Ben Ward

This as far as I know was the first running of The Harwich Olympic Tri and my first at this distance for 3 years. My main aim was to PB and as my PB before was over 2h20m at Volcano in Lanzarote I was sure I could do it with ease but in the back of my mind I wanted a sub 2.

Race day however was a bit windy and when I got there I could see rough waters in the sea was going to mean a slower race than I had hoped. As the sea was so rough they decided to cut the swim to 1000m so the sub 2 was now back on in my plans. Once underway it was soon clear that you could not see a thing to sight on in the swim but just tried to stay level with the shore line until I could see the way in and ended up 5th out in my wave in 13m39s. I exited T1 and was running to the road when the wind blew my front wheel into a tree which stopped me dead but no damaged caused & mounted my bike only to find my chain had come off when I hit the tree. I jumped off and got it back on quick and was away with not to much time wasted. Straight away I knew it was going to be a head wind all the way out and that with my strengh I should move through the field quick and within 10k I was in second. The bike course was a rolling twisty course as I kept getting sight of the lead man and was soon on his tail. I caught him right in a bottom of a dip so caught his slipstream just right as we started going uphill into the wind and I just flew past him so quick I was away before he even knew I was there. I still had half the bike left so I kept pushing and the route back in was great fun with the wind behind the only problem was the cars in front slowing me down in the 30 zones! The bike was a bit slow overal with the winds but with both transitions I clocked a time off 1h 7m 5s. In T2 I was out and away and still no sign of the chase behind so I headed out along the sea path and turned back after 500m then I got to see how far ahead I was and knew it was not over yet. It was a 2 lap run so got to see the gap each time we turned and it was soon clear I was getting away and building a bigger lead. I managed to run a 38m 01s 10k which is a PB not that I do 10k much but I also got my PB for Olympic in 1h 58m 45s but with the shortend swim not one I can really count but it will do when boasting to my mates! lol

Back to some training now with some really hard stuff to get done now as I am building to ITU Long Course Worlds at the end of August. Have got a training camp in Estonia at the end off July along with Ain's wedding so time to get my head down if I want a medal at the worlds.

Another local sprint and another win. Did not expect to win this one after all the training the last few weeks but felt ok race morning and an unusual sunny bank holiday ment it was a great day for racing.

The course was very hard the 2k 10% hill at the end of the bike was a long slog when flat out and the same on the run as the turn around was at the top of the hill in Knolle Park.

Another sprint tri this time down in East Sussex. I done tis one about 6 years ago but could not remember much about the course so I got down there early so I could drive around the course to check it out. The road surface is very poor now and through some on the little villages it gets a little tight. As soon as I see transition I remembered the run which is now the other way around.

I had a 9.50 start which was good in one way that the road had dryed on the course but bad in the fact the shoppers were out on the road. Had a great swim as I do not usually start well without a few lenghts warm up but touched the wall just under 7 min for the 500m and then the long run to T1 to the bike and to the road. Once on the bike I was flying as I had warmed up on the turbo before hand but when I got to the first village I had to stop at a red light which was on for what seemed forever. Got moving again over the spped ramps and out of the village where the road surface is very poor and as there is alot of trees you don't see half the holes and a couple of times I thought I had smashed my Zipp's up but I was going well and flying past other athletes. Got to the T junction to turn back along the main road and again had to stop as there was so many cars on the road, managed to slip out in a small gap and get going again until I was dropping down hill and a horse box went passed and then as we went around a left bend it braked hard and stopped as on the main road was a rather robust looking lady on her horse and the horse had got spooked so she had to get control again and get off the road why we all stood there and waited and off we went again. Came into East Grinsted and at the double roundabout had to wait again as there were road works off the left turn and it was backing up onto the main road. By this time I was a little upset to say the least as it is on the bike where I usually win my races so I knew the win had gone for sure. Eventually got on the run which is tough as there is not a flat bit on it and after a winter of long distance traininng I do not seem to have the leg speed down the rolls but planty of power up them.

I finished with 5th but even with the hold ups I would not have one but should of hit the top 3. I think also until the road is resurfaced I will not go back even then it's a bit to busy around there to go flat out. lets hope high fuel  prices reminds people how to walk as it was a lovley day which was one plus!

Had a good day at sevenoaks and managed to win it again for the second time. I enjoyed this win more than the last as this time I had alot of friends there to enjoy it.

Although I won the times did not look quick on paper but it is a really hilly bike and they changed the run again to make it even harder.

Tonbridge coming up but not very confident as I am not feeling great this week because too much work and training has left me feeling very flat but maybe on the day I will feel fresh.