff & Judy Martin
Nikki Grundlingh
Atherton Squire & Rick Fulton
Debbie & Austin Jeans
Lexi Loizou
Rory Mackie
The Hassanali Family in Kenya
The Thompson Family in Richards Bay
The St Louis Family In Mauritius
Benita de Witt
Ben Staunton
Bernard Wyatt of ORCA
Gary Lee of TREK
Heilie de Villiers, Morne & Rich Holland of POWERBAR
Steven Meltzer of Cool Heat (SHIMANO)

I have now been in South Africa for a month and has been an Interesting transition period from the highs of the Olympics. I have been prepping the body again for the upcoming Energade series, where I will race for the Nestle team. Running has been a slow build up with coming back from the stress fracture that had leading into the Games, so by the end of the upcoming series I should hopefully be at full steam again!

RACE REPORT!

2008-09-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

After spending 5 weeks training in the Netherlands, I went with the Dutch triathletes, Sander Berk and Lisa Mensink to Chuncheon, South Korea for some warm and humid weather training prior to heading to the Olympic Village in Beijing. It did mean we missed the opening ceremony, however this was a price to pay given the race was later on in the Olympic programme. After a week of great training in South Korea, we were well acclimatised to 35 degree and 70% humidity weather.

Arriving in Beijing, I was met by officials of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and taken back to our apartment in the Olympic Village. Airport procedures and travel by car were made easy by specific Olympic Lanes making for quick and efficient movements. The Zimbabwe team were kitted out with some colourful casual and formal wear, supplied by Faithwear, a local clothing company who sponsored the gear.

The days leading into the race were spent training in the Olympic Village (50m pool and 1km running track) or travelling on a 50min one way bus ride out to the Triathlon venue- the Ming Tombs Reservoir. We were given specific periods to train on the course, one hour on the bike and run, then one hour in the water… not a minute longer- security officials were out getting us off the course the second it past the hour! Other facilities in the 1km x 1km Olympic Village included internet, laundry, gym, shopping centre and an incredibly large selection of food available about 18hrs a day.. including McDonalds!

Two days prior to the race all the athletes congregated for the mandatory pr-race briefing and pontoon draw. With my 14th spot position selected on the pontoon, it was now time to channel all the focus on race day. Race day, 19th August, we were up by 6am to get some food down and catch the police escorted transport out to the venue from the Olympic Village. After warming up on the course and getting the bike set up in transition, we were ushered into the recovery area to be called out one by one in the pre race introduction. I was doing all possible to control the feelings of apprehension inside, however, deep down I had the feeling of belonging there and deserving my spot on the pontoon.

With helicopters flying in the ready, we were placed in the hands of the starter and before we knew it, the Olympic Race had started. The swim was furious from start to finish, mainly due to all 55 athletes being able to swim at a similar pace. I found Simon Whitfield’s feet and stuck there for most of the swim, eventually coming out 20seconds behind the leader and well in the 1st pack. I had underestimated the 6 lap bike course and the hill was definitely a lot harder to get up than initially thought.. mainly due to the pace that we were riding at. Despite the pace, I found myself on the 5th lap about 50m in front of the main pack and getting some good air time from the cameras! The run was always going to be tough given the injury niggles I have had leading into the Games, the sharp hill on each of the 4 lap run, as well as the energy sapping blue carpet. I started off well and 5km went really well and then the heat, humidity took its toll and struggled on the penultimate lap. The last lap was about finishing and reeling in one last runner to finish in 42nd. Crossing that finish line, I had an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction, despite the slower than usual run. I stood at the finish line, looking at the crowd, bikes still in transition, and was speechless. I had finally achieved a lifelong dream. Simon Whitfield got me out of this moment by walking past and complimenting me on my bike ride… ‘something’ from a past Olympic Gold Medallist and Current Silver Medallist. I was fortunate to have my younger brother in the stands and knew had a number of friends and family watching the event around the world, all people who have shared this journey with me.

I am now on my way back after spending the week after the race taking in the sites Beijing has to offer and also watching a few events, notably being trackside for the 200m record being broken my the Bolt from Jamaica! The sound standing in the middle of the stadium during the closing ceremony is something I will never forget, truly a significant moment.

There are many people to mention and to thank- one just has to look at my website (www.cfelgate.blogspot.com) to see the extent to which many people have supported and believed in me on this journey. Thank you. I will publish a list of all the “thank you’s” soon. With the Energade Series in South Africa about to commence, the journey to London 2012 is about to begin.

These Updates are From when I was on training camp in South Korea to the Race...

2008-09-01T23:53:00.000-07:00

No1
Arrived at Schipol airport nice and early, stopping by the sign “kiss and ride”- pretty apt I thought for the relatively unemotional Dutch! I was now travelling with Sander and Adrie Berk- the Dutch Triathlon team manager. We were met by a KLM official Olympic helper whom ushered use through the normal check in procedure very swiftly and didn’t even incur any extra costs!
The flight to Seoul was uneventful and after working out which door our bikes would appear from we got through customs with no problems- really good this quote “Olympics-Beijing” as people jump! We were met by our South Korean helper and jumped onboard a business class coach (comfy seats, aircon) for our 3hr20min trip to Chuncheon.
Ladena Resort Hotel, the home of the Dutch Olympic Training Camp is a great hotel on the edge of a large lake. It is close to running and cycling routes and a 20 min trip to the pool.

Training has gone well so far with doing a little more each day as ours bodies adjust to the 7hr difference, and not to mention the 35deg, 60% humidity- perfect acclimatisation. Plenty sun which is a really bonus after Europe and wishing each day for the sun to come out!
The most eventful session so far was a 2hr bike ride with a lead car. After getting lost a few times we finally hit our 8-10% gradient hills. After doing the required laps up the climbs, we were on our way back. Didn’t realise had more climbs and given my body was still at 3am, when hit a steeper part, some expletives were released.. I was not amused! Anyway, I was chuffed to be going up hills after 5 weeks of riding the pancake that is the Netherlands!

No2
We have had a good few days training here in Chuncheon with the temp and humidity around 32-36 deg and 70%. Open water swimming has been added to the mix and that has been great, despite the dodging of speed boats- luck for the orange cap!

Last night was Opening Ceremony eve and after a good meal beside the pool we got comfortable in front of the TV. As most people saw, it was an incredible display of organisation more than anything! The drums were the best part I thought! Anyway, it was a somewhat strange feeling being an Olympian but not there. Anyway, hopefully the 19th will show I have done the right thing. I did get an interview by BBC radio and I was concerned that politics could have been on the cards and am pleased to say it was tactfully carried out. Anyway, I spoke as the Zim team entered the stadium.

I have been really well treated by the Dutch Olympic staff here, Nancy, the physio and Marteen the doc. I have learnt a great deal about my body in this extreme environment, ie sweat rate of 2L an hour while running! Nancy has been great with looking after my muscles, niggles and given me some great advice on recruitment of my muscles while running. The 3 athletes, Sander, Lisa Mensink and I have been getting some great treatment.

No3
I have now been in the Olympic Village for 4 days and what an experience! After a long day of travel from South Korea I was greeted at the Beijing airport by Kathy Lobb and Stanley Mutoya of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. I was taken by car in the Olympic dedicated lane on the freeway to the Village. I greeted all the Zim team and we are sharing our A2 block with Georgia and a host of other smaller contingents. Not sure if the Georgians are planning to attack the Russians given what is happening there….no..we are at a sporting event.. The sporting event of the World. Does seem the Georgians are keeping the tobacco industry intact loitering outside our apartment block!

The first trip to the dining hall was an experience. I love food and this was incredible. Any food choice you can think of from Western hamburgers (including McDonalds) to Asian Duck.. no dogs or cats thank goodness! We are also given a keyring to access any drink vending machine around the Village.. 50 drinks for our stay! The International Zone has everything one needs from a bank to hairdresser! Yes I had my first barbered cut since I think Jack the Hack back in the days in Harare! Might I add all these are free services! The Zim kit is really very good and seems the thing to do is swap pins with other countries! We each are given Zim pins to swap which is great. Each Zim athlete has been given a nice financial reward from Amai.. The First Lady of Zimbabwe- another welcome surprise! I have also landed a new pair of Oakley Radar sunglasses which is awesome-thanks Oakley!

Training commenced with swimming in the pool in the Village and a run around the 1km running track made in the Village. I met up with my Dutch friends again and we then made the trek out to the Ming Tombs Reservoir, the site of the Olympic Triathlon Race. A 50min one way bus trip gets us out there and then a quick change and onto the bike route, not a minute before 10am and not a minute after 11am! We can then swim on the course from 11-12am before getting back on the bus for the trip home and welcome dining hall.. not more than 5mins from the bus station!

Briefing and the pontoon draw were today and after a length period in the sun and an hour and half later I got the draw of 14th spot on the pontoon and race number of 20. I now have a day of easy training and will then sharpen up on Monday for the race.

New Support On Board...

2008-07-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank the SGS Mining Group in Perth for assisting me from now towards the end of the year. I am incredibly grateful as this has come at a time when I have had to use a lot of my own resources getting to the Games. Thank you!

Count down..

2008-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

It has now been a good few weeks of consistently hard training, swimming with the Ducks, Swans and riding with the windmills. Did you know they were used for bakeries! I am now racing a 'test' event this weekend, in the German Champs, off no taper and feeling pretty dead.. all part of the planning going to the land of eating ducks (maybe dogs too), their speciality in Beijing.

I have been really fortunate to get a lot of help from Adrie Berk, the Dutch Triathlon Manager for the Games, with a load of administrative info that would probably be lost there without it! Thank you very much! On Mon we are off for a pre-Games acclimatisation camp in Soouth Korea then head into the Olympic Village on Aug 12th, so unfortunately I wont be at the opening ceremony, but definitely the closing!

Pic attached is a great present for the Games from Shimano.... need i say more about it, have a look!

D2 race and The "Ventoux"

2008-07-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

After travelling nearly two full days in a Van that had no aircon or windows in the back, we drove into the quaint little town of Pierrelatte...The D2 race in the South of France. Temps were around the 35deg mark which was a shock coming from the 'teens'. Anyway, I had a good swim, coming out in front pack and had my domestique.. Laver.. in the pack with me.. the pic can see him driving and myself 4th wheel back. Meant I didnt have to worry about working on the bike too much and hit the run relatively fresh. A 2 lap, 5km course, I found myself in the front pack of runners and after the first lap, one guy surged and I couldnt respond so was content with finishing off in 5th.

Our 'recovery' day was spent climbing Mt Ventoux, a massive climb used in the Tour de France (not this year) and saw us going from 300m to around 1900m in 21km's. Gradient went from 6-11%. The self portrait shows the 'effort on the brow', about 2kms from the summit and the valley floor in the background, where we came from!

I am now in the Netherlands, battling the wind and rain, getting the body prepped for the 19th of August. I have never seen so much water on the sides of roads.. not to mention the ducks!

New Assistance on board

2008-07-05T03:39:00.000-07:00

Am pleased to have been given assistance from TREK bicylces, through Just Fun Cycling in Johannesburg, South Africa. Shimano have given me a pair of cycling shoes, through CoolHeat- South Africa. This is together with the support ORCA, PowerBar and ITU Development have given me. Thanks to all..

Update from a month ago..

2008-06-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

It has now been just over a month since I have last put something up, post Japan. After a two week respite in Johannesburg with my girlfriend, I packed my bags for Europe and landed back in France to race for Ploemeur Triathlon Club in the second division. There were four of us ‘etrangers’ that the club put us up in a quaint little house right on the west coast of France. It has been good to talk English with friends from back in Perth and French with the club members. I also had an hour interview with a local newspaper and found my French returning which was good. After 2 weeks of solid training I am off to race the 2nd leg of the division two race schedule in the South of France. From there, I will be off to Holland where will be for July, training and living with Sander Berk, their top triathlete. We have both qualified for the Games so have a common goal.

ITU points race: Japan..

2008-05-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

two weeks after visiting the shores of Mauritius, I found myself lapping up the shores of Amakusa, Japan. Thanks to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committe for making this possible. Quite a journey getting there and crossing 7hrs worth of time zones, I arrived at the quaint little town of Amakusa 2.5days prior to race start- enough time to get over jet lag and race? tough.. had to be done. This was going to be my last hit out at vying for points for the Games so all needed to run smoothly. Writing from Hong Kong airport, on my way back to Joburg, I can relax, slightly.

I was one of 3 Interntional blokes(other two were Aussies) in a field of 37. The rest were showing what Sushimi can do. We were really well looked after by Kiriyo of the JTU and her team, thank you. The race..

I lead out the swim, with 2 others on my heels. For the first 20km's on the bike, it was myself, last year's winner and previous Olympian, and a top Aussie. We were caught by an efficiently working bunch of 20 or so by the half way point on the bike so it was time to sit in a wait for the run. By this time, the heat and humididty had crept up, not unbearable, but noticable. Still had 3 big hills on the run to contend with. The run did not go aswell as in Richards Bay a few weeks ago and was off the time I wanted, and need to be at, given the Games are in 70 or so days time. Nonetheless, I finished 5th, picking up points that pushed me into 82nd on the ITU ranking for this week. Needs to remain under 140 by the cut off on June 10th to secure my spot for Zimbabwe.

I now have a bit of time to get my wits back and then will wait for final confirmation on June 10th about my spot on the start line in Beijing. Will keep you posted!

ITU Points Race: Mauritius

2008-05-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

After spending a few days after the race in Richards Bay, I packed up my gear and headed to Ille de Maurice for the last African cup race. Thanks to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committe for helping me with this trip. Alain St Louis of the Mauritian Triathlon Federation did a great job with limited funds on helping all of us International athletes, a very big thanks to him. This was a crucial race with regards to who qualifies as Africa's new flag for the Games.. so it was 'on' between myself and the Morroccan athlete. Feeling rather fatigued before the event, I wasnt sure how it would go, however, I knew it was now or never.

Couldnt really complain with the view we had while racing the 1500m swim, coral and maybe a yellow coachman (a fish!), yes, tough life.. The swim went well and onto the potholed bike course, it was a pack of 4 chasing the lone Swissman in front. Unfortunately our pack did not catch the Swissman so had a significant deficit after the bike. I had a less than average bike and knew the run would hurt. Understatement. After 5km, i dropped the Morroccan but still struggled the last 5km with the sight of finishing within the cut-off for points. I made the time and finished Africa's top New Flag, albeit a poor performance. To put it in perspective, I finished in front of all the other athletes in the weekend prior event in Richards Bay. A tough day in Mauritius.

Anyway, back to South Africa for a week and then am racing my last race for qualification points in Japan on May 25..crazy travel and time ahead..keep checking!

South African World Cup: Richards Bay

2008-05-05T01:00:00.001-07:00

The lead up into Richards Bay, the body was pretty tired, probably effects of the last 2 or so weeks. Fortunately I was going to sea level so knew that recovery would be quick just before the race. The area was experiencing an uncharacteristic cold spell and a wetsuit temperature was around the corner. Race day, the water temperature was just in the non-wetsuit range making the swim cold! Race start was as chaotic as usual and the first two buoys I was given the thumping of my life. Anyway, had to get on with it and coming out after the swim I had to have a slick transition to ensure I made the front pack. Fortunately this was so and remained as for the 8 lap course. Off the bikes and hit the asphalt flying. The first km was incredibly fast and found I had a new gear after the few weeks of speed that had been doing. I was able to run the whole way with a Frenchman and posted my PB for 10km by about a minute so was ecstatic. Second African home in 28th and a renewed confidence. Now for Mauritius in a week’s time..the last of the African cups.

Thanks to the Thompsons in Richards Bay for putting me up… made a big difference to be in a ‘home’ environment rather than a motel.

Post Oceana trip…

2008-05-05T00:58:00.000-07:00

After returning to South Africa, I was given the opportunity to train alongside the Netherlands’ top triathlete, Sander Berk in Potchefstroom. We got into a hard 2 week training stint, with the focus on speedwork, then tapering the third week leading into Richards Bay World cup. The two weeks were pretty intense, especially running wise and was happy to say that made it through the other side.

To come..report on New Plymouth…

2008-05-05T00:55:00.000-07:00

Mooloolaba World Cup

2008-04-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

I was able to have a week's stay in perth, seeing my family again after a year. Training went pretty well for the week, despite the time differences one had to quickly adapt to. Mooloolaba on the Queensland Coast was home of the first world cup of the year. 5 star treatment from the BG staff since arriving enabled me to experience the life of a 'pro' development team! Directed by Libby Burrell, physio-Diana, Bike Mechanic-Jeff, both from the USA and Craig Redman, Jaime Turner were the coaches.

....the race..... 1.50pm saw the 70 men take to the sea and create a massive washine machine. After the first usual waterpolo fight in the first 200m, i settled...wait, probably a waterpolo fight for 1500m.. was definitely the most physical swim to date and ended coming out near the rear of the field, something am not used to. Top Aussie's were around me and even world no. 1 came out in the middle of the pack so knew it wasnt a customary swim by many. Onto the 7 lap bike course (2 hills & chicane per lap) made it technical and challenging. Ours small pack of 5 made it to the next 5, and we worked for about 2 laps to catch the large front group, making us about 65 large (spot the yellow PowerBar water bottle in the pic)! Dangerous in the narrow bits and easy on the flat bits! I was happy to be in the race at this stage, knowing numerous past Olympians were around me. Onto the 4 lap run (2 hills per lap) made it pretty challenging. I had a pretty good effort ended up in 53rd, not bad given the field and quality field.

next stop, New Plymouth: New Zealand....

Team BG trip to Aus and New Zealand

2008-04-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my scholarship with ITU and BG, I have been given the opportunity to race in the first two world cups of the year in Aus and NZ!

All Africa Champs: Tunisia

2008-04-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

After the Bloemfontein race, i had 2 weeks before making the 17hr trip to North Africa, via Dubai and crossing a number of time zones! Tunisia was experiencing a cold snap from recent snow falls in Europe, plumetting day time temps and making the sea more like an ice bath at 16deg.

Zimbabwe had sent a small team out and Ash Finaughty made the trip over from the east coast of Australia. Race Day saw the juniors in the am and elites in the pm. The cold made difficult work for the juniors, however Ash took out her race in lying colours, a great start to her London Olympic ambition. Our race had the added flavours of France, Ireland and Italy to boost the African field. My swim went as well as could have asked and on the bike, there was literally one main pack. My run did not go very well and a 'suffer-fest' was needed for me to still finish within a 'points time'. I managed to get valuable Olympic points which has enabled my name to appear on the start list for the Olympics, which i now need to hold by ensuring my ranking remains in the required range for Olympic Qualification.

Thanks very much to the Tunisan Triathlon Federation for putting on their first event and closer to home, Dee Brown for all her assistance.. greatly appreciated.

Assistance from Orca

2008-03-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to ORCA South Africa for giving me some assistance from here on in.

February 08

2008-02-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

The Vodacom Challenge (10k run, 1600 swim, 100k bike; all separate over the weekend) in Potch over the weekend of 16 Feb was the first racing of the year. A PB in the 10k, 3rd place in the Potch Mile and solid performance in the 100k gave me confidence for the first tri test to come a week later. Bloemfontein hosted the ITU Continental Cup a week later, where Javier Gomez, world no.1, made an appearance. After exiting the water with the first pack, I rode with the group for about 5k and struggled with something that cant place my finger on (mechanical, both bike and legs, I think!) and ended up in the second pack. A solid, but rather pedestrian run (pic) saw me place 8th. Not a great day, but a benchmark on what needs to be done going into the All Africa Champs in Tunisa on 8 March, one of my most important races of the year.

Part of how I am able to do what am doing... thank you!

2008-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

Update: Dec to Jan

2008-01-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

After Israel, I spent the remainder of Dec in Zim. Thanks again to the Long Family and The Selby family for putting me up. I was fortunate enough to spend Xmas with the Selby family on Lake Kariba- one of my favourite spots in the World!

In the last 2 weeks of Dec, I kicked started my training again, starting to lay the foundations for the most important 6 months of my career.. Thanks to my coach/advisor, Libby Burrell for all her input in this regard.

In the beginning of Jan, i was hit with some very exciting news with being given a BG Scholarship from the International Triathlon Union (ITU). This now enables me to focus 100% on training and competing to qualify for the Beijing Games. I am incredibly grateful to ITU Development for giving me this opportunity. The next few days were then spent on my back recovering from wisdom teeth extractions!!

Mid Jan, I relocated to Potchefstroom, South Africa, to train with Hendrik De Villiers and a number of other Int athletes that use the small town as a training base.

At the moment, it is head down, continuing to build the foundations for hopefully a very exciting year! Racing will commence in Feb with the most important ones coming in March onwards. Stay Tuned!

The Bike.. R to L... Kiwi.. Aus..Zim

2007-12-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Israel World Cup

2007-12-07T04:39:00.000-08:00

A land of the Bible and security checks! After overnighting in Tel Aviv, I travelled with Hendrik De Villiers of South Africa to Eilat, whom I shared a timeshare accommo with (much cheaper than hotel). Meant we did our own shopping and could eat what we wanted. There was all the hype and organisation of a World Cup leading to race start.

I hit the water somewhere in the middle of the commotion (pic) and after a few kicks to the head, I found my posi in the water. I exited the 1500m at the back of the first pack and due to the long run to transition and my poor running speed, I was in no mans land in the first bit of the bike. I shared this moment with New Zealand Olympian, Nathan Richmond. The 2nd pack caught up with us and settled into a pretty quick 7 lap cycle leg. A 5-6% gradient hill made the course interesting. Onto the run and tried to run the legs off, which was not quick enough to finish around the guys in my bike pack. Nonetheless I had a finish of 40 out of about 60 starters and gained a few points for my Olympic Ranking, which is now 127 and a 125 is needed by June next year for minimum criteria. Its possible!

Spent the last night in some cold corner of the Tel Aviv airport with guards checking on me every so often. My wetsuit became a good blanket. At check in I had a 1 and a half hr security check examining my bike.. mmm.. that carbon fibre is suspicious.

Back to Zimbabwe for December and January and then will be back in South Africa to prepare for the big races. Have a good xmas and new year and await a training update in january..

Kenyan African Cup

2007-11-20T00:11:00.000-08:00

After being delayed in Harare airport for 3hrs, touched down in Lusaka, then off again to Nairobi, arriving late, missing my connecting flight to Mombasa. Got on last flight to Mombasa, after waiting another 2hrs in Nairobi airport. Eventually got to our homestay and in bed at 1am.. an experience of note. Thanks to the Hassanali famili for looking after me while was in Mombasa.
Race.. shocking.. will keep this as brief as possible so dont bring up any more memories. From get go had no power and all was no going well. Anyway, ended up at the back of the small field and learnt some lessons about travel before a race, nutrition in an environment of 33deg and 70%humidity. Mombasa is an experience and take my hat off to the Kenyan Tri Community who put on a good race despite the craziness that is around.

Back to Harare for a week before racing last World Cup in Israel...

Zim Time!

2007-11-20T00:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to PowerBar for giving me the required nutrients that would be lacking in one of the darkest parts of Africa at the moment.

Troutbeck, at 2000m altitude was the venue of the ITU African cup. This event was spectacularly organized by the Zim Tri Committee- thank you. A slightly deeper field than Namibia, with the added flavours of Austria and Spain. By the end of the swim, I was in a 4 man pack and we were chasing the past Spanish Olympian (who actually stayed away and won the race). I found the lungs eventually on the 5 lap course- providing us with 20 hills in total and off the bike, holding, chasing to the finish. Zim flag over the shoulders I ended in 3rd (pic), which was very happy with. There were no amazing splits, but think the environmental factors could answer that.

I am now a few days away from the next ITU African cup in Mombasa, writing on our rostered electricity day- basically one day of and one without each week. These are definitely trying times for so many in Zimbabwe at the moment, but while I sip my Coke, costing me Z$190000, I realise I am more fortunate than so many others out there.

Its been a while!

2007-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

After Namibia, I headed to Bokland for a training stint and do a couple of Energade Triathlons-sprint series in South Africa. My base was in Pretoria, near the high performance centre. Thanks to my good friend, Lexi (and her digs mates!), for putting me up.

I was fortunate to land myself with the Nestle Purelife team for the two Energade races I would be in South Africa for. The first of these, held in Germiston, went well from the start, with me exiting the water with Sander Berk of the Netherlands- a consistently high placed World Cup finisher. After asmall pack of us remained away for the bike, it was down to the run, where finished 3rd- getting somewhere!

It was then a week of solid training with the next ITU African Cup in Zimbabwe 2 weeks away. The next Energade race in Midmar, Natal, was the weekend endeth solid training, however, I thought the slight drop in altitude would compensate the tired legs..not! I was tired from get go and managed first pack in the swim, bike and finished 6th by the end of the race.

Namibian Continental Cup

2007-10-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

After a long trip back from Lorient-Paris-Zurich-Johannesburg, I stayed a night at my second home (thanks again The Goodwins!) before heading to Windhoek, Namibia. On arrival, I had to wait for a few other athletes at the airport before heading in a bus to the Guest Lodge, where we were knindly put up for the night. The following day we made the trip to Mariental, a 3hr journey and were staying 1km fom T2 which was great. I was sharing a room with Travis Campbell from South Africa. I hadnt done my homework adequately before the race and found out we were at about 1400m altitude..mmmm!!!

Race Day.. We woke about 5am, getting the body ready for the 7am start.. a shock to the system after racing in France where no races begin before 1500hrs! Anyway, we were met with a chill in the wind so wetsuits were the go. The pic shows the swim course... the lake was full of Pelicans, which provided a bit of amusement half way through the swim....sighting this far away buoy..???!!! a quick chat with Hendrik de Villiers and established that in fact the buoy was moving, so no, a right turn rather than a further 400m on! Out the water and onto the 2 lap, hilly bike course.. Hendrik, myself and Mehdi Essadiq from Morrocco. Lungs were squeezed tightly at the top of each climb... oh that altitude.. well actually medium level altitude! Onto the run and the Sprinbok was always going to quickly gallop away, almost like Habana.. for 10k's and a good few hills! I had a solid run to finish 2nd a gain some valuable ITU points! Many thanks to Marieta and the Namibian Tri Federation for looking after us so well

In Pretoria now, doing some good training before racing the next two Resolution Energade races and then the next ITU race in Zimbabwe. Next 3 weekends of racing... here go's..

Whats next?..

2007-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Continental Cup races in Africa: Namibia, Zim and Kenya. These are to get the needed ITU points!!! I will also be racing a couple of Energade series races in South Africa..

The last one.. La Baule Courte Distance…. 23 Sept..

2007-09-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

The longest beach in Europe.. that’s where the race was held. It was over a massive weekend of triathlon with Grand Prix races being held the day before. In our race we had the second largest field in the region, around 900 competitors, the largest is the London triathlon. We had a good few pros racing making the race a good, fast, painful event!

The swim was a one lap 1500m + in a choppy sea. They have two swim courses as all people head off the same time. The start was the usual sprint, few elbows etc and then some clear water. Just stuck into the chase pack as Ben Sanson was off the front (he has the French record for 1500m-in the pool). He literally has a propellor up his whatsit! Onto the bike and this was always going to hurt.. did my all to get into the lead pack and then succeeded to get dropped up the first rise. The second pack came past and jumped onto that and we then caught the lead pack again. After the first of two laps, 3 guys broke away and the rest of the pack stayed as is, avoiding getting caught by the huge 3rd pack. Onto the run and this was a fast and furious two lap effort. I ended up getting 10th, outsprinted by Ben Sanson by 3 hundredths of a second- after 2hrs!!! The pain is evident in the pic!! All in all an eventful weekend and a good note to end the racing in France..

After the race.. chuffed, but buggered!!!

2007-09-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

8 Sept D3 National Qualifier, Betton

2007-09-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

This is where it's at!! After spending a week with a French couple near Rennes (merci beaucoup Ruben et Virginie), it was time for the last and most important club race. We had to finish in the top 4 teams to make it to the next division. Swim start was a mess and got some elbows to the head, dragged under and thought this was tickets. My policy is dont do to others unless done to you.. so, 'gloves' came off and swam over people and gave out my own fair share of elbows! Got some clear water and by the first buoy was second. As a drafting race, I decided to keep the swim pace 'cool' and let the front guy work his butt off.

Into the first transition, there were just the two of us. Up the first hill and still two.. where were the others?! Anyway, after the 1st of 3 bike laps, we had a good lead. With the open race starting 10mins after us, the 2nd lap on the bike was mayhem with these tiny roads. Meant the two of us leaders were able to clear ahead of the 2 chase packs. Off the bike and was first into transition. Hit the first of the 3 lap run and pushed hard, paying dearly on the 2nd lap. On the 3rd, I put my head down and hit the line about 20seconds in front of the rest. First French win and also with the other 3 team members, we qualified for next year's division 2. Job done!

Weekend off racing this next, then last French race in La Baule.

This came out for the Quiberon Tri...

2007-09-11T05:26:00.000-07:00

Quiberon Triathlon 2 Sept

2007-09-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Next up was a 1500m sea swim, 40 'odd'k's around Quiberon and then 10k's next to 'the plage'..beach! I decided to rack my bike first (enter transition and set up next to your number), and after setting up, was in the process of heading out for my warm up and the 'arbitres' said I couldnt leave transition. After a brief exchange of words in French, yes, not French sentences, I had made no headway and went back to my 'possi' and put the running shoes on for warm up. C'est French regulamentations' I was told... rrrrrr!!! The day ended well with a first out the water, 6th off the bike and 3rd in the end. Getting there..

The pain in Parthenay!

2007-09-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Curve Ball...

2007-08-27T04:47:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, I arrived at Paris airport for check-in for flight to Croatia and was told my ticket was void due to complications with a credit card, albeit account debitted before. I could not afford to buy a new ticket as had been told that may not get the money back from first ticket. Have since found out can get a refund. A learning experience? am not sure!

I raced in France on the weekend instead, driving 3hrs 45mins one way, raced in an International field, came 8th, picked up some Euro and drove back, arriving sometime before midnight! thats what its all about! Parthenay was the home of the race, had a great swim, exited first, then legs buckled a bit on the bike and held position on the run. Was pretty fatigued, maybe due to somewhere near 12hrs 'running' around the Paris airports, yes both, on thursday, who knows!

2 days later.. Larmor Plage Sprint Triathlon (Brittany Champs)

2007-08-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

Exited the water first (pic) with a top French junior and then he sat on my wheel for the first bit of the bike. I knew there were some strong ‘horses’ on the way so didn’t push too hard. After about 5k of the bike, we were joined by 4 others, 2 being in the first division. One of these guys, Laurent Suppi, attacked and none of us followed. We worked together and hit T2 together. Onto the quick run and I took my time to get into rhythm, dropping to 5th. Found the feet and put the hammer down, finishing 3rd (sur le podium-tres important en France!!!) behind the two guys in the first division (in pic). Got some well needed prize money for next week- ITU Continental Cup in Croatia.. stay tuned..

Next stage.. Embrun

2007-08-20T03:08:00.001-07:00

The TOC Cesson team had another small apartment (bottom of street in pic) booked for 1.5weeks. this town is home to the infamous (for crashes and difficulty) Grand Prix triathlon and the Embrunman- an Ironman in the Alps, included in their ride is the col d’Izoard (2360m). Crazy people!!!

Training was pretty tricky swimming wise as the only pool in the town was crowded most of the time- one lane out of 6 set aside for training- breastroke legs are a pain!!! Cycling and running were brilliant when you want to go hard, the downside being recovery session were up the same bloody mountains!!!! Nonetheless was great with the other ‘etrangers’ as we’re known and managed to get in some solid 5,7,11k climbs and of course col d’Izoard. The trip was somewhat marked by the terrible crash of Tam day as she took a fast descent during the grand Prix triathlon. Her head took the impact and serous injuries forced the hospital to put her in a medically induced coma for 10 days. Thoughts with her and family. Does bring one back to ground zero.

Thanks to the president of TOC Cesson for allowing me to stay with his club and the Touvron family for taking me back to Brittany- a 12hr drive with many French discussions!!! Back to the flat
of the president of my club, Ploemeur, thanks Greg!

Col Du Galibier..2645m!

2007-08-20T03:07:00.001-07:00

Looking down half way up Alp d'huez!

2007-08-20T03:05:00.000-07:00

Alp d’huez triathlon…

2007-08-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

First race where would properly test the leg after the injury.. there was no choice actually.. climbing from 700m to 1850m in 14k’s (the mountain) was included in the cycle package!! The ride was always going to be tough with limited training due to Paris. About 600 of us took off in about 16° water, and I decided to push the swim to get some glory. Helicopter, cameras etc everywhere! Exited first and was soon chased down on the bike. Hit the mountain and the storm arrived, rain, wind and then hail! I fell to 23rd and onto the run (on the summit) caught up one place.. a race to remember!!

‘Col’ Time.. ie ‘mountain’ time! We traversed, ‘par velo’ in the next 3 days, les Deux alps (1650m) Col du Lauterat (2058m) and Col du Galibier (2645m) and of course Alp d’huez.. again!!

T de France..

2007-08-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

Left Brittany on 28 July and headed to Paris for the final stage of the ‘dirty’ T de F. I was put up by the Hemings, who were very generous in their hospitality, thank you. It was great to experience Paris and the hype, media etc that go’s with the Tour. I must say that a World Cup Triathlon, having done one, is far more entertaining, with just as much hype.

I then travelled back to Brittany, hopping off the train half way to meet up with Kris McCartney and his g/f Ella, Tameka Day from Aus and Tom Moyes from NZ. These guys are other foreign athletes from the TOC Cesson team from Rennes. Now.. ALPS Time!

After a 11-12 hr drive, we hit the Alps, staying on the summit of Alp d’huez, roughly 1850m high. This was home for 5 nights, 5 people in a one room appt.. I had the space under the dining room table on the lounge floor!! All good!

Job Done..

2007-07-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of a gradual increase in training, well, cycling and running, i stood on the start line of the division 2 qualifying race in Eguzon, middle of France somewhere. The president of the club decided it would be better to drive all the way on Friday night, arriving at about 1am, crashed in a quaint little hotel, again, one of those that seem to sprout up in the French countryside. The walls were paper thin, making the next door noctile sounds seem inside our own room?!!!Not to mention sleeping in the African bush would have been more comfortable. However, on waking we were greeted with the view in the attached pic.

We rode to the start, the last 20k of the cycle leg in the race, as warm up. Not sure whether seeing the course before the race is a good or bad thing as really, most of the course was uphill, with some solid 2k climbs (see attached profiles) and making for good mind games before the start. As my run is nowhere at the moment, plan was to swim and bike hard and just finish the run. As long as the team came in the first 5 teams we would qualify (top 3 finishers count in each team) so thats all i focussed on. I came out the swim in 3rd, on the feet of one of last week's international grand prix swimmers so that was encouraging. The bike leg was tough, thats all there was to it. Came off the bike and just focussed on form and technique on the run, still managing to finish in the first of our team. In the end the team qualified for the final sprint traithlon, thereby i was satisfied that my job was done! We then had to jump in the bus and drive back to Lorient, arriving at 2am, what a 24hrs!

Next leg is a 2 week training camp in the Alps, after racing the Alpe d'Huez triathlon..yes a triathlon up the mountain the Tour de France rides.. excellent!

Pontivy Aquathlon

2007-07-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Did an aquathlon on Saturday, a 600m swim followed by a 5km run, then the 10 best compete in the final an hour later.... 300m swim and 2.5km run. I came 2nd overall, picking up some prize money, but the race was a test to see how my leg would cope. Well, 2 days later have decided to stop all for a week to try get back on top. Means missing the next International race. Will spend the time in Netherlands-had already booked my ticket and cant get a refund!

News..

2007-06-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Am slowly getting back on that horse.. However, with a bit of French publicity like this, does lift the morale!! Lisez-Vous Français?

the tricky road of a sportsman..

2007-06-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have been battling with a niggling adductor in my right leg, uncommon for a triathlete, but a result of muscle imbalances and an aggravted sacro-iliac joint. Part self diagnosed and part from the two french osteopaths and negative MRI scan have seen/had. This has resulted in a break from intense cycling and running for the last 2 weeks, preventing me from racing the first french club race. I did the swim for them, in a team time-trial format (sticking together for the whole course). It ended up being a strength session with pushing the last guys' legs every few metres-for 750m!! Am feeling more confident with the leg now-after extensive self prescribed rehab (degree has to be useful somehow!!) and hoping to do an aquathlon in 2 weeks followed by another International event the following week.

Picture.. since had some 'downtime' managed o get in some sightseeing- Quimper, a very old town, about an hours' drive away, with the main attraction a gothic cathedral-seen in the distance of the pic. The river flows through the town giving it a real 'european' feel!!

Arrival in Ploemeur, Brittany, France May 2007

2007-05-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

After travelling for about 24hrs, through Germany to France and onto the NW part, a small town called Ploemeur, just outside Lorient. Am here to race for the club and in return they put me up, pay a few entry fees and French licence. So far have seen some great terrain on the bike, albeit in full winter training gear-they say summer is coming!! This is the first year this club has invited a foreigner over. More established clubs have 2 or 3 guys, generally from Aus, UK and NZ. We are to race in a few Divison 2 races so that they can become part of this Division in France. english is almost non-existant in the town so my French has improved ten fold!! I raced my first race in France, this last weekend and managed a 4th, picking up some Euro, a big bonus!! Am also fortunate to now be coached/advised by Libby Burrell who is on the ITU. through her help, I will hopefully be able to have some good performances in the coming World and Continental Cups. Now down to training, with next race on 17 June..

Richards Bay World Cup 13 May

2007-05-30T02:34:00.000-07:00

After a solid few weeks of training in Harare, I thought I was ready for my first World Cup. Ah well, a water polo match is a better way to describe 75 blokes from 30 countries, racing 200m to reach the first buoy!! The swim went well and onto the second pack on the bike, where we had 8x5.3k laps, starting each one up a hill. The pace was pretty hectic and got spat. Was on my own for a while, then picked up by a few other guys. Our mission was not to get lapped by the lead pack as the race is then tickets. Onto the run and was just about getting to then end unfortunately. Couldnt understand why I was selected for random dope testing at the end!! Thanks to the Moore's in Empangeni for putting me up, and once again, my life support in JHB, the Goodwin's! Next stop is Paris, then Lorient and onto Ploemeur, all in the 36 hrs after the race.

All Africa Champs, Mauritius March 07

2007-05-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

The swim course took us over a coral reef, which had an abundance of life, however, the frantic starting pace soon put an end to any gazing and a strong focus on the feet in front. I was second pack on the bike, with Kent and Erhard from South Africa, the Moroccan U23 and a French guy. All went ok on the bike but as soon as hit the run, had big troubls with stomach and dropped off pace. Managed a 6th overall and 4th African. Earnt some Olympic ranking points but still chasing those ITU ones!! Next stop is a training stint in Harare, where the Long family are kindly putting me up. From there is first World cup in South Africa..

Bar-One/Nestle Super sprint tri in JHB.

2007-03-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

One way to get over jet lag.. race in a super sprint race.. a 3 by 200m/6km/1.8km, resting 20 mins in between each race. The field was 18 strong. The first race took a while to get into (?) in the swim at least, but manged a 3rd place overall. In race 2, i had a much better swim, still managing a 3rd. Race 3, i think altitude and fatigue set in, as it felt a fair bit harder, so pulling through for a 4th place. In the end, I came 3rd overall, behind a German and Czech, picking up some prize money- covered the excess bagage on the way over! Thanks to the Goodwins in JHb for putting me up and running around after me..

World Triathlon Trip...

2007-03-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Left Perth on 24 March, arriving in South Africa, an hour after scheduled time. I will be staying in Joburg until Thurs, head to Mauritius for All Africa Champs on thurs, to Zimbabwe for a month, back to South Africa to hopefuly get a spot and race in the Richards Bay World Cup. I then fly to France to base myself with a Division 2/3 club in Lorient. I will be racing for the club in France and for Zimbabwe in other European races... stay tuned..

Beginning of March, Albany Standard: WA

2007-03-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

A 5hr drive south to the southern most point of Wetsren Australia, was to be the place of my firt standard of 07. Coming out of the swim in 1st, and off the undulating bike in 2nd, managing to hold onto the same position for the 10km race. Starting to come together, still needing some work on bike strength and a great deal on run speed.

Meelup: regional Western Australia

2007-02-28T01:04:00.000-08:00

End of Feb saw a change of luck, finishing in the top 5 at Meelup (1/30/8), having a great race on an interesting course- sea chop, good hills on the bike and undulating run.

City of Perth Race

2007-02-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

What a shocker.. racing against some of the best in the world. Had a great swim, but then went backwards from there. Have had some physiological problems, which my cardiologist rang me up about the following day and now on top of it!

First Up

2006-09-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Await news on the most recent news on the journey...

2006-07-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

Singapore Triathlon: First Pro Mens start: July 2006

Thanks to the Lambrou Family for putting me up for the week.