LUKE WHITMORE "Professional Triathlete"
Update and Knox Duathlon Race Report
Last weekend I got my first taste of race pace stuff in a while with a double whammy, Victorian Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Bundoora and Knox Duathlon on Sunday. Saturday I was towelled up well and truly, I lasted about 7km before my quads tightened right up and I dropped from about 15th to 40th place over the final 5kms. Sunday I backed up after some full on recovery to get a nice little win at the Knox Duathlon. These events are insignificant however, after what can only be described as bittersweet weekend for the Victorian Triathlon and Cycling communities. Saturday morning I woke to discover the unfathomable news that former colleague from Degani Cycling Café and mate John Cornish had been tragically killed in a cycling accident the previous evening on beach rd. This is tremendous blow to the lives of many amongst our small community, a man who was loved by many for his infectious passion for bikes, cycling and anything to do with them. This tragedy comes as a harsh reminder of our vulnerability on the roads as cyclists and the work that needs to be done by us all as motorists and cyclists to ensure our safety on the roads. A METRE MATTERS. The sweet was watching Cadel ride the Champs Elysees wearing yellow. A remarkable achievement and what will go down in history as one of Australias finest sporting moments.
Knox Duathlon
I was certainly glad I pre-entered, because there is no way I would have rolled out of the bed to face a wet winters morning after watching Cadel time-trial into history the previous night.
Once we got organised I was happy to be on the start-line with a small yet enthusiastic clan of multisporters. The first 5km run was a relatively simple out and back course, a few greyhounds took off at the gun and I slowly worked my way up to them over the first km conscious of not overdoing it after racing the day before. I then slowly increased the tempo to get a gap. I ran a solid 15:50 for the first 5km to have about 20seconds out of T1. It was then out onto the wet technical bike course, I rode really hard over the first two laps and built a comfortable gap over second place Sean Smee. I then worked at maintaining it but took no risks on the wet corners easing my way around them to make sure I stayed on two wheels. I enetered T2 with about 30-40 secs up my sleave. My run form over the second 3km was a little lethargic and Sean ran really well to bridge the gap a little. I was happy to get a good win and got pushed all the way by Sean and 3rd placed Darren Franken.
This is by far one of the best duathlons on the calander with a challenging bike course and an extremely well run event. Congrats again to Knox tri club for putting on a great event. Worth noting was that female open winner Natalie Sheffield and I where riding exactly the same bikes, Trek Speed Concept 9.5. A superior bike, extremely aerodynamic yet handled like a dream around the slippery wet corners.
I am now looking forward to my next big goal. Yepoon 70.3. I am extremely excited to receiving my new race uniforms next week from new sponsor champion system clothing. A big thankyou to my loyal sponsors, NashysPix Photography, Saucony, Trek, Ryders, Winners, Champion System and Cecil Walker Cycles. I look forward to starting the season proper in a few weeks.
