Wow, what a ride!
First let me start by saying that short distance events are not my strength. The longer the race, the better I perform, but if I wanted to make the 2009 World's Team for the Long Distance Du, I had to qualify using a half-sized event.
The race takes place on Isle Notre-Dame in Monteal. The course was a 10k run, 40k ride followed by a 5k run. The course is smokin' fast! The run takes place around the 1967 Olympic Rowing basin, it's a 5km loop of a dead flat course. The ride consists of 9 laps around the F1 race course (circuit Gilles Villeneuve). Again, with the exception on about a 20m elevation gain/loss each lap, this was also dead flat.
Once the gun went off, the jack-rabbits disappeared around the basin, and I choose the snowball approach, that being start slow and build speeed as my body comes to life. Out on course, the sun beat down on the athletes, with temperatures closing in on 30`, up the south side of the basin, the wind was calm and at you back, but as you rounded the corner, the breeze picked up and was blowing staright into your face. Two laps down, second one faster than the first. Still feeling good - but very hot!
Out on the ride, the course was littered with the Iron distance athletes who started hours earlier, the sprint and olympic athletes and tons of people. First lap helped me get acquainted with the lines and the traffic, but it became very clear as I turned my nose to the wind that aero bars were a BIG advatage. I managed to muscle and spin my way through the remaining 8 laps, in less than record time, but nevertheless, I was closing in on the last run. The only question was - what was left in the legs? Still feeling good - but very hot! (still)
The last lap of the basin and with 50km in my legs, I am feeling better than ever. As the sun beat down, I was passing many of the people who set out on a tear in the first run. I spent about 1.5km following a group of guys including one in my age group, hiding from the wind, but feeling strong. With 500 m to go, I stepped out and headed for the finish. I crossed the line feeling strong (and HOT!).
At the end of the day, I paced myself to a qualifying spot 2009 World's.
Esprit is a FAST race and great course. Consider putting it in your race plan!
Cheers,
Scott
