Sprint Duathlon World Championships, 29 Apr 2023

Following the European Championships in Venice in March, I was looking forward to another international competition. However, I wasn’t feeling great for a couple of weeks leading up to the event and missed quite a few training sessions, hoping that I’d feel better on the day.

The first run went well, we set off quite quickly down hill, a little bit of elbowing from the others as we went through some narrow sections but I got into a good pace. The course was flat with a couple of tight turns, it was along the seafront so lots of support from spectators.

I got to transition and felt tired, I then had to get on my bike up hill, unfortunately, this was a pinch point and I got stuck behind one of the older men who was struggling to get on his bike and I had to get off and push my bike around him.

The bike route was a there and back course, with a long incline followed by a downhill section to the turnaround point. I started off on my own on the bike then jumped onto the wheel of another athlete, I wanted to go faster so overtook her, as well as another pack, they drafted off me for a bit going uphill before overtaking me and leaving me behind. Several groups passed me, I tried to tag on but didn’t have the energy to keep up with them. I caught on to one group as we were about to go downhill, I kept up with them to the turnaround point and as they all slowed down, I nipped in front and pushed on up the hill. However, after they had drafted off me, they overtook and left me behind. I was on my own for the rest of the ride which was tough as there seemed to be quite a bit of wind. 

As I got towards transition, a lot of other riders were also heading in and as I dismounted my bike, I caught my foot on the saddle and fell over. I quickly picked myself back up and ran with my bike into transition. I had packed a pair of shoes which were easier to put on this time so I felt transition went smoothly, I then ran out, downhill and onto the same course as earlier. 

One lap along the coast this time and my legs felt heavy, I was looking forward to finishing and there was no chance of increasing the speed to catch up with other athletes in my group. As I turned the corner to head up to the finish, I could feel a woman on my right speeding up, the crowds were shouting, so I gave it my all and sprinted to the finish, just beating her.

Although I wasn’t feeling 100%, I’m pleased with how I did on the day and really happy to come in the top 10 for my age group.

Sarah Hunter