2011 Huskisson NSW Long Course Championships
Posted on by Gary Land
As I ran up the steps into T1, I was told the gap to the leader was 90sec. I started riding fairly conservatively to see if I could work with the guys around me. Within the first ten minutes I knew we needed to be riding a lot harder, so I made the decision to attempt to catch the group by myself. After 30km, I was surprised to hear from Lise that the gap had grown to two minutes. The lead group must have been working well together so it was going to take a huge effort to bring back time. At 35km I went for my Powerbar gel flask only to find that it had fallen off at some earlier point on the ride. I didn’t panic but by the time I reached the next aid station at 60km I was desperately in need of calories. All I could take from the aid station was the race nutrition energy drink which was not sitting well in my stomach throughout the final lap of the ride.
After riding 80km solo, I arrived into T2 disappointed to be in 9th place and the deficit to the leaders remained at two minutes. I threw on my new Brooks Racer ST 5, and attacked the early portion of the run. I found my rhythm early and within the first 5km I had passed two guys. At the halfway turn around I realised I was gaining on most of the guys in front although my stomach was feeling very queasy. After receiving some encouraging words from Lise on the sideline, I made the decision to run the next 5km like a time trial but only 1000m later I was walking in desperate need of a toilet. Thankfully I found one just in time but any chance of catching the guys in front had gone. I crossed the line in 7th overall a little disappointed with the morning’s efforts.
The purpose of racing Huskisson was to see what areas I need to work to best prepare for Challenge Cairns in June. While the race could have gone a lot better, it certainly allowed me to see what needs more focus heading into Autumn.
Thanks must go to my Auntie Suzie, Phil and my Cousins Ella and Zoe for having us stay with them in Sydney and Aileen and Ollie in Huski. Thanks must go to all of my sponsors, especially my major sponsors Skinfit and Sgti Racing. With their help, we are one step closer to achieving our goals this year.
My next race is yet to be confirmed however it will no doubt be a great stepping stone to get me ready for Challenge Cairns.
Train safe and speak to you soon,
Richard
