It was a bold move by the club to encourage an end of season race overseas. However an enthusiastic group of efs rats rose to the occassion and rolled off their Busso 70.3 race as the fitness carry over for the event prep.
First across to Singapore and a few easy days then, as it is a Saturday event -- a few little variations were required to occur.
A Ferry ride with bikes - 6am getting tickets for 7am sail (1 hour) Had to be pre booked and you were allocated a departure time due to big competitor numbers
Immigration & Security - cos you are now entering Indonesia
Bintan Arrive -- Load bikes onto buses for race venue
Rego at race venue--than over to transition
Race start for Age Groupers is 1pm ----What ????
Now 34C and muggy with no clouds
"Water I need water " and shade......
Lesson # 1 Grasshopper...... stay on the Island pre race
Finally away and a colourful and fantastic event begins. Olympic Distance with 750 swim/beach run of 80 mtrs and back in for remaining 750mtrs . Water Temp 29C
Out onto the bike & of course its straight up a hill from the mount line . Rolling, undulating ,hilly it has it all & did we mention the 38C + humidity
Lesson #2 -Grasshopper more Sauna training in prep next time
Run was flat with a couple of hills and by now odd cloud cover around
Really great finish chute and crowd areas cheering everyone on . Such a well run event with nice little Expo and lots of Nationalities racing from around the Asian Tri scene.
Richo excelled with a 2nd in his Age group--showing early form for Rotterdam ITU Worlds
Then a mad rush to get on buses (allocated) and back onto Ferry (allocated) whilst trying to get recovery food in . Group decided that ice cold coke, kit kats and salt/vinegar chips = recovery
Lesson # 3 Grasshopper you must prepare ahead...Indonesia does not have triathlon food everywhere after a race
Late arrival back at Singas --10pm ....big day ...but a great day....
