Vitoria-Gasteiz Triathlon
-Iron Distance-

13th July
2014

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Official Result

  3.8K Swim 180k Bike 42k Run Total  
Gary Finch 1.32.29 6.04.47 3.51.34 11.38.51  
Angela Kay 1.13.04 6.17.54 5.15.01 12.52.41 1st in Age Group

 

RACE REPORT ON VITORIA-GASTEIZ - IRON TRIATHLON
 

We arrived in Vitoria, northern Spain on Friday morning after flying into Bilbao the previous evening and staying there as we were not too sure on the bus times – it was an hour’s coach ride through some pretty countryside.

After unpacking bags, bikes and kit we went to the Expo to collect our numbers and look at the old town square where the run goes through twice on each lap.  The English briefing was on Saturday where we met 2 other Brits – Sam from Biggleswade and Mark from the Brecon’s.  They told us the bike course was flattish – ha! It wasn’t but they are used to the hills of Wales.

We dropped our run bags at T2 in town then loaded our bikes into a van and we had a coach ride to T1 – the lake was calm and very scenic all round, the nerves were beginning to kick in.  Back into town, looking for a restaurant was like looking for a needle in a hay stack – lots and lots of bars and cafes but where could we eat??  We found, out the back of a bar, a restaurant – yes – but the menu was all in Spanish – we looked on the table behind us and told the waiter we want what they are eating.

Race day was here – up at 4.30am, porridge and a cuppa – wish I’d finished all my porridge when I was half way round the swim.  On the coach again and off to T1, the sun was coming up and it was forecast to be a hot day.  We were almost first in transition and were first in the loo.

We put our bags in the lorries and everyone was instructed to stand by their bikes – no idea what was happening – then each group was lead onto the beach start of the swim being clapped by the other competitors – a very moving experience and this was just the start!

There were 4 starts in the swim, Pros, all ladies (phew), half distance men then the Iron men.  I started at the back with my own space and no panicking.  The lake was warm and shallow, 2 laps and then off on the bike.  The course was a little loop then 2 big loops and finishing in Vitoria, it was a rolling course with the odd hill and quite technical going round the reservoir.  The aid stations were well manned and we used their Infisport – just as well we both have good stomachs to cope with new gels and bars.  On coming into Vitoria on a main road we could get a good speed up and zipped through the town into T2, bikes were taken from us and my legs decided to throw a wobble as I was putting my running shoes on.  I had a serious talk to them – so off we went – marathon next.  The crowds were amazing all round the town and there was only a short bit on the run to hide from them!!  The run went here and there and all round, very interesting sights and even posh loos! 

I was waiting for Gary to overtake me – we had worked it out that it should be around 4.5 to 5 miles but I had run the first lap 6miles when I saw him coming through the park – he was on a mission and looked amazing, fresh and raring to go.  He caught me up, had a quick chat and off he went – made running look so easy.  I was determined that he wouldn’t lap me and he shouted encouragement at me every time we passed.

The last lap came round and I was determined to finish in style – it became quite emotional as I got nearer and the crowds were truly fantastic.  Into the last loop and the finishing funnel where I could see Gary waiting at the end.  A little hop on the finish line and sub 13 hours! Yes result!!

 

Angie Kay