If anyone wants to plan a “bucket list” early season race then I can highly recommend Cannes.
There are 2 distances, I did the “medium” 1k swim, 40k ride and 8k run (half of the distance of the “long”
Swim – My first mass sea start and with about 650 athletes gong off I was feeling very apprehensive and decided to hold back and entered toward the back. Swimming with a friend we stuck together defending each other from the masses and picking our way through the field. I was extremely happy to see so many bikes as we came to T1.
Bike – About 3k of flat and then the climb out of Cannes. Roughly 850m of climbing over the next 40k followed. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, amazing roads, brilliantly marshalled and policed for a safe, fair race. I caught 2 girls and was passed by one in the first half. At 25k the rain started and it began to get a bit hairy on the descents. A couple of bikes in front of me wiped out on sharp bends, I decided to hold back a bit. The rain worked in my favour, I’m not he bravest descender but clearly not as cautious as some as I managed to pass a few men 😀
Run – In to T2 and my legs felt ok. 2 out and backs along the Croisette. I was not 100% sure of my position a few had passed me on the bike I couldn’t be sure if they were male or female… Spotting a girl ahead I chased her down. I felt comfortable and was just enjoying the moment. Pleased to be passing more than passed me, then in the last 1k I pushed a bit and caught the shoulder of a guy from Monaco Tri Club who looked over and encouragingly said “stick with me” it was great help and he paced me to the red carpet.
One final push for a sprint run down the carpet and to a great medal for the collection.
What can I say, what a venue, what a race….Can’t wait till next year.
1st Age Group \ 8th Female
I live in West Molesey with my wife Debbie, no kids but a very demanding cat. I’ve been racing triathlons since 2009; prior to that I rowed for Kingston RC, and Henley RC before that. After completing my second Etape du Tour in 2012 I decided I fancied a go at Ironman distance, and I now find myself training for my 3rd Ironman in Vichy in August having previously done IM Wales and Austria.
