Before most races the plan is to stay off your feet and not spend too much time in the sun if there is any. Here in Noosa things are set up so you have no choice with all the cool stuff going on such as the women's bike crit, the Noosa bolt 5km running race and the Ridley Dash men's crit.
Firstly we had to rack our bikes before 4pm. We left it until a little later to avoid the heat and not spend too much time on our feet. Bad move 'cos like a hotel pool surrounded with German towels it looked like the early bird got the worm or rack places in this case . When over 5000 bikes are racked in front of you finding that one spare spot in a free for all set up was like getting cash out of Peros. Lucky for Eek being in the open category she got a special slot next to the elites.
After this we caught the end of the women's crit and settled in for the 5km Noosa Bolt. It was four laps and the atmosphere with so many spectators was electric. Watching the men turn it up for the line was simply amazing to watch. Martin Dent took his third win but was chased hard by Collis Birmingham all the way to the tape. In the women's race Lara Tamsett snapped the others on the final lap for a convincing win.
After we hooked up with Welsh bloke Paul, a friend of a friend, and met his mates Luke and Brad to watch the Ridley dash. With $50, 000 on the line and a couple of $5000 sprints the racers were red lining from the start. They were so quick it was scary. Robbie McEwen showed his skills but didn't take the cash. At the line it was the Astana rider whose name escapes me. He just happens to be staying in the room next door to us.
Once again the crowds were huge and going nuts. It felt like the final event yet the tri, which is still to come, is the top dog that we're told draws the biggest crowds. It's great to see tri as the grand fromage for a change rather than being viewed as a group of skinny fools racing around a field in the arse end of nowhere where even the local wildlife gives it a miss.
I can't wait to be part of this big event. Just hope I get to the end in one piece and not collapse in the heat. That's about it from us as we do the mandatory pre-race shave and gather our stuff ready to race tomorrow morning.
2 comments:
Hi Guys. Not jealous or anything but the Oxford Mail XC at ascott didn't quite live up to all of the glamour of Noosa! Looks like you are racing well as well as having fun-enjoy! now back to the garage for a turbo in the cold. CP is a fascist
Hi guys, it sounds amazing out there. Can't wait to read your race reports and find out from the horses mouths what it's like to race in a comlimentary triathlon on t'other side of the world in the sun when in England it's dark at 4.30 and there's fireworks going off all night and randomn chav children knock on the door for money and chocolate!!!
Keep up the good work you two, I'm off to dream about golden sand, blue sky and sunshine. xxx
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