Profiles

Ride:

The day before the race I had to remove a very thick film of dust from my road bike and borrow some race wheels from my brother. I had no idea how my legs would hold up over the next 80km of riding. All I was thinking about was maintaining my lead until I reached the paddle. After a quick transition (thanks Tim and Erica) I soon passed two team riders and before long arrived at Meredith. I usually visit this town twice a year. Once on my road bike as part of the Mars Challenge, and the other in my car on the way to the Meredith music festival. Before long I was getting told to slow down by a team rider as we approached the deadly corner just before you cross the Moorabool River. The funny thing was he was telling me to slow down as he passed me. Then I watched as his very expensive TT rig went off-road and cart-wheeled into an embankment. Naturally I was very concerned for his wellbeing, but it was very funny to watch I have to say. After I crossed the Moorabool River I tried to get into a rhythm and hold my lead into the bike/kayak transition. Unfortunately, Ryan Cross had other ideas and had managed to pull back the four minute lead and pass me about 4km from the finish.

Kayak:

Ryan and I both arrived at the waters edge at the same time.  We both paddled away at the same time, however unfortunately Ryan was paddling a TK1 so was going to be at a distinct disadvantage to paddlers using a K1 (including me). Starting the paddle leg against a guy in a TK1 was a lot nicer than hitting the water with a four times world champion marathon kayaker (JJ) like the last couple of years. I wished Ryan good luck and eased my way into the kayak leg. I slowly warmed up into the kayak leg, I passed two team kayakers and encountered a nasty side wind across the lake, but before long I was paddling the final 2km stretch into Barwon Heads. I said a little something to myself and was very glad to have finally won the Mars Challenge.

Conclusion:

The time was almost 30min slower than last year. This meant a lot less pain and cramping on the kayak but it also took away the strategy and racing aspect which the Mars Challenge is famous for. It would have been nice if John Jacoby and Jody Zerbst could have been there.

Finally, I would like to thank Canoe Innovations for their support, without which I would not be able to compete so frequently. I also hope this great race continues to grow. Therefore, I put a challenge out for all individuals next year. If you are the first individual to go under six hours I will personally buy you all a beer at the Barwon Heads Pub after the race. Until then - good luck, train hard and race easy.