Just got back from Pontevedre and the ETU Age Group Champ's. It was very hot out there, but a lovely part of the world. Galicia is a bit like a hot Scotland! We were lucky our race kicked off at 8am, it was cool for the swim & bike, whilst the run was pretty shaded throughout. Phew!
We flew with Portugal's national airline TAP, who were excellent! Like how flying used to be prior to the budget cattle shed airlines. We booked a car with Car Trawler, an online company. They were shite, avoid them like the plague, we were messed around for 2 hrs before finally getting a car with Eurocar who were excellent.
Night before the race we had to rack our bikes. We spent 2 hrs queuing in 38 degree heat, with one person admitting people into transition it took for bloody ever, not the best way to prepare for a race! We missed most of the elite men's race as a consequence. What a pisser!
Race day itself was excellent though, brilliant organisation and a fantastic route. The swim was nice and warm, which was a bonus considering the amount of time I spent in there! The bike was great, closed roads, 10km up, 10km down, then repeat. Onto the run around the old town of Pontevedre, nice and shady, with one hill in the middle of the circuit, which we did 4 times. For me, I had a poor swim, followed by a good bike (missed out on the fastest bike split by 1 second), then a fairly solid run. I crossed the line knowing I had more in the tank, it's frustrating when you don't leave everything out on the course.....perhaps I can put it right at the Welsh Champ's in Llandudno in 2 weeks.
Rhian had an awesome race, winning her age group and the women's race outright for the second year running! Her winning margin was nearly 10 minutes!! Absolutely chuffed for her!
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