Finally getting to race day pics, now that my kidneys are working again (kidding... but there's a certain convenience to going 13.5 hrs without having to pee during transatlantic travel). Race day brought the best weather we'd seen all week. The water was a little chilly at 16C, but was calm. The twisty, technical bike course was completely fenced and cleared of storm debris. It rode well, but as expected there were some crashes. The run course meandered through a beautiful shady park, and we were handed flags by our team managers as we headed to the finish chute. So happy and grateful to have had this opportunity! Now, back to regularly scheduled "normal life".
Nothing like a 2 a.m. ship/hotel evacuation the night before race day... at least the triathletes were quick into our clothes, while some emerged shirt- and shoe-less into the cold night rain.
Nothing like a 2 a.m. ship/hotel evacuation the night before race day... at least the triathletes were quick into our clothes, while some emerged shirt- and shoe-less into the cold night rain.
Now THIS is the sky and water you want to see out the porthole on race morning
Heavy pedestrian traffic for the race meant we had to walk rather than ride our bikes over the bridge on our way to drop our shoes in T2. Pre-race logistics were more finicky than usual, as we had two transition areas instead of a single one.
BYOS -- bring your own straw! There was a big pile for athletes to grab as they needed, to cover muddy areas in the grass transition zone.
Trying to tamp down a straw path to my shoes through the mud. In the end, all it meant was having mud AND straw in my shoes.
Lucie waiting with our pile o' bikes outside T2. Next stop... T1 to drop the bikes. — with Lucie Tremblay.
On the athlete shuttle boat to T1. Very civilized! — with Lucie Tremblay.
Racked and ready in T1. At this race, all our swim gear had to be closed into the blue swim bag before we left on the bike.
This bike store was way cool. Had to return the emergency anti-flat measures I picked up the day before, because they turned out not to be compatible with my setup. Argh. Thankfully, I didn't flat! — at CROOZE.
Sprint-distance folks crossed paths with our (happy, tired) standard-distance teammates!
I'm used to racing in the morning, so I find fueling for an afternoon race tricky. Getting a few bites in, as well as some caffeine, about an hour before the swim start. Added an extra espresso shot to a regular cappuccino as an experiment (conclusion: it was too much)
Perfectly positioned to watch the earlier waves of athletes head out on the bike course (see behind me). — at POSSE Shop Restaurant Espressobar Gallery Vintage Emporium.
Made it across the finish line!
With my trusty steed post-race. Time to ride back to the hotel.
Nice gesture for the management to offer us a free drink to apologize for the fire alarm/evacuation shenanigans from the night before — at ss Rotterdam.
Aaaannd... I'll find another pair of shoes to wear to closing ceremonies
Neat former industrial site turned event space, for closing ceremonies — at Maassilo Rotterdam.
With John and Theresa of team Canada. Theresa unfortunately couldn't compete, as she had a run-in with a delivery truck in Canada a week before the race. Ow.
Trading stuff with a member of team New Zealand
Yep, the Aussies brought an inflatable kangaroo to the party
Brazil showing their team spirit
Thanks to Ahmed, Iain and friends for letting me tag along on the way home. Their knowledge of public transit was much better than mine (had no idea when/if a watertaxi would show up at that hour, so took the metro and bus back to SS Rotterdam)
And now to the late-night task of disassembling my bike and packing all my stuff. Booo!! — at ss Rotterdam.
Note to self: bring nitrile gloves next time. Not to worry, my parents raised me right -- no hotel towels were harmed in the packing of this bike.
These are definitely keepers
This shot appeared on Triathlon Magazine Canada's website! My 0.5 seconds of fame! lol
