Rory is a member of Medway Tri in Kent and here he talks about his experience representing Great Britain at the ETU Duathlon Championships in Soria, Spain.
"Lining up on the start line and the weather looked overcast with the promise of rain and high winds. Hearing from the Sprint athletes set of earlier in the day we were hearing reports of a headwind out to the turn, which would make the several hills more challenging.
Being in the first wave we were on the line with plenty of time to spare and the music blaring, with the tension rising. On the gun the frantic struggle to get out of the pack into the lead began. I was nearly taken down as the Spaniard in front stumbled but got away unscathed. Managing to make the front group of runners we headed into the park for the first of four laps. Each lap encompassed a serpentine up and down the park before heading back around the grandstand. With so many changes in direction it was tough to keep a consistent pace and the constant accelerating started to hammer the legs.
Out onto the bike and all the worries of a strong wind were true. Struggling to make good progress out to the turn and then bombing back, topping out at 50mph. Going out onto the second lap and overtaking the people just starting out on their first lap, passing on warnings that the wind picks up a you leave the shelter of the town. By the third lap on the bike the wind had picked up and it was taking a lot of effort to keep a straight line and not let the front wheel get lifted off the road.
Going out onto the second run, I really felt the effort on the bike start to pay. Following the same route as the first run the gentle gradients seemed like massive hills. After the first half lap I started to get into the rhythm again, with all the ups and backs it was easy to see where the competition was, knowing I was not going to catch the man in front and not be caught I gave a few seconds away encouraging one of the other GB athletes, suffering front cramp, to start running again.
Coming round the final bend onto the blue carpet and seeing the finish line spurred me on for a solo sprint across the line. Happy to be finished and get out of the wind, and all in good time as 10 minutes later the rain really started to hammer it down. Overall coming 7th in my age (25-29) and 2nd Brit I was very happy with that and it means that I have prequalified for next year’s Euros."
Congratulations Rory and to all of the South East members that took part. If you want to know more about competing for Great Britain check out the Age Group section here.
Find out more about the benefits of Britiah Triathlon membership here
