The Goldfields Classic (Kalgoorlie Olympic Distance) is what
Triathlon is about! Geoff from the Kalgoorlie Triathlon Club invited the
Fremantle Triathlon Club to the race and a few of us took the opportunity to
venture to the Gold Fields!
Yes it is a LONG drive (approximately 600km), but I can tell
you it was well worth the trip… I will be back there next year!
To start the weekend off we (Lisa, Mark, Kate, Guy, Ruth and
I – the FTC contingent) joined the Kalgoorlie Tri Club’s Saturday ride for an
easy 45km, followed by coffee and breakfast. Nice start to the weekend! Lisa
and I went to have a look at the ‘Super Pit’ and I was seriously impressed. An
afternoon swim was on the cards and some transition practise headed by Kate and
Guy. The evening was spent at the carbo dinner hosted by the Kalgoorlie and
this alone was worth the 600km drive!
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| Kalgoorlie Tri Club ride |
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| The Kalgoorlie 'Super Pit' |
Race Day
A lot of people asked where the swim was… the pool! 30 lap
time trial. Mark, Kate and I worked out a plan of working together on the swim,
200m each on the front. The first 400m were great, and then I dropped off the
pace shortly followed by Mark… I was happy to finally see the signal that I had
completed 1,400m and was on my last lap! I jumped out the pool a little back
from Mark and made my way to transition.
Out onto the bike Mark had about 100 metres on me, which
took me 5 of the 9 laps to catch up! My legs took a while to get going on the
bike, but after about 20km I found some good power and felt strong. I finally
caught up to Mark and Kate and we rode the last 4 laps together (I’m getting
used to riding with Kate; we spent most of the ATTA 80km TT together).
Mark and I entered T2 together and ran out side by side,
before he ran away! I ran at a steady pace and felt great for the first 5km.
The second half wasn’t very pretty… I had a blister on my heel (this is a
first) which was pretty painful! I crossed the line in 4th place, in
2.07.xx
Overall thoughts on my race – a had a lot of fun which was a
big positive for me (I have been struggling a bit over the past few months with
motivation in my training and racing, but this event has really helped me remember
why I do the sport!). Swim; average… Lots of work to do, but I am happy with
the direction I am progressing. Bike; reasonable… lacking power, but again
definitely heading in the right direction. Finally the run; not so impressive…
I put that down to lack of running in my legs!
Overall thoughts on the event – I cannot fault this race.
Yes it is a long drive to Kal, but the atmosphere at the event is amazing.
There are not too many races that cost $40 that provide a carbo dinner and
lunch after the event! I would highly recommend adding this to your race
calendar!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff and Pam
for letting Lisa and I stay with you!
Cheers,
Andy
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| The FTC crew |
