St Croix Ironman70.3

Ironman 70.3 St Croix is one of the races on the must do list. The history behind the race is amazing and the who's who of the Triathlon world have all been there to race and try and 'tame' the 'Beast'. The Beast, although getting up to 18-20% grade, is not the only tough section of the course, with relentless hills on both the cycle and run all rounded off with hot humid conditions. I must say the swim is something to remember, starting out on a white sand island in crystal clear blue warm water is something you do not get at every race that is for sure.

Due to commitments back in Australia I was not able to make the long trip to San Diego where we are for the summer, and then onto St Croix in the Virgin Islands till the Thursday before the event. I was unsure how the body was going to react to the first race of the season on top of all the travel and time changes, however things felt good during light training sessions and Matt Dixon at Purplepatch made sure everything was in check and I would not over do it pre race. Our wonderful homestay, Larry and Louise also ensured that we had everything we needed, in fact we were truly spoilt.

Race day forecast was for headwinds of 20miles/hr but relatively nice overcast conditions. I was expecting the swim to be one bunch exit the water together but after rounding the turn buoy I found myself out in front with a small gap. With strong currents I just concentrated on not over spending the 'gas' early, staying steady back to shore reaching dry land with around a 30 second lead over the bunch.

The 56 miles cycle is an 'island' affair, rough narrow roads which makes even more for the experience. During the first 10mile loop around town I kept the pace high as I knew the lads would be onto bridging the gap. Once back through town and negotiated the cobbled section it was onto a steady rhythm, well as much as you could with the relentless hills.

About 22miles in you take a sharp left turn and your jaw hits the road as you look up the famous 'Beast" this is not some short 18% berg, this things seems to just keep going around every corner. After not cooking it up the Beast and on the fast descent it was now time to negotiate the head winds around the backside of the island and back to town.

Dismounting the bike and slipping out of T2 onto what is an equally challenging run I was surprised to see the lads only 1.30/40 down, bugger. This run can bite you in the butt so the plan was to stay strong and steady keeping my head. Kriat and Cunningham took the first lap out hard and by the half way mark Kriat had all but eliminated the gap while I still had around 1min over Cunningham and the Italian Degasperi with Evo moving through fast.

With Kriat on my shoulder the 2nd lap was a tough one, as once Kriat did not 'blow' straight by I figured he had used some energy to bridge the gap. The last lap was filled with surge after surge, by the both of us trying to gain some advantage. With 2miles to go Kriat got the every small 4 second gap over the top of a hill and rolled down the other side from then on it was a race home - All I wanted to do was grap him by the scruff of the neck and bring him back however I just could not reach!

Congratulations to Maxim Kriat on the win crossing the line 16 seconds ahead of me. The final podium position was filled by Cunningham holding off Evo by 1second and Degasperi in 5th.

Cat Morrison did a fantastic job of making it 3 wins for her on the Island in what was a fantastic female field. I am sure she will be back to defend next year.

Men
1. Maxim Kriat (UKR): 4:11:43
2. Luke Bell (AUS): 4:11:59
3. Richie Cunningham (AUS): 4:15:50
4. Patrick Evoe (USA): 4:15:51
5. Alessandro Degasperi (ITA): 4:16:24

After a long travel home again it is back to life in San Diego.
Take care
Luke

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Next blog/ Event Ironman Texas.
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