7th in Las Vegas 70.3 World Championships

This race wasn't on my calendar early on in the year, and I didn't really intend to jump in 70.3 racing so fast. That all quickly changed when I won the Singapore 70.3 back in March, and my success there left me complusively wanting more 70.3 pie. There were a few things that drew me to compete: I hadn't contested a World Championship since the Gold Coast ITU World's in 2009, it's a notoriously hard & hot course, it was optimally placed one week after my season A-race in Hy-Vee, & I just love hurting in a sick kind of way. Someone once told me Ironman gets addictive, & I can believe them now.

The Course

Swim

The swim course was a little too easy.  Only two turning bouys means the swim will be bunched up for most of the 1,900m. If this was changed (which it really can't considering the shape of the lake), the swim would be a little more significant and spread out.

Bike

This is one of the best bike courses going around in Triathlon, though not looking like much on the map above. Entres of hills, scenery and pain is served constantly throughout the 90km, and there's never really any section to get comfortable. The road is also smooth and nice to ride on...bonus. My Garmin file is below, but still with no special power meter or anything really of interest other than speed, elevation & time etc.




Run

A glance at the profile above confirms that this course raises more than my girlfriends special banana bread. There's uphills, downhills, footpath switchbacks & u-turns. This makes for a long, slow, & painful grind to the finish line. A course that would either make or break ones result.


The Memory

I was super relaxed before the start of the race. There's something about lining up in transition with all the amateurs that comforts me and pipes down my nerves a little. I was also relaxed by the fact that with such a strong startlist tantamount with my inexperience in the format, I realistically couldn't expect much of myself. Irrespective, I still knew I could grab a red hot result.

I took to the lead early on in the swim, but was passed by Andy Potts after about 500-600m. I sat on his feet at a steady pace, but the whole time being well aware of his average sighting skills. Coming down to the last 300m, he made an error in one of his lines to a bouy, and I backed myself to swim straight and I edged him out of the lead pretty easily to lead out of the water.

The run to transition was long, and the run out was longer. But all fun nevertheless. I wipped off my skinsuit, put my socks and helmet on, was out the door hitting that first long hill VERY suddenly. It was a nice little challenge and warm up for the legs, and I positioned myself in the pack and got myself mentally ready to play the game. My plan was to just sit in for as long as possible & let the experienced guys take control. About 20km in, people started dropping & I think the first to go was Matt Reed. I knew I just had to stay out of trouble, and I made an effort to bridge a lot of gaps where I could see guys weakening. The last thing I wanted was to be left behind because of some dope not paying attention.

I think about 60-70km is where the action started happening and where athletes were dropping wheels. Just beforehand, Kienle rode through our pack and took off like a Nebelwerfer. I was somewhat humbled by the sight of him gapping up so quickly, but knew I just had to be patient and stick to my plan. The Last 10km is where the vice tightened and I had to start showing some aggression. I bridged gaps over guys and ended up second wheel behind Crowie who was switching the lead with Potts. We were putting the pressure down and gapped the field slighty and really made the other athletes burn their legs heading into the run. I has goosebumps this whole last section of the ride, and was overwhelmed to be riding at the front of the race (bar Kienle the crazy Deutcher) with two legends of the sport. I was proud to have just put myself in that position with as little effort as possible. At this stage I was still quite comfortable and hadn't had to use much gas at all.

I was second off the bike, and probably stole a little glory from the guys that worked the most, but I didn't care. I need the exposure more than them and I really didn't have to think twice about snatching it! I was also second out of transition and led the run pack for the first km or so, a pretty stupid move a stary eyed novice like me would make. From here, I was overtaken, and kept going backwards to 6th place, where I stayed for the entire run until the last 10minuntes where I got done by Bart the Belgian bullet. I was feeling strong most of the run bar the last lap. I went into a daze and started making weird noises that I didn't know how to control. I'm sure there's others reading this who've had similar! I has Faris Al-Sultan on my tail and he kept the pressure on me all the way to the finish.

I'm overjoyed with 7th, and will definately be back stronger and faster next year to improve on this result. This is my kind of race, and I can see myself developing a kinship with this course over the years to come. I was the youngest and maybe least experienced in the field by a fair way, and stuck it to a lot of pros more seasoned than a Texas BBQ. Bring on Las Vegas 2013, and I hope some of you readers come out with me to join in on the ritual.

Cheers for the support, it never goes unnoticed. My main race kudos goes to Sebastian Kienle. This guy is a space traveller and was on another planet that day. Sincere respect.

The Evidence

Hy-Vee Highs, Lows Leave the Hall.

Last year I wrote about this race in a bittersweet way. I won a shit load of cash by leading a 3xlap, 3xprime swim, but I finished with an embarrassing result. I've got a smile on my face to say I reversed those fortunes in this years edition of the Hy-Vee 5150.

The Course

A very untypical course for a non-drafting Olympic distance. More ITU in nature, a lot of corners, obligatory u-turn and some punishing asphalt inclines to weather the body and drown the soul.

Swim- The new course had me yearning for a return to last years river swim. In the week before the race, they relocated the swim from the river in the middle of town to a static lake, removing any challenges we were to face in the river. The river swim in Des Moines is next level; fun and hard. But the Mid-West drought has left the river depleted and uninspiring for the race directors. Two laps instead of three laps meant only two primes were on offer this year.

Bike- The bike course is next level. As said, 18 corners a lap x4 makes for a hard course, especially with some good kickers thrown in. A course of this natures takes the advantage for the typically good strong riders like Cam Dye, and hands the advantage to the technically capable. Throw in some wind, some shitty tarmac and a brutal strong field, this is the leg that would make or break any athlete.

Run- Slow and hard course. 4 laps, with hardly a flat section on the course. You're either running steep down, steep up/down, or up/down 1-2% grade. How strung out the field was by the end was testament to the challenge of the run.

Conclusion- a course worthy to hold a championship race, but the river swim is always a treat.

The Memory

This is a big money race. This is what I've trained for all year, focused on all year, and I sure as hell wasn't going to walk away with last place pay cheque. There's two ways I can make money at this race. Blast every prime worth $5,150 each (10 on offer), and hope to finish the race just to collect the primes. The other way is to go for one or two primes, but save myself for a good result. I tried the first option last year, but despite making $20,000, I wasn't really happy. A good result is what I was after.

I knew I was swimming well, so I went about my business getting to the front and showing my chops for the first prime. I got to the line first, but was swimming scared that someone would out sprint me. A few guys were talking shit before the race about these primes, and maybe someone wanted it more than me, you never really know.  The second lap was a different story. After the 30 second run in between laps, I dove back into the water a little more depleted than I would have liked. I was happy conceding the the next prime to the willing to save my body for the rest of the race. Gomez took the lead and I settled in third. The second swimmer (Dye? Not sure) ended up dropping Gomez' feet before I realised, and I didn't want to bust myself chasing down a gap that we would get back on the bike.

I took to the lead on the bike early and tried to consolidate, but Ben Collins pulled me in, and with 10 or so guys swarming like Charlie to avoid stagger violations, I knew I just had to sit in the bunch and stay clean. A few guys blew off the front on the ride, Benno, Barney, D. Thompson and Ben Collins sporadically got away. I was riding with a lot of good runners, but wanted to stay cool and save as much energy for the run. I knew the hard bike course would be sapping the weaker guys every second, so I just wanted to continue with my own race.

I was right about the demands of the bike leg, and a lot of guys little triathlon bones crumbled early on in the run, maybe even before the end of the blue carpet. I felt good coming off the bike, and wanted to capitalise on the other's tired legs. I even ran in front of Gomez for all of maybe 10 seconds,and thought I was awesome running with Alistair until I realised he was just having a bad day. I felt strong the entire run, but never really had enough pace to run up to 6th. I finished in 7th, in what is maybe my best complete race ever against the best non-drafters in the world.

Hard work certainly pays off, and even if I have shit results for the rest of the season, it will still to me be a break through year. A professional pay cheque in the bank means more motivation for next year, with bigger dreams and bigger plans. A special thanks to everyone for the support in the lead up to the race, and the nice words afterwards. I like everyone who cares to feel a part of my journey, and always know that every detail in the tiniest never goes unnoticed. I'm a lurker and see everything :)

And of course, eternal thanks to Hy-Vee for the world class event. There's only ever good reports from this race, and it's with good reason.

CHEERS!

The Evidence

2nd Interview with Slowtwitch

Can be read here http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/Travels_with_Josh_Amberger_2956.html

Thanks to Timothy Carlson for the interview & the photos!

Triathlon As Salvation

I'm not often I'm contacted by anyone outside my family & friends circle, but here's some text I received from a lad called Joseph down in Tampa FL this week. Unmanipulated, as follows...



No problem with the comments mate. You deserve every one of them. I'm on business in Panama City, FL this week. Got a chance to swim and run on the IMFL course through St Andrews State Park as the sun was setting over the sand dunes. Absolutely stunning views! Was pretending I was Ronnie Schildknecht as I ran the course and thinking about him breaking the 8 hr mark for a full IM last November on that course! Then I said, forget that crap, you're Burgzzzz dude, and then my cadence immediately picked up and I left Ronnie in the dust! Seriously though, I want to thank you because you have helped me improve in the sport and you don't even know it. This sport is just my hobby but it has changed my life. I did my first triathlon in the summer of 2010 as an overweight couch potato at 6' and 205 lbs. Now, 2 years later, and 8 triathlons under my belt, I'm down to 175 lbs and still 6'. Ha, gravity hasn't diminished my height just yet, but it's giving a go at it for sure. I've been able to string together 2 consistent years of training and have seen the improvements. My allergies are gone now, I don't get sick anymore (knock wood!), and I feel so much healthier.

Now you have motivated me even more and I want to thank you! You just don't know how much it means to me. I'm a slow poke, but I'm having so much fun seeing my improvements, watching my body change (I just got another new vein popping out on the front of my shin! Yeah baby!), and attacking new challenges, such as the 70.3 distance. I love one of Josh Cox's (American record holder in the 50K ultramarathon distance) quotes that has really stuck with me and that is "do the thing you are not sure you can do." This doesn't imply a lack of confidence, rather I see it as always trying to go bigger and leaving the status quo in the rearview mirror at home with the wimp dogs.

Thanks for following me with my Pocono race. It really shows your character, another attribute of yours that has attracted me as a Mad Fan. As you become the next Crowie, don't let it change who you are, as I know you won't. Stick to your character and your morals. They say way more about a man than any worldly accomplishments. Amen bro? No matter what becomes of your career, just know that I will always be a Mad Fan.


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Find your salvation, & enjoy life.

play

Omens, Portents & Second Place Finishes- Muncie 70.3

Three races, three second place finishes. I remember this sort of stuff happening to Bevan Docherty in his consistent days circa '08, or in more modern times (sorry Bevan you're old) & taking in a broader demographic, everyone finishing second to A.Brownlee. Nevertheless, if I can keep this up and finish second in my next two races, that will mean I will be bringing home some HyVee & Las Vegas bacon, which as it happens, promises to be some super fine and luscious bacon.

There was a lot of drama surrounding Muncie last weekend (see most US based Tri forums) because the Indiana vastland was bulk serving record breaking temperatures. The race organisers made the call the day before the event to shorten the 70.3 to something just above Olympic distance (1600m, 48km, 10km). I was somewhat disappointed because I had gotten myself mentally and physically ready for a 70.3, treating the Berlin 5150 six days before as just a warmup. I know I need more practice at the distance for Las Vegas 70.3 Worlds, so it would have been nice to do the full race. Though at the same time, I knew the shortening of the race gave me a small advantage over the regular long course guys competing, but at the same time it pitted me against one of the best short course athletes ever, Greg Bennett (half Aussie, half Yank, full traitor, just kidding Greg). I didn't complain, and was just keen to get the race underway to test myself! Best on the day right?

The water at the reservior was a nice warm broth of 32 C or 89 F, but I hacked it out and led the swim by just over one minute to mentioned old hat GB. I somewhat felt before the race that the winner would come from either of us. My chances of this however somewhat diminished when I stupidly took a wrong turn on the bike about 1km in because a police car was blocking the course. I kind of knew I was going the wrong way, which makes me sound really dumb for doing it in the firstplace, but without a lead motorbike youn can never be too sure. I fixed myself however and probably lost a good 30 seconds straight up. I continued to hold a nice lead on the bike through 'till 40km, but it was this point where I saw Aussie strongman Christian Kemp & GB slowly pulling me in. Once they were about 100m from me I sat up and decided to sit in and wait for the run. I'm really happy with my riding this season, I can say that most of the big miles I've put in have paid off, so hopefully some good wire to wire performances are coming.

In Singapore 70.3 I predicted that the run would be between Kemp and I to the line, and because he's got some fast feet I also thought he would be running well in Muncie too. While I would try to run with GB for as long as I could, I knew second would be between CK and I. Though like Singapore, CK was off the pace and left GB and I to battle off the front for the win. Though on the sharp Muncie rollers I wasn't much of a match for Greg, and he took the crown from me by 1.13.

So second is ok! I banked some spending money & secured my spot for Las Vegas. Now it's time to get back to some long miles and cough up a lung in the hypoxic town of Boulder CO. Cheers

(apologies for the bad pictures)

Metaphorical Deja Vu in Berlin 5150

Historical metaphors reigned supreme on Sunday, with the East overpowering the West in taking victory in Berlin. With this somewhat crude dip of the hat out of the way, I was beaten to the line by Filip Ospaly who took his third victory this season. It's not hard to tell this guy is in hot form this season so I didn't feel too bad about it. On the other side of me in third was 2008 Beijing Olympian and local hero Christian Prochnow.

The day started out at the reasonable time of 8am, and we swam a 1 lap 1500m swim in the Spree River, and symbolically crossed over the markings twice between East & West Berlin. My plans were to race hard off the front, so I took the lead in the swim and tried to put down some pace. We found ourselves swimming an 800m or so strech up river and against the current, which made it hard to separate myself from the few guys swimming on my feet. I managed to keep the pace going and led out of the water with a few atheltes in tow.

Feeling good at the start of the cycle I laid down a bit of power and separated myself from the rest of the crowd, and managed to get just over 90 seconds on Ospaly by the end of the bike. I knew to win with only 90 seconds over this beast was going to take a huge effort & even a low 33minute split couldn't keep him off my back.

It would have been fantastic to take the Berlin title, but I raced with no taper & still managed some pretty quick splits. So while I'm happy with this, I'm still searching for my second win of the season. I'm feverishly writing this report up before Muncie 70.3 tomorrow, so hopfully I can find a win here this weekend. I can feel it's getting closer!!!

So... a fantastic 5150 event in Berlin, which is by far one of the coolest cities I've travelled to. Definately coming back to Berlin in the future & a recommended event to all.

New Interviews/New Residence

I've had two interviews this week, see both at...

First Time Ironman

&

Tri Zone


I'm now located in Zürich for the next two weeks until I leave for Berlin. This is the view from the rooftop balcony at my homestay!

Coming Close in Klagenfurt

So I left my home in Brisbane Australia last week to chase the Northern hemisphere Summer & to live and be inspired by the professional triathlon dream. I'll be away from home until late September in a bid to chase some titles & make some fans. First race up on the cards was Klagenfurt 5150 & I finished a close second place to Swiss Olympian Reudi Wild.

My racing at the moment is all about collecting points for the 5150 ritual in Des Moines on September 2. My second place in Klagenfurt on Sunday almost ensures I'll be on the startline, and with one more 5150 in Berlin to go, things are looking good. You can check up on the points table here http://ironmanpromembership.com/hy-vee-5150-qualifying/5150pr/

I raced Klagenfurt last year so I knew exactly what to expect from the course. The swim is a point-to-point affair, with a deep water start in Lake Worthersee & navigation into a small canal for 900m until swim exit. It's a pretty unique swim course and makes for a lot of fun, but it's also a great advantage for the slower swimmers who gain a lot of drag from the leaders, in addition to the natural downwards current.  Here's a shot from the canal. 

I knew from last year that the swim needed to be broken up before it transitioned into the canal. The drafting rules in Europe make it easier for the weaker riders to hold on, so the field needed to be strung out as much as possible in the swim to enable me to go straight off the front of the race. I led the affair until about 800meters when my Aussie friend Jimmy Seear came past me and really slammed on the pace. I had to dig a little more than I planned to stay with him, but it was worth it because we entered T1 together up on the field, and in our own world off the front of the bike.

The ride is Klagenfurt is equally as inspiring as the swim. It's two laps with a 6km steady climb each lap, equating 323meters (1,060ft) elevation gain throughout the 40km ride. This course means business and I dealt with it accordingly! I rode past Jimmy early into the ride and put some pace down. I managed to shake him off my wheel at about 10km while on the descent. From here I just had to maintain my lead!

I came into T2 with I think 90seconds on the rest of the field (which had bunched up & was enjoying the relaxed drafting rules), and my 40km (T1 racks to 40km) just before the mount line read 55:40. I'm really happy with this considering the 323meters of elevation gain, & it's nice to ride well by myself off the front wildboy style. It's maybe the smoothest I've felt on the bike thus far, and I feel that I was helped along by my new bike setup. Here's my file

Even with a good gap from the bike, I knew I would need to run well to avoid being caught before the line. This was made hard by excruciating bowel pain (& some honest slippage, sorry for the details), and it was hard to think about anything else but stopping for some quality time on the john. But I was still making some good foot work and managed to hold on until 7km where Reudi caught me. By this time though, the deal was done & I was secure for second place.

It's disappointing to miss the win after dominating the race, but I'm happy with second considering my unfortunate circumstance. I'm now staying in Zurich for the next couple of weeks before I move onto Berlin for the next one on July 1.

Klagenfurtcheers!

Inventory + Klagenfurt Impressions

I've landed in Klagenfurt in Southern Austria and I'm really really digging the place. I raced and stayed here last year, but it's certainly a pleasure to be back because this place is stunning. I've been thrown some accommodations (race hospitatlity A+) at a magical sports resort called the Wahaha Paradise and I'm staying here with the French powerhouse Billiard Bertand. But before I spill the anticipated panoramic & training images, I've got some inventory to spruik.

So check out my new getup for the cycle, a P4 + Flo60 & FloDisc. Digg it or die...

Also my new custom suit by Rocket Science which you would have seen from St. Anthony's. I'm wrapped in the Rocket Sprinter swim skin, especially perfect for USAT sanctioned races and stupidly cold (20 celcius) European swimming pools.

And the suit for a wetsuit swim (had I actually needed to put on it at this particular time I would)

And here's the madd dogg Garmin 910xt with swim metrics so I don't have to expend energy on mundane tasks like counting laps.

And the rest....

Dining area at our resort

Face off with big Billy

Course reconn with some amateurs

Panorama

Big Billy...

Inexpensive & clever pool/pond at the resort

Finally Flo got somethin' to sho! :)

Two years in the making, these are the first visual manifestations of my Flo wheels! They're currently in the post, and I'll pick them up in Austria in two weeks for the Klagenfurt 5150.

If this is the first time you've come across Flo wheels, get out from that rock and czech 'em out at http://www.flocycling.com/


On a side note, here's my race schedule for the next 2 months...

Klagenfurt 5150 (AUT)- June 10
Berlin 5150 (GER)- July 1
Muncie 70.3 (USA)- July 8

If I'm running low on points for Hy-Vee, I may have to take Muncie out and put New York 5150 in. Otherwise, I'm having another crack at a 70.3 to try and qualify for Las Vegas 70.3 Worlds. Last time I looked, I was ranked 48th in the Vegas PR, which I'm sure will slip below the top 50 (qualifying cut off) soon. I've gotta' get in ya'll!!!

After Muncie, I'll be off to Boulder for my first ever block of atltitude. If you're in Boulder and read this blog, don't be a stranger, give us a shoutout and show me some loops yeah!

I'm also looking for somewhere at sea level to train for 3 or so weeks in August, if you've got suggestions or wanting to help, drop me a line below.

Cheers, and look out for me in Klagenfurt on June 10!