Whangamata Race Report

Whangamata race 3/1/2012

This was the 2^nd race of the Contact Tri Series and a chance for me to test my legs after a solid block of training over the xmas period. Having missed the first race in Rotorua due to an exam I was determined to do well after some solid performances in China, and Auckland.

As everyone would know the weather over the New Year was terrible. This spoiled many people’s training and celebrations, however I was glad because this meant that I could take it easy and chill in Taupo with Sarah building up to this race. I braved the wind and rain when people were tucked up inside and I think this was key to doing well in this race because come race day the weather was again terrible. Wind and rain coupled together to make the event a true test of both physical and mental toughness.... but I was ready.

The swim was luckily uneventful for me, I managed to navigate well enough over waves and come out around 6^th place. Having not done too much surf swimming I was pleased that this was sufficient to keep me in touch with the leaders who were about a minute or two ahead.

Onto the bike I attacked from the get go. I wanted to chase down the leaders so rode with aggression, with the knowledge that most would easy up due to the poor conditions. This worked well and I came off the bike in 2^nd place only behind Stephen Sheldrake whom must have had the same idea as me and smoked the bike in under an hour!!

Now the run was going to be a challenge not only because of the weather but the course we covered ran over the beach for half of each lap (of 3). I went out hard again trying to consistently lower the gap between me and the leader. After 2 laps I still had to gain 40 seconds of the initial 1.50 lead. I kept on pushing myself to keep up the pace. I eventually caught my mate Will O’Connor who spurred me on. I could just make out Sheldrake with about one kilometre to go. I put the throttle down again, I was catching him with every stride but I knew it would be so close with less than 200metres he still had about 50m on me. I sprinted with all my effort for that last stretch. It came down to 10metres from the line when for the first time in the race I was leading!!!!

I won by metres, this was the best finish I had ever had and what a day to have it. My first win of the contact series, what a way to start 2012.

Thanks to my girlfriend Sarah Good who braved the weather and supported me all week. Thanks for my primary sponsor for this race Aaron Smylie from Greytown Plumbing. Thanks CrankIt Cycles and Specialized for keeping me riding strong. Thanks R-Line for keeping me hydrated. Thanks Blue Seventy for providing the wettie to keep me afloat and tackling the waves.

Cheers

Hamish

Check out the video on demand for coverage of the event. At about 13.20 you'll see the sprint finish

http://tvnz.co.nz/contact-tri-tv/s2011-ep2-video-4697732

Auckland World Champs Qualifying

This was the first event of the new season for me so I was approaching it as sort of a tester to see where I was at. My preparation for the race had been pretty good besides from a few issues with shin splints, but I was confident that I could have a good race on the day.

The day started well with excellent weather for racing, only a slight breeze in the air meant that the cycle would be a quick one.

The 20-24 age group which included fellow Tribros Will and Kieran started at 7.25am after the first few waves. At the hooter I quickly found the front few swimmers and settled in behind them for the first 700m. When we turned I managed to lose sight of the front group and ended up swimming a tad further than planned, no thanks to the current which managed to push me further off course.

I came out of the water in 4^th place about a minute down on the front few competitors. Now equipt with my new Specialized Transition Pro and Specialized Aero Helmet I knew I could catch them. The ride was challenging with a few hills but this was little to worry about with the speed of the new bike. The only issue on the ride was having to contend with other age group competitors on the course. I had an awesome ride and made up two places to sit in second off the bike only a mere 150m behind the leader.

Now onto the business end of the race the run, my legs felt good and pain free so there was no excuses now. I was gaining ground on the leader with every k and eventually overtook him with about 4k to go. I just had to make sure I held the pace for the last few k’s for the win. In the last k my legs really started to cramp up but I had enough of a gap to take the win. I finished in 2hours flat. A very solid first hit out and good indication of what should be expected in the coming races.

Thanks to my mum and sister for making the trip up to support me. Thanks to Crankit Cycles and Specialized for kitting me out with the new ride. Thanks also to Blue Seventy and R-Line which provided me with the best race products for peak performance.

Bring on the next race in Whangamata!!!

Cheers Hamish  

First Post

I have decided to create my own blogspot to supplement the current teamtribros one that I have with my mate and training partner Will O'Connor.
Having just got back from a very successful Chinese trip which I brought back two gold medals and world titles I am now back to the books. I am also busy trying to secure some new sponsors to help me make further progress as an elite level athlete.
My next race is in Auckland November 19. After two weeks off I will be back into training ready to go for this.

Cheers
Hamish