The Vitruvian is a classic race which always sells out quickly and attracts a good calibre of age group athletes. In tough conditions Dave used his Ironman fitness to power through the course to convincingly take the win in his age group (2nd year running)…
Having raced the Vitruvian for the first time last year and won the 50-54 age group, I was interested to see how I’d get on now I’d entered the 55-59 age group catagory. The swim was a waved start and I was in the 5th wave. The swim took place in the quiet bay of Rutland water and was a 2 lap swim with an Australian exit between laps. The hooter went and I was off at 7-00am. I can honestly say I have never experienced swimming through so much weed! I caught the weeds with most strokes and found it quite disruptive. However following the steady swim, it was into transition and onto the bike.
On leaving transition, we turned left into a very strong westerly wind, which was very challenging and meant I really had to push hard to get up to speed while at the same time remain on the aerobars. It was almost a relief to turn out of the wind, even when it meant attacking the hilliest part of the course (which was over the so called “Rutland Ripple).” After that, it was a case of turning again with the advantage of having the tail wind on the flattest section, which meant I could finally push a big gear and get my speed up to 40 mph on the flat and try and make up some time. Then it was a case of back into transition and onto the second bike lap. By this time, I had got into a better rhythm and was able to push more on the second lap despite the windy sections. The wind had certainly had an effect and I was 10 minutes slower than last year (despite being in Ironman World Champion shape)!
The run course was a flattish 2 lap course along the reservoir, with some off road sections. I started at a good pace, with thankfully no leg stiffness. Running out over the dam wall towards the turnaround point was really tough, as you were running into the wind and I was relieved to head back towards transition. Onto the final lap, I managed to keep a steady pace and tried to push it more over the last part of the race and on crossing the finishing line I was happy to find out I had finished 1st in my new age group proving there is still plenty of life in the old dog yet!
Now it’s a case of a (hopefully) quick recovery, followed by 3 weeks of peak training and then I will be tapering for a return to Kona for the Ironman World Championships in October.
As ever, thanks to the help of all our fantastic sponsors:
www.wilier.it – Triathlon Frames
www.ffwdwheels.com – Race Wheels
www.huubdesign.com – Wetsuits
www.zyro.co.uk/altura – Triathlon and Cycle Apparel
www.ismseat.com – Saddles
www.invisciddesign.com – Speedfil Hydration Systems
www.schwalbe.com – Cycle Tyres
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets & Glasses
www.lakecycling.co.uk – Cycling Footwear
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.amphibia-sport.com – Transition Bags
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools, Bottle Cages
www.fenwicks.info – Lubrication
www.kapz.co.uk – Custom Headset Caps
www.racewaredirect.co.uk – Custom Garmin Mounts
www.shimano.com – Groupsets
www.camelbak.com – Bottles
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
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