Jacqui Slack, one of our professional triathletes representing Torq, has been enjoying some southern hemisphere training and racing – here’s what she has to say.

Mooloolaba ITU World Cup – 28th March

It was a beach start which I have been working on since I came to Australia I was ready for the gun to go, I bolted into the water it was a good start but I panicked and dolphin dived too early even after all that practice, I was separated from the front group by the first buoy but continued to swim strong and did my best to look out for a wave on the way in but no such luck.  The run out of the water was solid it was a 150 meters on soft sand which zaps your energy I ran well and I didn’t lose any time to the other girls I think everyone found it difficult.  I had a great transition and managed to get one foot in my shoe as I leaped on my bike then it was straight round the roundabout and a time trial for at least half a lap until a group formed. 

I knew I was in the second pack as we could see the leaders on the turn around.  I was in a good pack as we had some potential winners in the group, so everyone wanted to work to catch the leaders and that’s what we did.  I rode really strong (probably my best ride ever).  I put myself in great positions every time we hit the hill or a corner and I was always ready for a break if someone tried to go.  Every lap we gained time on the lead group until finally on the last lap they only had a 25 second lead great we were all in the race.  The run was very hard not only due to the hill we had to run up 8 times, but because of the heat I’ve never ran in such hot conditions it was tough. 

I ran solid but slowed on the 2/3rd lap due to cramp. I ran through this and was able to push on and catch a couple of girls before coming on to the last lap.  I finished in 25th, which was good considering I was ranked 40th going into the race. The most important thing about today was that I really enjoyed the race and had the fastest bike split of the day, however I’m still not quite there on the swim, but this will come with another 6 weeks of Max’s (coaches) swim sessions. Can’t wait to get back into some solid training and look forward to the season ahead – happy times.  I had so much support out on the course thanks to everyone for their cheers it really spurs you on.

Love Jaq xx