Barcelona Ironman
5th October
2014

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Official Results

  2.4m Swim 112m Bike 26.2 Run Total
Ian Joyce 1.24.44 5.10.46 4.25.49 11.10.45
Gary Finch 1.46.04 5.32.25 4.00.38 11.29.28
Angela Kay 1.15.46 5.50.46 5.37.19 12.51.54
Juliet Smith 1.31.32 6.23.01 5.45.49 13.50.17


RACE REPORT ON IRONMAN BARCELONA

We flew to Barcelona and took a 1 hour coach transfer to Calella where the actual IronMan was being held.

We met up with Ian Joyce and Juliet Smith who had just returned from dinner out with Steve and Jutta Crane and their friend Tina.

On Friday morning we built the bikes and with Ian’s navigation went out on the bike course to see what it was like – 3 hills out of the town and then flat with several roundabouts. It is all along the coastal road with a good road surface.

We collected our numbers and bought a few last minute needed accessories, prepared our bags and then took the bikes into transition.  The swim start and finish were at one end of the beach and the bikes were further down on the swim exit.

The sun was shining and it was hot and this would be great racing conditions.  We had practised 2 sea swims, one in choppy water and one in calm water with clear blue sea, no weeds or anything to worry an apprehensive swimmer.

Lynne Greenard had flown out to cheer us on and had volunteered to help; she was in registration on the Saturday and race day – all over the place!!

Race day arrived – we went to put our food and drinks on our bikes and it started to rain and then the heavens opened, thunder claps and lightning strikes all around.  Rain was pouring through the streets and flooding everywhere! There was going to be no swimming with this going on but we went to the swim start where we heard that the race was going to be delayed to let the storm pass.

30 minutes delayed and then the pros started, Ian went next then us 2 girls and finally Gary in the last wave.

I must say an all girl start is much calmer and considerate but all too soon the faster men from the following waves were coming through.  We swam out to sea and then turned left and it was one long 2 mile ish swim – we had to contend with the waves and a very choppy swim – great for me!!

Out on the bike – the start going through the town was very wet and slow, putting safety first and being cautious.  Once out on the coastal road it was an amazing route – 2½ laps on fast roads with a few hills to take you out your aero position!  The sun came out and it was glorious.  When we came to the turnaround point there were lots of spectators and it was quite emotional so see them all there cheering and clapping.

Usually after 100 miles you want to get off your bike but not on this day – we all enjoyed it and wanted to do more but a marathon was waiting for us.

Into the transition tent running shoes and hat on it was time for 26.2 miles.  We had to run up to the finish end and this was the runs turn around point – 4 laps to do.  The run was flat on hard impacted sand and roads, it was supported along the promenade but after that you were on your own.  It only had 3 feed stations so that meant less recovery time (if you were walking them)!!  It was good to see the other Harriers on course and hear the cheers from Steve, Jutta, Tina and Lynne – such a boost and thank you for being there for us.

The finish line called Ian first, then Gary, myself followed by Juliet.

It is a great race, well organised and we are thinking of going back next year!!  Anyone else??

Angie Kay