The 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival is now in it's third year and already it is pulling in some big names from around NZ. The main event is the 50km Premier Multisport title race, which contests the Australasian Multisport Championship. This race was contested by well known athletes like the Usshers, Trevor Voyce, Sophie Hart, Jess Simpson, and was won this year by Dougal Allan, and Simone Maier. My uncle, Bruce, also competed and took out 4th in his category! Woooo!
Unfortunately, my triathlon focus (and the distinct lack of a kayak) meant that I opted to contest the 42km Duathlon instead. The events on the card for this weekend took in some of the most amazing, world class, tracks and trails that Rotorua has to offer. My event was no exception, and involved a 31km MTB followed by an 11km run.
Starting an event on the bike was a new experience for me; although it was nice not to be soaking wet for once! We had a controlled start behind a pace car, and were instructed to stay in single file along the grass verge until we entered the forest. This made for a nice steady start, and we were soon into a climb, which meant there wasn't too much pushing and shoving. Part way up the climb was another 'first' in that we had to jump off our bikes and jump over a closed gate! Further up the course we were off our bikes again to cross a bridge and access a track on the opposite side. This caused a bit of congestion but, like clambering over the gate, made the event feel like a bit more of an adventure; which was cool.
After the 'steeple-chase' section was over, everyone was off; the pace picked up, the field spread out, and we continued the climb. Then it was into 'Corners'; one of my favourite tracks! Track conditions were perfect, and I think this was probably the fastest ride I have had through that section of track. My legs began to feel the burn as we headed into 'Old Chevy'; not such a 'fav'. I was overtaken by 4 or 5 guys on this section. Into 'Sweet and Sour', and after a quick chat with Megan Dimozantos, she too headed past. The remainder of the ride was pretty uneventful and I focused on remaining consistent, and most importantly, staying on my bike!
At the end of the MTB section I was the 4th placed female. After a fairly smooth transition I was back into the forest on the run course and I soon reeled in Megan (although there wasn't an opportunity for chat this time). Track conditions for the run were also near perfect and nearing the end of the run lap I had Kylee McFetridge in my sights. I sneaked in front but she stuck quite close behind until we hit the steps, soon after the start of the second lap. I was beginning to feel signs of cramp in my quads which slowed me on the steps and Kylee seized her chance to continue what was now a see-saw battle. However, once back on the flat, the cramp was a distant memory, and I passed Kylee one final time; beating her by over 2 and a half minutes. First in my age group and second overall behind Sonia Foote. Gotta be happy with that!
Overall, I really enjoyed the race; which I think goes hand in hand with a good performance. Having moments of cramp meant I couldn't push too hard on the run, but I was still happy with my time. The bike could also have been faster, but it is early days, and I think I'm still 'bonding' with my beautiful Giant XTC rocketship!
Big thanks to Cycle Obsession for the awesome new race clothing, and for helping me out with bike bits and nutrition!
Also, a big thanks to Bruce, Steve; and of course Mum and Dad; who helped make sure I got plenty of time on the course, and in the Redwoods when I was back at home on weekends (not too mention the delicious home cooking!).
Until next time.
Han.
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