Challenge Salou

For this years fun in the sun Challenge Salou was chosen – can’t remember by who – but the ease of getting there, as its only 15 minutes from Reus airport, was big attraction. The course looked to be less challenging than Barcelona 70.3 or Mallorca 70.3, so we had a number of first timers to the distance taking the plunge.  As ever, injury prevented some of those who had planned to race, but we also had plenty off non racing support.

Most of the gang arrived Friday, with the advance party having found an ideally placed restaurant on the seafront, where we could watch transition being built after we arrived. Saturday bikes were put together – a short spin and a quick dip eased the nerves. On Sunday, race morning, it was an early start with breakfast at 0500 for an 0700 start. As soon as we arrived in transition, we realised the winds had picked up since our recce spin on Saturday, and as the sun rose, white tips could be seen in the water! the start was slightly late and a little disorganised – a last minute change of swim course was hastily translated.  All the girls were in the second wave, and after about 100M it was clear this was going to be a rough swim. With only 4 marker bouys ( yes 4 on a 1900M course) and very little kayak or other support, all agreed it was a very tough swim.

The bike route had a couple of small loops,  before the main out and back. The road quality was good, but on an elevated motorway we were very exposed to that wind. Back on the run temperatures rose to 29oC, and we all struggled on the 4 lap course – there were plenty of twists and turns, not many volunteers and a hit & miss lap counting system

Lisa and Nick were rewarded with 1st and 2nd places in their AG’s. Lisa was 14th woman (including Pros). Niamh Carey took 35min off her Dublin 70.3 time, and was 4th in her AG. Eugene Keane was disgusted they would not move him up to his irish age group! The swim and been too rough for Eamonn, and Janet had retired with a puncture.

But it was the delight of the first timers – huge smiles from Róisín, Maeve, Bobby & Timmy that made the day – the pain may well be temporary.

Thanks to Dee, Ger, Noel, Sean, Lenny & Kieran for their super support. A great weekend was had by all.