I suppose the result of my race competing for Great Britain in the 2013 Age Group Triathlon European Championships in Turkey can only be described as Sod’s Law!
The race of my life came to an abrupt end on lap three of the bike section. Racing on a closed road I was in touch with the eventual silver medallist. There is a non-drafting rule which means that you cannot sit behind the wheel of another rider to provide a wind break thus making it easier, so a 10 metre gap must be maintained. Teammate Richard and I were riding well, both swapping the lead to maintain a fast pace. Richard was one of the favourites for a podium finish so each time I overtook him it inspired him to go even faster. I was having the time of my life and my bike computer was telling me that had I finished, it would have been my fastest ever bike ride at that distance (about 1hour 6 mins). If only!
I had had a great swim. 1500m in a clear blue sea with a temperature of 26 degrees C. I was in fourth place as I left the water and entered transition. This is where the helmet, goggles and shoes are donned and then onto the bike for a 40k (25miles) ride comprising four laps on a flat circuit along the beach road of Alanya.
In temperatures of 30 degrees C, I raced around the circuit with the intent of getting as far up as possible amongst the leaders. I knew a podium place was never a real possibility because my running is slower than many of the other competitors. However, I wanted to do as well as I could so I went all out on the swim and bike ride. About half the way down the 10k bike lap there is an area of cobbled paving. It was just as I was passing over this on my way to my final lap that I punctured. Richard disappeared into the distance unaware of what had happened and other riders came speeding past.
Another rule is that you cannot have any assistance from anyone for mechanical breakdowns or punctures with the exception that near transition there is a spare wheel area. If I had been close enough I would have got one, but I was much too far away. Clearly, my race was over but I was determined to finish and collect a finisher’s medal. It’s a long way to Turkey to go home empty handed!
A crowd gathered as I started to take out my rear wheel and they were keen to help including one of the young marshalls who clearly didn’t know the ‘no assistance” rule. I had to decline their help quite forcefully as I knew the race officials would be watching. I was now in no great hurry but then came more drama. My first tyre lever snapped as I tried to get the tyre off. Groans from the crowd. Tried second lever, that snapped as well. Even more groans. This was particularly frustrating as some of the crowd, mainly Germans, were holding out sets of German engineered top quality levers. My mistake had been to replace my usual metal levers before I left home for some lightweight ones. Clearly they were useless.
I eased in my one remaining lever and after what seemed ages I got the tyre off. Great cheers from the crowd. It didn’t take long to replace the tube and put the wheel back on. By this time I was enjoying the response from the crowd so I played on it somewhat. Before getting back on board the bike, I took my remaining gel, washed it down with some water and gave a bow to the crowd, they loved it. I normally change a tube in under 5 minutes, this time it was nearer 20.
I continued on my way but by this time most riders were off the circuit and as I passed by the scene of my puncture on my final lap there were the Germans giving me a huge cheer. I have always like the Germans, such friendly and humorous people.
So it was into transition again, helmet off, bike racked and running shoes on. Again no great hurry but still managed to make a mistake. I took off my bike goggles, which I bike and run with as they have prescription lenses. At the end of the first lap of four I started running down the blue matting to the finish as I couldn’t see the 2nd lap entrance! Just in time I realised and turned back much to the amusement of the few still waiting to watch the tail enders.
Other than that the run was a steady jog in the ever increasing heat. I stopped at each drink station for plenty of water and even slowed for a quick chat to some people sitting at a bar alongside the track.
I finally arrived at the finish where Richard was still chatting to the finishers. He had indeed come 2nd beaten by a formidable Austrian who deservedly won in a time of 2:16:35. Richard’s time was 2:25:44 and mine was 2:54:18. I was amazingly not last and finished 9th out of 14 finishers.
Despite my puncture I did enjoy the race and the weekend in particular. I made a lot of new friends and had a greater insight into what people can do in their pensionable years. The oldest competitor was 80 yrs old- amazing. I never forgot either, that I had to qualify to be there in the first place and was proud to be representing my country.
The next day I watched the elite athletes race and saw how it should be done, they are brilliant. GB’s own Vicki Holland got the silver medal and I was fortunate enough to have a chat with her on the journey back to UK, that was a bonus and honour.
Why did I puncture? Did I over-inflate the tyre in hot temperatures? No, I asked the experts and I had the correct pressures. It was probably just an edge on the cobbles. Some in the other races also punctured and like several others, didn’t finish as they had no spare tubes or were using tubeless tyres.
I tried not to analyse my results too much but I suppose it was inevitable. Studying the results of others and knowing the form of some who I have raced before, I concluded that if I had not have punctured and ran my normal running race I would have been at worst 5th and firmly believe that I could have been on the podium with a bronze medal. But I did puncture and in the end was 9th. If Only!
Before I went to Turkey I said that I would be happy with a top ten finish, so that was achieved. I had no reason to be upset and in truth I was just disappointed as I did really have a chance for a medal.
On September 15th this year I will be taking part in the World Championships in London. I qualified by coming 3rd in Chester a few weeks ago. The Worlds will be much more competitive with 25 GB competitors in my age group alone. There are likely to be dozens more from around the World. My intention is to end my triathlon career by enjoying the amazing experience of cycling around central London on closed roads in front of thousands of spectators. When I ran the London Marathon in 1984 I made the mistake of trying to achieve a Personal Best time instead of enjoying the moment. This time I will enjoy the occasion whatever the result.
My result splits:
Time 2:54:18 Swim 30:34 T1 1:05 Bike 1:22:53 T2 1:21 Run 59:48