LUKE BELL

2012 off and rolling.

2012-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

With the new year brings new plans. Over the next few weeks things will be finalized for the 2012 racing season and travel plans. One thing is for sure that it is nice to be at home sweet home in Melbourne Australia and feeling the ever growing excitement that is filling the streets with the inaugural Ironman Melbourne to kick off in March.

As one of WTC marque events it is sure to bring a 'cracker' of an international field to the city to truly make it a world class event. Melbourne is renowned for being a 'major sporting city' with the Australian Open of Tennis, Grand Prix Motorcar racing, World Track cycling championships to name a few events that are on in during 2012.

Training has been ticking along nicely, it brings a smile to the face and a bounce in your step to get back with the family, friends and familiar routes. It is always nice to be home...........

With a fantastic 2011 in the rear mirrors, things are all go for an even greater, more fun filled and exciting 2012.

Home sweet home.

2011-11-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

I must say it is always nice to be home. The past few weeks have been just hanging out and catching up with family and friends that we have not seen in over 6 months. While home, and being in Melbourne it is quite exciting to see the buzz around Ironman Melbourne next March.

Looking towards the end of the year or remainder of 2011 I am happy to be heading over to Ironman Western Australia in the lovely town of Busselton....... no not to race but lend my hand or voice over the microphone commentating and popping up on IronmanLive.

I hope everyone is enjoying this part of the season and also looking forward to the fun times ahead... that being Christmas - which is family, friends, eating, drinking and presents.... and training to make sure all of the above does not get the best of us come new years!

take care and happy trails,
Luke

What next in 2011

2011-11-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of down time and a good friends wedding up at the breath taking Byron Bay, it is nice to get the body back into the swing of things and normal routine. That being said I have decided to conclude the 2011 season with one last race.

With Hawaii ending on 2 flat tires and a stained calf, it was not the positive note I wanted to end the year on so I am off to Port Macquarie 70.3 this weekend. This allows me to race at home, gain some KPR points (P750 event) for 2012 and finish the year on a positive.

Looking forward to the end of the year I am also excited to be helping on the commentary side of things at Ironman Western Australia in December. Along with that it also allows me to slip into a bit of Ironmanlive and assisting athlete's on Tritravel getting to know the the amazing course over there in Busselton.

In all the reminding few months of 2011 are quite busy and exciting to round out a fun filled year and provide drive to improve and raise the bar again in 2012.

Luke

Hawaii Ironman 2011

2011-11-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

> > Well I must say Hawaii is not a bad place to be if things do not go
> > your way. You get to wake up and look out and realise that this is
> > one amazing place and the excitement and enthusiasm around the town
> > picks you up.
> >
> > The Hawaii Ironman this year dealt not only myself but quite a few
> > other athletes some flat tires out there with debris out there on
> > the road. After obtaining my 2nd flat tire on the return trip from
> > Hawi in a matter of 10-15 miles and straining my calf riding on the
> > second flat, things were all but completed for me on what was an
> > amazing day for racing with super fast times and athlete's pushing
> > themselves to the limit.
> >
> > The day for myself started out exceptionally well, lining up next to
> > Henning and not getting one single bump or tap in the first few
> > hundred yards of the swim (first time ever not getting a "left hook"
> > or "dunked"!) Settling into the first half dozen for the entire swim
> > leg. Transition 1 is always a bit of hustle and bustle and once out
> > onto the bike leg it was Luke McKenzie and myself leading the chase
> > bunch through the first few miles. The "pack" soon followed and the
> > town portion of the cycle leg is more about staying out of trouble
> > than anything else and once out onto the "Queen K" it was time to
> > let loose.
> >
> > With fantastic conditions for racing and light winds the group
> > rolled along at a swift pace and I think we all knew the times were
> > going to be fast (Lieto just mising the bike course record by
> > seconds). I had in the back of my mind that the down hill section
> > from Hawi and the return leg on the "Queen K" was were it was all
> > gong to happen and it did. However on the descent from Hawi I
> > watched the guys slip away into the distance and by the time I
> > realised that I was riding on a leaking tire and not just feeling
> > crap it was too late. With a pretty quick rear wheel change from
> > Tech support I was back on the way only down a few minutes at this
> > stage, but that did not last long as about another 10-15 miles down
> > the road the front soon followed the rear tire and leaked flat.
> > Pushing a tad too hard on the leaking front tire to make it to the
> > next aid station, I strained my calf again (same spot as beginning
> > of year) and this disappointingly put an end to my day.
> >
> > Having to hitch a ride back to town, it was truly amazing to see the
> > fast times unfold on both male and female sides. With Craig showing
> > true class and proving to the "doubter" that he CAN ride and back it
> > up with the stellar run to cement a new course record and Chrissy
> > battling all the way to the finish with Rinny chasing her down. The
> > Australians faired very will also with Pete Jacobs showing is run
> > form from last year was not fluke and taking the fastest run again
> > and pulling himself into 2nd position and Luke Mckenzie cracking the
> > top ten. People used to say it was tough to be the first German here
> > in Kona, now it is tough to be the first Australian!
> >
> > From here it is back to San Diego for the week to pack up before
> > heading home to Australia to see the family, friends and to rest and
> > recover from a fantastic long season. Lets hope things have not
> > changed to much back home after 6 months away!
> >
> > I look forward to catching you all very soon.
> > Best
> > Luke Bell

Kona Hawaii 2011

2011-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

The fun times have started and we have been lucky enough to be staying at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows relaxing and just plane old hanging out on the 'Big Island'

With the Ironman the madness rolls into town not far behind, and with the week getting started there has already been fun shoots and catching up with everyone.

Photo's to come.

Aloha
Luke

2011 Ironman 70.3 World Championships - Las Vegas

2011-09-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

With the Ironman 70.3 World Championships raced and won in the ever buzzing Las Vegas, I must say that the Vegas course was a true test. Craig Alexander was the strongest athlete on the day showing his true class and ability over what was a challenging course with about 4000 ft climbing on the bike and the run continuing with the same theme of hills up and down.

The day was perfect for racing and I am sure that we will see temperatures in future events that will test athlete's to the extreme however for us things could not have been better. The swim was in the pond like Lake Las Vegas with water temps around the 81 degree mark. With a large group of athlete's ready to race it was no surprise that there was Potts off the front and the rest of us circling the course in close contention, filing out of the water one after the other.

The bike was where it was all expected to happen and it did not let us down. With the likes of in form Paul Mathews pushing the pace from the get go over the first few miles with a climb straight out of T1 things started to spread out fast and 2 main groups were developed. Craig came by myself and yelled out to go and get up to the front select few. I did everything possible to follow his lead however the legs did not want to follow suit. It was from the first few miles that I knew I was about 95% there (which is never good at a world champs where you need to be 100%). The gap to the front few was only a few hundred yards however it took myself a good 20-30 minutes to bridge the gap, and from that point on I would love to say I sat at the back of the group to relax and settle into the pace however the elastic band was on full stretch and I was hanging on for dear life. I took some positive from watching a few of the guys drift off over the relentless rolling hills while I looked at my hub and bit my handle bars trying to extract every ounce of energy to stay in contact with the front of the race.

Rolling into T2 and getting the runners on it was time to make sure I gave 100% of my 95% and focus on one lap at a time. With a slight down hill to begin with it allowed you to try and find your legs with out having to exert to much energy however once you make the turn it is time to go UP! about 2.5 miles of it, gradual up. Chris Lieto pushed the pace in the later half of the cycle and held a nice buffer into the run however, Alexander was on and quickly separated himself from the rest and set about his business of reeling in the margin to the front running Lieto. Alexander crossed the line to take his 2nd Ironman 70.3 World title and showed his class, strength and ability over the distance. Trying to stay focused and pushing myself hard throughout the entire run it was nice to cross the finish line in 9th position on what was not an "ok" day. Although not pretty and not the result I was after it was a positive to be able to push all the way to the finish, grit and bare it and walk away with a top 10 at the 70.3 World Championships.

The past week has been all about recovery and now thinking about the Ironman World Championships in Kona. From Vegas to Hawaii, things are not a bad!

See you all soon,

Afterburn.tv

2011-08-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Part 1 -
http://www.afterburn.tv/index.php

Part 2 -
http://www.afterburn.tv/archive/0020-2.php

Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens

2011-08-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Lake Stevens Seattle WA has been one of my favorite races around the world for many years now and for good reason. The area around Seattle is magnificent with many sights and things to do. And hey the people that always say it rains in Seattle, I have now raced the event 4 times and are yet to get a drop on water on my nose.

The course itself, what do you say the swim is in Lake Stevens with water temps always perfect. A lane line that strings the buoys together is an added bonus so sighting is not a problem. Once onto dry land the bike segment is rolling hills through the lush green trees and is defiantly an honest bike course. The run is a 2 loop that rolls runs out and back alongside the lake putting you in close contact with family and friends supporting.

Race day the cannon fired at 6.30am sharp, and with a group of eager athletes ready to get things done, it was on from the start. New Zealander Graham O’Grady was quick to move to the front of the pack and push the pace along the lane line, with a small group of us slipping away through the halfway point. Towards the end of the swim O’Grady and Anderson would fight it out for the 1st out of the water prime, with O’Grady stepping onto dry land first.

Through transition 1 and it was Paul Ambrose (2nd in 2010)who pounced, accelerating to the front quickly. Knowing he also won Spirit of Racine 70.3 earlier in the year with a strong bike, I was quick to tack on. With the bike course being so undulating and at sometimes technical, it is the perfect course to push a little and be ‘out of sight out of mind’, and with that we were away. Being content to let Ambrose set the tempo I concentrated on keeping things steady, getting in enough calories and preparing for the 13 mile run.

Returning to transition, Ambrose was in, out and bolting the first mile. Taking the time to control the first mile it was now about reeling in the 10-15 second margin Ambrose gained out of T2. Through miles 2 and 3 I was able to put in and little surge up the false flat, gain some time and then roll the downhill back to town then put keep it going on lake side section. Once through the turn, you are able to see your competitors, how they look and where they are at. With a margin of around 1.30 minutes at mile 5, it was nice to be able to control the remainder of the run.

Crossing the line for the win in downtown Lake Stevens (now 3x1st and a 3rd in 4 races at Lake Stevens) as I mentioned is always special. Situated right on the lake, you can actually cross the line, roll down the hill and fall into the lake. What better way to recover!

To the race crew and sponsors of the Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens event, a big congratulations must go out to them on all the hard they put in. I know it is very much appreciated by EVERY athlete out there.

Best
Luke Bell

(next up Ironman 70.3 World Championships Las Vegas)

Ironman Kansas 70.3

2011-06-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Kansas is always an amazing place and one that always seems to surprise you with its beauty. If you ever get the chance Kansas City is well worth the trip and actually a fantastic place to train.

The Ironman Kansas 70.3 is just outside of Lawrence and with fond memories of my victory 2 years ago I was busting at the chops to finish off what has been a very busy, to say the least 6 weeks of racing. Kansas 70.3 was going to mark the end of a busy racing block: 3x70.3 events and 1x Ironman in 6 weeks.

This is a race that always draws a strong field and with everyone vying for World Championship points this year was no different. Knowing the legs were not going to have their normal ‘spark’ I knew I would have to rely on strength and the tactic of trying to sneak away early and keep a strong tempo.

With the lingering chances of thunderstorms and lightning off in the distance the race was started and all fingers were crossed for good conditions. The start is always a mad dash of flailing arms and legs for the first 500 before everyone settles into their position. Trying to save as much energy as possible by tucking in on the back of the lead bunch we made our way around course in surprisingly choppy conditions.

Entering T1 it was a matter of trying to make quick work of changing out of swim gear and scampering out on the bike and nudging the pace for the first 6miles/10Km to dispatch a few guys and establish an early lead. The theory was the fewer the guys the better as the tank was near empty!

As expected Paul Mathews had a similar plan and we were able to build a small gap over the remainder of the field. The bike course in Kansas is not what you would expect, with rolling hills through countryside and although it was quite breathtaking and so was the ugly wind at times!

Returning to T2 I had a feeling that Mathews was going to test me and as expect headed out like a scolded cat pushing 5.10-15mile pace. Pushing my limit as far as I could things were more feeling like and Ironman than a 70.3. The legs would just not go any faster.

Mathews ended up having a fantastic race and showed that he is on form with a blistering fastest run of the day and crossing the line for the victory. Kahn ended up making up the 1minute deficit off the bike to take 2nd while I crossed in 3rd just under 30 seconds after Kahn. Guillaume of France and McDaniel, USA rounded out the top 5.

With 4 races in 6 weeks it is time to give the body and mind a break and head off camping for a few days to see the sights, and the largest tree in the world “The General Sherman” in Sequoia National Park.

Ironman Kansas 70.3 - Men’s professional results

1 Matthews, Paul 3:49:44
2 Kahn, David 3:55:46
3 Bell, Luke 3:56:13
4 Guillaume, Romain 3:59:17
5 McDaniel, Joe 4:00:53

Take care
Luke

Hawaii 70.3 (Photo’s courtesy of – Steve Lingard)

2011-06-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ironman Honu Hawaii 70.3 - The Big Island 'half' Bash

2011-06-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ironman Hawaii 70.3, how could you pass up the opportunity to spend some time on the ‘Big Island’ and to make it more appealing hanging out, train and use the exceptional facilities (25m swimming pool, run tracks and gym) at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The thought of Ironman Texas 2 weeks prior did not even enter my mind, the flights were booked and we were off.

The Hawaii 70.3 is one of my favorite events. Not only does it take in some of the famous Ironman course up to Hawi and back, battling the trade winds on the return but you also get to splash around a swim course at Hapuna beach and run on some of the plushest golf courses in the Waikoloa area.

Race day was another magic day in Hawaii and with a mass start it was the renowned Hawaii local super fish John Flanagan making quick work of putting us all in his rearview mirror before the first swim can. Trying hard to limit the loss I put the head down and pushed on knowing that Tim Marr was close behind with the constant tapping of the toes. I was also very conscious of the Lieto brothers Chris and Matt lurking behind and waiting to pounce once on 2 wheels.

Out of the water Flanagan had a margin of around 90 seconds on myself and Marr while we had a little buffer of 1 minute over the ‘Lieto’s’. With a quick trip down the road to Waikoloa before returning and heading towards Hawi both Marr and myself rounded up Flanagan (who also raced Texas IM 2 weeks earlier) and set off towards the turn. By the time the ascent came towards Hawi I glanced over the shoulder to my surprise Marr had vanished, and now I knew in the back of my mind was waiting for Uber cyclist Chris Lieto to bridge the 1 minute swim gap.

As we rounded the U turn at Hawi, Chris did a quick ‘hi bye’ and took off down the road. On the descent I noticed Matt Lieto still sitting around a minute back also and looking strong. My goal heading into the race was a solid strong day unsure of fatigue levels post Ironman Texas. I tried not to think about Chris up the road and maintained a steady pace. I figured I would see what the damage was at T2.

Rolling into transition, donning the runners and heading out on the VERY hot humid ‘golf’ run course. I was surprised to hear Chris’s lead was only 2 minutes (the body was apparently not feeling to bad!). Matt was also hovering around 1 minute back. The first 5-6 miles time gap was not shrinking fast at all with Chris running well. I figured if I could not catch him then I was going to make him run hard to the tape – if I was going to hurt he was going to hurt also!!

At around 8-9 miles Lieto’s lead had shrunk to just over 30 seconds and the plan was to make sure I was on his shoulder by the bottom of the ‘mini Energy Lab’ so that I would have the 1-1.5mile uphill drag to build a gap heading into the finish. At mile 10 at the bottom things were going to plan and it was head up and grind up the hill. Once at the top and knowing I had a buffer on Lieto it was nice to run the last 2 miles not on the ‘rev limiter’ and cross the line for the win.

The race was a total surprise. On what was a hot challenging day that Hawaii always seems to dish out, it is always fantastic to see the joy of everyone who finishes the race. Racing in Hawaii is always very special, that is why each year we all get drawn back to the Island.

With a few easy days, next stop was Ironman Kansas 70.3, the very next weekend, the last race in what has been a hard 6 weeks of events.

Mahalo,
Luke

(Next post - Ironman Kansas 70.3)

Ironman Texas - USA Championships

2011-05-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

As a brand new event on the global Ironman calendar there were many unknowns, but one thing for certain, it was going to be a fast hot humid race and with some of the largest Kona points and prize money available it was sure to deliver a stellar field.

The event itself was on the outer rim of Houston in the Woodlands surrounded by trees and once out on the course (as an Australian) you would not have believed you were in Texas.

Race start for the Professionals was at 6.50am with a 10min buffer from the mass start. With renowned swimmers in the field like John Flanagan the start was fast and furious. As we watched him disappear into the distance from the cannon, I settled myself into the lead main bunch which contained all the ‘big’ hitters for the race.
Exiting the water alongside Luke Mckenzie, with Eneko Llanos, Tim O’Donnell and Jan Raphael all contained within our little floating peloton, (with some time up our sleeves from the super cyclist Lieto and US Ironman champ Lovato ) the race was on. I do however remember and hearing the thud of McKenzie biting the dust around a sharp corner on exiting the water, ouch! Rushing through T1 and onto the bike the long day in the heat was on, and at a frantic pace.

The bike itself was a mainly flat affair through the country side of the Woodlands and while the cloud cover remained for the early hours of the morning it was time to make sure that the nutrition was being deposited so that when the heat and humidity arrived later the stores were full. Around 1 hour into the cycle the freight train of Lieto came storming upon us, and after gathering himself for a few miles was off on the attach again building time into T2.

For the remainder of the ride the ‘group’ remained and everyone was watching so see how the other athlete’s were feeling. Once through 100miles I gave a little nudge to test the waters and see who would follow, Llanos was the first to respond and follow.

Entering T2 and donning the runners it was time to let the ‘Fastwitch’ do their work. Llanos quickly joined me out of the change tent with Raphael and O’Donnell only around 30sec back. The plan was to run an even steady race however with Llanos pushing 6min miles and at some stages sub 6 that went out the window. This was where the race was at. For the first half of the marathon we maintained a fast clip and held O’Donnell at around a 30 second buffer however through 16 miles and into a slight head breeze Llanos gave a little push and slowly built a buffer. O’Donnell made his final push for the win and came by me and made an attempt to grab the lead, however Eneko Llanos held strong and came home with the win in 8hrs 8minutes. O’Donnell a World Long Course Champion came home in 2nd followed by myself in 3rd with Jan Raphael and Jozsef Major rounding out the top 5 in what was a truly international field.

Congratulations to all athletes and Ironman for making the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas such a successful event for its debut year in 2011. Things can only get BIGGER AND BETTER IN TEXAS!

Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas
May 21, 2011 – The Woodlands, Texas
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run

Men
1. Eneko Llanos (ESP) 8:08:20
2. Timothy O’Donnell (USA) 8:09:50
3. Luke Bell (AUS) 8:12:22
4. Jan Raphael (GER) 8:20:41
5. Jozsef Major (HUN) 8:24:17

Women
1. Catriona Morrison (GBR) 8:57:51
2. Kelly Williamson (USA) 9:07:54
3. Sofie Goos (BEL) 9:12:53
4. Tyler Stewart (USA) 9:13:13
5. Tine Deckers (BEL) 09:19:27

Luke Bell
www.luke-bell.com
twitter@auzzieluke

Next Blog - Honu Ironman 70.3

2011-05-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

St Croix Ironman70.3

2011-05-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

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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Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2011

2011-03-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The image that you naturally have in your mind about Abu Dhabi is hot, sandy and windy along with some extravagant buildings and surroundings worth seeing. It is a very interesting place and it did not disappoint.

With the large prize purse and being renowned for taking 5 star care of all involved it was always going to draw a talented tough field. It would be easy to drop a few names however in such a race it is much easier to mention who was not on the start list and the only major name absent was Raleart. The rest of the 'guns' that toe the line in Hawaii for the World Championships put their hands up to battle it out in this amazing early season race.

As quick as the sun rises the gun was sounded and the field was off in the 3km 2 lap swim, with the athlete's exiting the water for a quick 100m beach run mid way through. To the surprise of many a small group of us separated ourselves from the rest of the field with in the first lap and extended the lead through lap 2.

It was not until T1 that we were really able to see who was here and who was absent, knowing the dangers would come later in the day from the Commerzbank Team members and uber bikers Bracht and Vanhoenacker. The major names absent from the lead pack was Llanos and Hawaii Ironman Champion McCormack.

The bike course allowed all athlete's race around the Yas Grand Prix circuit at the turning point on both laps 1 and 2. It was not until exiting the Grand Prix circuit on the second lap (apx 120-30km) that both Bracht and Vanhoenacker started to flex their muscles. The flexing splinted the group and guys were being discarded one after the other in the blustery hot sandy conditions making for some hard solo mind testing moments. This was a day to stay focused on yourself and what needs to be done and that was pacing and nutrition.

Towards the end of the cycle leg it was Freddy Van Lierde that started to show his form which allowed him to dismount in the 2010 event in 1st position. At T2 one thing was for sure the 20k 2 lap run was going to be a fast survival and Van Lierde was looking the goods. Slipping into the Saucony's the legs came around quite fast and it was time to settle into that uncomfortable rhythm. Linking up with Tissink we were able to push the pace early with Vanhoenacker staying close behind and keeping us in check. Completing lap 1 of 2 the heat started to take its toll and the body temps were rising. The second lap was more about holding form and keeping tempo checking off the KM's in the tough conditions.

At the completion of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon for 2011 with the strongest field out side of Hawaii it was pleasing to cross the line in 7th position only 3.38 mimutes from 1st. It is amazing to think after such a long hard event that the top 10 were only separated by 7 minutes!! For myself after making a few changes in training midway-end to end of last season and aligning myself with a few new sponsors, it is nice to be back in the mix of things at the major events and knowing this was one of the strongest fields provides a lot of confidence and excitement.

The toughness of the conditions was highlighted by only 21 elite finishes and 19 DNF's.

Thanks for all the support, wishes and calls. It will be nice to mix it up again with Tissink and Vanhoenacker in a few weeks time at Ironman South Africa.

Results 2011 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
Abu Dhabi, UAE / March 12, 2011
3k swim / 200k bike / 20k run

Top 10 men

1. Frederik Van Lierde (BEL) 6:43:14
2. Marino Vanhoenacker (BEL) 6:43:31
3. Dirk Bockel (LUX) 6:43:42
4. Raynard Tissink (RSA) 6:43:47
5. Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) 6:45:49
6. Craig Alexander (AUS) 6:46:46
7. Luke Bell (AUS) 6:46:52
8. Faris Al Sultan (GER) 6:48:22
9. Timo Bracht (GER) 6:49:40
10. Andrew Starykowicz (USA) 6:50:22

Take care
Luke Bell.
www.luke-bell.com
twitter@ auzzieluke

*photo's- Amanda Balding & Jeff Bell

2011 Kick start - Australian Sprint Championships

2011-02-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

With a new year brings new challenges and opportunities and exciting times ahead. Life is to be lived and enjoyed to for 2011 both Lucy and myself are looking forward to another fantastic year full of fun adventures and catching up with all our friends and doing what we love to do....have fun.

2011 has also allowed me to change a few things up with the aim of this year is to jeopardise nothing and make sure everything 'we', I say we as this is far from an individual effort, is aimed at going FAST. Things have been sorted however once logo's etc have all been loaded up on the site I will fill in the minor details more.

As for racing, well I did get the chance to do a little Adventure weekend (Paddle, run and swim) down in Inerloch - Coastal Victoria, however things will kick off this weekend all be it at the Australian Sprint Distance Championships in Geelong Victoria. I will get the opportunity to be going head to head against Australian hopefuls for the London Olympics. For me no it is not the Olympics but being able to put yourself against the best and smack yourself up!

The weekend if a festival of activities run by USM events (also event organisers of the famous Noosa Triathlon and multisport festival) including events of swimming, cycling, running, Olympic distance triathlon and also the Australian Sprint Triathlon Championships.

If you get a chance head down and check it out, as I am sure it will be a great show.

Luke

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

2010-12-23T11:46:00.001-08:00

With things winding down for the remainder of the year it has been nice to spend some time at home and catch up with friends and family.

With the year over there was some amazing performances out there over all distances from Alistair Brownlee to Macca and Marinda in Kona.

For myself it was nice to cover all the steps on the podium over the season with 1,2,3rd in Ironman 70.3 events.

With a new year brings new challenges and with Matt Dixon at Purplepatch fitness we are looking into some exciting experiences for 2011.

I wish everyone the very best Christmas and a relaxing and enjoyable New Years and look forward to getting back into the swing of things in 2011.

Take care and be safe on the bike over chrissy.
Luke Bell