| RACE
REPORTS |
| 2006 Australian
Duathlon Championships
I arrived in Melbourne on the Wednesday evening prior to the race trying to get a little more settled in than previous trips. We were blessed to stay in the Richmond home of Cameron and Benita Johnson (2004 World X Country Champion) which was close to everything. The weather was perfect the whole time we were there and we had a relaxing few days shopping, eating out and catching up with friends. It also gave me a good chance to check out the course which was flat for the run and technical but mainly flat for the bike.
The bike started steadily as I tried to keep right on threshold. After 10km I was caught by another rider, James Attard and we proceeded to ride alternatively at a similar pace for the next 3 laps of the bike. Near the start of the fifth lap we were passed by Adam Conquest at a strong pace and unfortunately after about 3km I was unable to maintain the tempo and the pair broke clear. For the last 10k it was really trying to limit the losses and retain composure. I still felt that I could chase down a 30sec gap on the final 5km.
On a positive note, my bike leg and running off the bike continue to improve considerably. Anything worth achieving requires hard and consistent work- the wins feel very close and will certainly be very satisfying when they come. This week I will try to rest and recuperate for the City to Surf Fun Run next weekend. Thanks to everyone for emails and phone calls and of course to my sponsors Asics, Ryders Eyewear, The Body Station Physiotherapy & RFID Timing Systems. Till next time
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The
2006 Australian Duathlon Championships were conducted right in
the Melbourne CBD this year and featured a perfect lay out to
showcase the “Australian Sporting Capital”. The race
consisted of a 4 lap (10km) run around the Yarra, 6 lap (41km)
bike along St Kilda Road and alongside the famous “Tan”
track and then a final 2 lap 5km run. It was disappointingly announced
only 2 weeks prior to the race that for the first time in the
history of the elite race it would be a non drafting event. 
By
race day, I new my legs felt very strong and I was expecting that
under the right circumstances I would be in contention for victory.
After settling in to a rhythm on the run I joined the 2 early
leaders at around the 3km mark. After running with them for a
few kilometres I found that the pace was under my threshold so
I ran at tempo through the last 5km and opened up a handy 30 sec
lead into the first transition. 
Exiting
transition I soon realised that the gap was probably more like
45 seconds and after running a strong first 2.5km lap I had caught
and passed Conquest but made little inroads into the leader, Attard.
The second lap was therefore a little futile as I had to content
myself with once again finishing the bridesmaid in a major event.
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