European Middle Distance Aquabike Championships, 17 May 2025

Once again we got the long 2 night ferry to Spain.  Nice flat crossing and very relaxing. I had booked the hotel fairly late so we were just outside the city in a lovely Spa hotel. Fabulous 6 course meal the first evening, I possibly might need to eat less to get up those hills I thought. Like it is with these events you sign up and pay before getting sight of the courses. Then the bike course was announced - 84k with 900m of elevation.

I am really poor at hills, far too heavy. I did manage to lose a few kilos from Xmas to the race but really needed it to be a few more. For weeks beforehand I have stressed and worried about the really harsh cut off time they had in place for this race. Aquabike ladies always start last, and looking at the schedule we would have 4 hours 30 to finish if we were lucky and started on time.

Driving and riding a bit of the bike course did not alleviate my fears. It confirmed it was really hilly and there were some scary steep downhill switchbacks at the start. I'm riding this on my TT bike, which I've not really ridden down a proper hill before. No disc brakes! A complicated split transition,  swim and T1 were at a reservoir 45k from the city, with the finish in the city. Fabulous location and was going to be a scenic bike ride. 

All set I woke up on race morning with a full on cold. Just what I needed. Dosed up and put it out of my mind. We all had to line up in transition in wetsuits, with our bikes in the midday heat to be called in waves for the start.

Off we went super long downhill trek to the water, which culminated in a ramp of 40%. I nearly went over trying to walk down, not being the steadiest on my pins downhill. Finally I was safely in the water in a lovely lake. Decided on a steady swim as breathing was tricky due to my cold. All went well getting back up the ramp easier than I expected.

Slight hiccup in transition as my top tube bag was not attached correctly. Soon I was sorted and on my way, managing the switchbacks if a little slowly.  

Now I was doing mental maths as we had started late so I now had 4hrs 15 from the start to finish. I put everything I could into the first two climbs knowing there was a longish down after that. I really went for the easy section, totally aero zooming past the lighter girls who had overtaken me uphill. I was pleased with that. I then dug in knowing that from 55kish to the end was going to be harder with not many recovery places. I think I was really suffering at 64k on a hill but hung in there. I kept checking my watch it was going to be close. I had been leapfrogging with another GB athlete from a much younger age group.

When I got to the outskirts of the city I passed her for the last time telling her there was a hill just before transition. I pushed hard starting to think I could make it. Finally the last push up the hill and into transition.

With 7 mins to spare, I crawled off my bike totally and utterly exhausted, not able to think or move. A kind marshal helped me and my bike to my waiting husband. I don't think I have ever felt so exhausted after a race.

I was 9th and didn't get a DNF result. Many people didn't make the times.

The training has paid off, thanks to Tim. I am still woefully slow uphill. I was surprised how much faster than others I was when not going uphill. I certainly found the focus I was missing the previous weekend at the British Champs.

I was pretty unwell for a week afterwards. 

Now better and planning an attempt on Mont Ventoux tomorrow.

Julia Dolman