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Report by Cathy Atkinson
For anyone thinking about an Ironman distance race next year but
concerned about having to commit 12 months in advance, Almere is the
answer. The race has a history almost as long as Hawaii and next year
will celebrate its 25th anniversary. This year it additionally hosted
the ETU long course elite and age group championships.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to dismantle your bike and put
it on a plane. Dave Ratcliffe, Jan and I headed off in Dave’s Land
rover, loaded up with bikes and race gear and arrived the following
morning at the race venue (via the Hull-Rotterdam ferry) just in time
for registration.
We headed back to our swanky hotel, a snip at 75 euros a night for a
double room (or if you’ve got the blagging skills of Dave, a suite) to
get all the gear organised for the early start the following morning.
After heavy rain on Friday, we were rather heartened to get up to see
the sun shining and very little rain. Jan was off first, racing for GB
in the Long Distance event. This left Dave and I half an hour to
slither into our wetsuits and get increasingly panicky.
Finally it was time – the blue green algae in the water had certainly
made the water distinctly unappealing, but the first half hour,
swimming on such a beautiful sunny morning was a pleasure.
Unfortunately, on the way back my new goggles (seemed OK when I tried
them for 5 minutes the day before!) started to fill with water and with
smaller numbers than IM, navigation became distinctly difficult.
Still, safely out of the swim and on to 3 laps of a pan flat bike
course. Wind here was the definite foe (as was not falling asleep on
tri bars on long straight stretches) and although the conditions were
nearly ideal, at times it still felt tough. Finally though, back to
transition and off on the run course. After a few minutes I met Jan
coming in on her final lap. Unfortunately as she went to pick up her GB
flag on approaching the finish rostrum, one of her rivals to cheekily
nipped past her for third place– oops!
Back out on the run course, I found myself having a rather unique run
experience –passing other competitors. I spent most of the last two
laps waiting for the proverbial wheels to come off, but with cheers and
banter from the friendly crowd spurring me on I managed to hold my lap
times. I crossed the line only to be hugged by about 100 Dutch people
who seemed even more delighted about it all than me.
Rumours were abounding that Dave was having a difficult time out on the
run course, but he had other ideas and having set his mind on a sub
12hr finish, he managed to rattle off the last 10k in 53 minutes!
Unfortunately, the curse of the flag was to strike again and as Jan
handed him the Union Jack, Dave took a tumble in the finish chute. The
crowd were silent in anticipation of a textbook Ironman crawl across
the line, but no, Dave was up on his feet again to stand proud in his
silver blanket and medal.
So there it was. As we headed off into a stunning sunset, we all
reflected on a fabulous day of racing. A huge thanks to Perry, Steve,
Mark, Carine and my parents who shouted, reassured and fuelled us for
12+ hours and helped to make it an immensely enjoyable event.
Long Course ETU Championships Age Group 40-44: 4k – 120k – 30k
Name: Jan Rogers
Position: 4
Swim: 1:07:21
T1+Bike: 3:58:34
T2: 5:25
Run: 3:01:20
Total: 8:12:39
Long Distance: 3.8k – 180k – 42.2k
Name: Cathy Atkinson
Position: 132 (8th woman)
Swim: 1:11:51
T1+Bike: 5:50:04
T2: 9:43
Run: 4:05:46
Total: 11:17:22
Long Distance: 3.8k – 180k – 42.2k
Name: Dave Ratcliffe
Position: 179
Swim: 1:10:07
T1+Bike: 6:03:29
T2: 5:31
Run: 4:34:34
Total: 11:53:39
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