Race: Queensland Schools State Triathlon Champs Hervey Bay
Distance: 750/20/5
Category: Senior Men
Result: 11th Place Senior Male - Qualified for the Queensland White Team
 
It was that time of year again — State All Schools, a race that I look forward to each year. I had a goal with this race, and it was to finish in the top group to qualify for Queensland All Schools Nationals. I felt as if I had prepared well for the race. I had felt strong in training and was keen to race.
 
Swim:
The swim was a beach start, it was very packed on the start line with no room to move. I knew it would be key to get off to a fast start to be out in front and not get caught up in the boxing match of competitors around the first buoy. I had a great start and was in the front group and managed to avoid the carnage at the first buoy. The plan was to sit in on the feet and hold my position, saving some energy for the bike and running.
 
Bike:
I came out of the swim just off the front group and knew the bike would be vital in securing a position on the State Team. I jumped onto the bike, the legs felt heavy and I did not feel comfortable in my setup. I tried to increase my cadence to loosen my legs up, however it didn't help. I was slowly fading on the bike and knew I just needed to hold my position and give everything I have on the run.
 
Run:
I came off the bike feeling like crap, but I knew I just needed to run as hard as I could to try and catch up for lost time on the bike. I thought my legs would loosen up from the bike but they didn't change at all. I managed to get into a rhythm on the run but it was far too late, I had already lost a lot of time from the bike and beginning of the run, my goal was just to finish the race.
 
Summary:
Overall, I started the race very strong with a good swim, and I was pleased to see that the hard training had paid off. The bike was very disappointing, as I felt as if I was going nowhere and my legs felt heavy. The run leg I was trying to salvage my race but it was already too late. I ended up 11th overall and qualified for the new Queensland White Team for Nationals. It was time now to put that past behind me and recover ready for AJTS Race 3 in Devonport.
 
Thank you to the Sponsors for your support of the SCTA Junior Scholarship Program

Race: AJTS Race 3 - Devonport
Distance: 750/20/5
Category: Junior Men
Result: 25th Place ITU Junior Male
 
It was time for the third race of the AJTS at Devonport. I was keen to race and make up for my poor race at State Schools in Hervey Bay. I was eager to have a good race, and was in good form and in a good mindset coming into the race.
 
Swim:
The swim was a beach start, another packed start line with minimal room to move. It was a good swim course with a little bit of swell. I knew it would be hectic to get to the first swim buoy. I made sure that I was ready for when the start gun was going to go off. We were off and racing and knew I had to be aggressive at the start in order to have a good swim. I was positioned in a decent position and knew that the bike would be a good place to make up some ground.
 
Bike:
I came out of the swim in a good position not with the top age junior but the boys my age. I got onto the bike and was already in a small group. We were a bit slow to start working together, but once we did we started to catch the bike group in front. It was the final lap of the bike and I could see the bike group we had been chasing just in front, so I knew I had to go know in order to catch them. I attacked up the hill and caught the group by the top turnaround. Tactically, I knew I just needed to sit on and get ready for a fat run.
 
Run:
I had a fast and strong bike and was pleased with where I was in the field. I knew that I needed to execute a good run from here on. I got off the bike and couldn't feel my toes due to the cold weather. I even had toe warmers on my bike shoes and it didn’t help. However I wasn’t worried as I knew once I started running they would be fine. I made the mistake of coming off the bike at the back of the pack. This meant when I came out of transition there was basically nobody to run with. I was chasing and made up some positions, but I could get into a fast rhythm until the last lap where it was too late. However I finished strong and was pleased with the race I executed.
 
Summary:
Overall, I was very pleased with the race I had and executed. There were a lot of positives to come out of the race after a poor race at State Schools. Know it was time to recover and tune up for the back end of the season.
 
Thank you to the sponsors for your support of the SCTA Junior Scholarship Program.

SCTA Junior Scholarship 6-Month Race Report
The first six months of the season has been full of action as well as having its ups and downs. However, I have been able to overcome many hurdles in my way with the help and watchful eye of coach Toby Coote of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy (SCTA).

So far, I've learnt to incorporate racing strategies that suit my style of racing with the combination of new tips and tricks, and I look forward to learning more and executing them in future races. I must emphasize, I have been very fortunate to have sponsors such as the SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship in my corner as this has helped me tremendously.

The SCTA / Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship is made possible by the ongoing support from both local businesses from the Sunshine Coast and organisations such as the Event Management Company the Event Crew.

Nutrition, Equipment and Coaching:
This season started earlier than usual, after qualifying for the 2019 Age Group World Champs in Lausanne Switzerland. Instead of doing the usual strength-building pre-season, I was already beginning the speed work. I was looking forward to the race already receiving some of my new gear including my super sweet Vanquish wetsuit provided by SCTA sponsor Titan Performance Group/Zone 3 Australia.

The new Zone 3 Vanquish wetsuit is a quality product made for triathletes. It is much easier to put on, fits excellent, maximum flexibility, glides over the water, is super fast and ITU compliant. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an outstanding wetsuit.

Vorgee an Australian owned and managed company located here in Queensland are just fantastic, and at nearly every event I have attended. They are always on hand to give advice and answer any questions I may have. Vorgee, have provided me with my essential training equipment and a vast range of goggles to suit all my racing. I change my goggle regularly to adapt to the swimming conditions.

For me, I love wearing the Vorgee Stealth Mk11 Mirror Lens goggles as my first choice for sunny conditions both in the pool or out in the ocean as they provide great visual clarity and adapt to the glare. The Vorgee Torpedo Silver Mirrored Lens goggles is my second choice, they are fantastic to swim in, fit well and great visual clarity also. Thank you again, Vorgee for your continued support throughout the season you have provided not just to me but SCTA.

Training for three separate disciplines puts a considerable strain on any athlete's energy reserves. I have been very fortunate through the scholarship to work with Tara Leanne Nutrition and Unique Health products. Tara provides me with fabulous recipes and advice on how to maintain my nutritional requirements for training and racing throughout the season.

In addition to the above nutritional advice and meal plans provided by Tara, I was given the opportunity to visit the company Unique Health products located at the Sunshine Coast with Coach Toby Coote and SCTA Female Junior recipient Ella Woodridge. It was a fantastic opportunity and experience to see all the healthy products they distribute nationally.

Unique Health products are distributers of CLIF Bar and Company products. The Australian CLIF journey continues to play a significant role in my pre and post-training and race day preparation. I have been using these products for the past 18 months. I am a student and training starts both before and after school for me. I always have the CLIF Bar – Chocolate Chip or a Crunchy Peanut Butter bar in my sports bag as they are two of my favorites and are consumed daily as part of managing me energy level before training and racing.

I love the CLIF BLOKS – Energy Chews, I would have to say, I probably overuse these items as I like really like them, they are easy to use during racing for the quick energy find, taste great and are made up of 95% organic ingredients. Thank-you CLIF Australia for the great products.

Racing Highlights:
I had my first hit out at the Rainbow Beach Double Triathlon Sprint Distance, two weeks before heading overseas. I was successful in taking the win both days for my age-group; this was a good confidence booster for me mentally and physically.

My goal for Lausanne was to finish in the top 20 as the age category I was racing in was 16-19 years, and I had only just turned 16. I acknowledged it would be challenging to achieve this goal in a massive field of 90 other competitors from across the world in which I knew very little about my competition. On arrival overseas, I knew I would have some jet lag, so, I made sure I caught up on sleep before following the training program provided to me by Toby. While abroad, I had to maintain a balance of training and school work as well, so time management was essential for me to learn and manage as part of my training.

Race day arrived, and I was feeling pretty nervous but confident at the same time. I finished ninth overall from a field of 90+ competitors, the racing was hard and fast, and I loved every bit of it. I left Lausanne with a craving to do more.

Now it was time to start building the strength for the rest of the season.
Intune Sports and Physio: Brodie Gardner, Director and Head of Sport Science & Exercise Physiology provides both myself and my younger brother with strength and conditioning sessions each week. These sessions are designed to produce physiological adaptations that help improve stability, strength, speed and power needed for the three disciplines of triathlon which I can now see the benefits filtering through in my racing and training.

It was great to have the EVENT CREW on board with the SCTA scholarship, allowing for an entry into the Queensland Triathlon Series (QTS) races. These races are great training races for early in the season. Under the guidance of Toby Coote I stepped it up and have been racing in the Open category to try and improve my mental stability and push myself. This has been a great learning experience, and I have taken away some valuable lessons and tips.

During the season, Mizuno Running Australia has provided Demo days for all SCTA Team members to test their range of performance/running shoes. These days are great opportunities for SCTA members to trial shoes and work out what best suits their feet. I have been racing in the Mizuno Duel Race Flats for triathlon and have found them light on your feet and fast.

The Recovery Room located on Level 1, The Sports Hub, Bokarina, for great advice and the use of its sports science-based recovery methodologies. My favorites are the Normatec compression therapy and use of the cold and hot water therapy and the view while using this equipment.

What is in store for the next six months?
The next few months have several important races planned, including AJTS Canberra, Devonport, New Plymouth and QLD All Schools Championships. There are still a few of the QTS preparation races, thanks to the support of the event crew.

As mentioned, none of this would be possible without the continuing support from SCTA/Protector Aluminium Junior Scholarship Sponsors. Working closely with all these sponsors has enabled me to improve my skills and provide the equipment to develop and strength physically and mentally. Also, maintaining my nutrition and managing my recovery so that I am physically fit each time for my next race.

Thank you to Tara Partridge| Tara Leanne Nutrition and Unique Health products| CLIF Bar Australia for the excellent CLIF Bars, Gels and Blocks. Recovery Room - love the ice baths, Intune Sports and Health for strength and conditioning training. Titan Performance Group/Zone 3 Australia for wetsuit and Vorgee for all my swimming essentials. Mizuno Running Australia for supplying my running needs and Cannibal Australia for as always a reliable and comfortable suit that fits well and always looks good on.

The Event Crew for providing great races in the Triathlon Queensland Series for 2019-2020 season. I would also like to thank ongoing support provided to SCTA throughout the season - Rydges Hotels and Resorts, Ironman Oceania, Allez Sport Mooloolaba, Davey and Associates Optometrist, Felt Bicycles Australia, Kawana Aquatic Centre and Rackley Swimming.

Thank you again, Grant Symes - Group General Manager at Protector Aluminium for the continued support and Coach Toby Coote SCTA for making this opportunity possible.

Race: AJTS SSRW
Date: Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th of December 2019
Distance: Various distances for each event
Category: Junior Men
Result : 9th B Final / 37th Overall
 
It was that time of year again, four days, six brutal races, all the hard work had been done leading up to this event. I was feeling pretty confident that I would race well and consistently over the weekend against the older boys. I was ready to get started.
 
Day 1 - 1500m 
The first event was the run which was a 1500m time trial. An event that I enjoy racing as it gives an indication of what time I can run and how much if I have improved over the year. The overall plan/goal was to sit on the group and build into the final lap, before opening up down the straight to the finish line. I knew the race was going to be fast, so I knew all I had to do was just sit and wait, knowing that some of the runners would go out too hard and blow their legs up for the backend of the race.
 
The race started and it was fast, the first 400m was sub 1minute. I was sitting last at this point, just cruising on the back, holding my technique as the pace started to settle. I began to move my way up towards the front. It was the last lap I was sitting around 7th or 8th ready to open up. I started to pick up the pace in the last 300m and went past a few runners and moved my way up into around 4th or 5th. I had a pretty strong run and was happy with my run time of 4:14 an improvement on last year.
 
I felt ready for some more racing to come.
 
Day 2 - Triathlon (Ultra Sprint) - 300/6/1.2
It was day two of racing. The legs were a little heavily from the 1500m, but I felt good going into today's day of racing. I was again in the first heat, which had some of the older boys in it. I saw this as a positive; as this would make me try and push even harder to catch them throughout the race.
 
Swim:
It was a short and fast 300m pool swim. I knew my swim skills were going to be crucial in this race since swimming in the pool is very different to swimming in open water. The race started, and I knew I needed to try and control the first 100m otherwise, I would go out too hard and not have anything for the rest of the swim. I tried to control the first 100m, but the plan went out the window after the first 15m. I swam through the first 100m in a good position, but then I began to drop off the pace in the swim slowly. I knew I needed to have a fast transition to be up with the lead athletes.
Bike:
I had a fast transition and sprinted to the mount line. I jumped on my bike and knew I just had to go full gas to catch up. When I got onto the main section of the course, it was clear that there was not one big group, but lots of small groups of around 2 and 3. I was sitting about 12th when I jumped onto the bike. I needed to go flat out to catch up to make up for my poor swim. I got into a fast pace and executed the corners well, making up much ground. I was feeling great on the bike and just kept catching up to each group. I ended up catching up to the lead group after having ridden most of the ride solo. I understood it was all down to the run.
Run:
I came off the bike approximately 4th and had a great transition to get out onto the run. I felt heavy in the first 200-300m of the run, knowing I had just cooked my legs to catch up on the bike. However, I put that behind me and just gritted my teeth and just started running. I made my way up into third, catching second, but I was beginning to fade, I was passed in the last 200m and end up finishing 4th for my heat.
Overall:
I was pleased with my execution on the bike and run, it was probably the hardest bike and run I have ever done, but now was feeling positive for the aquathlon in the afternoon and the other triathlons in the coming days.
 
Day 2 - Aquathlon (cancelled to next day)
The weather was starting to change the clouds were getting darker, and the wind picked up. There was lots of lightning and thunder. We were at the tent wondering if they were going to cancel the event or not, but when the wind picked up, and it began to rain, we advised to head over to the grandstand for cover since it was not safe to be outside. We watched as tents we blown away; the barriers were blown around, shoes in transition blown across the transition area and the entire track flooded. 
 
TQ made an announcement, and all event cancelled for the rest of the day.
 
Day 3 - Mixed team relays (cancelled) (Aquathlon done instead) - 400/800
After yesterdays storm, the decision was made to cancel the mixed team relays and do the aquathlon instead. I was looking forward to the mix team relays but, know it was time to focus on the aquathlon. 
Swim:
I knew the swim would be critical to a good aquathlon race since the run was so short making it impossible to make up much time if my swim was poor. The race started again. I knew I would need to control the first 100m and try and pick up my pace as the swim went on. I managed the start well but didn't have the arms or legs to pick up the pace. I had a poor swim so I knew it was down to a flat out run now.
Run:
I came out of the water, knowing I needed to make up time from the swim. So I sprinted out of transition, acknowledging I needed to go flat out from the short 800m run. I found a good rhythm in the run and started moving through the field, making up positions, but it was too late. I ended up finishing 8th in my heat, which was not too bad. I was very pleased with my run and was keen for the triathlon this afternoon.
 
Day 3 - Triathlon (Ultra Sprint) - 300/6/1.2
It had been a few hours since finishing the aquathlon. In that time I knew it would be essential to recover and fuel the body for the triathlon this afternoon. The body was a bit sore, but I knew I would just have to overcome that pain and race hard.
Swim:
It was a short and fast 300m pool swim again. The race started, and I needed to try and control the first 100m, which I managed to do. I was now able to find some speed in the back half of the swim. My arms were still weighty from the aquathlon this morning. I tried to rely on my kick, which seemed to work. The swim was coming to close, and I knew it was now time to hammer the bike and run.
Bike:
I had a good, clean transition and sprinted to the mount line. I jumped on my bike and began to chases the leaders, my legs felt great on the bike, and I was gaining meters on every pedal stroke. I chased hard and caught up to the main bike pack. I just decided to sit for the last few hundred meters to get my heart rate down, ready for the run.
Run:
I came off amongst a fairly large group it was a running race now. I ran out of transition with some heavy legs which took the first hundred meters to get going up to speed. I then found my rhythm and began to run hard. I made a few positions up on the run but ultimately fell short finishing around 4th in my heat again.
Overall:
I was pleased with my execution on the bike and run. It was again another hard bike and run. Since the main racing was finished, it was time for recovery for tomorrow’s final race. 
 
Day 4 - Triathlon ( FINAL) - 400/8/1.6
It was the final race of the weekend the final. I had some great races but was just off the pace, hence made the B final. There were 5 finals for the junior men with 91 starters. I was now really starting to feel the sting in the legs from all the races, but I just needed to find some energy deep down to get me through just one more race.
Swim:
For the swim, I needed to swim well to try and stay with the leaders as long as I can so I would not have to cook the legs on the bike trying to catch up. The swim started, and I focused on getting through each lap hard. I was positioned just off the leading group for the swim and knew a fast transition would have to count to make up time now.
Bike:
I pushed the transition to be just off the leading pack when mounting. Nevertheless, when I mounted, I heard a crack when I jumped on my bike and never took any notice of it. I could feel my seat moving around when I was riding, but this was not my focus all I could think of was get on the pack. I came onto the main section of the bike course just off the group. I was pushing hard but not going anywhere, my legs felt cooked, and I was struggling to push any power on the bike. I tried to minimize the ground I lost, but it was just building. The run would have to save me now.
Run:
I came off the bike, I was not happy with my bike leg, I had some work to do on the run. It was motivating to have my coach Toby Coote, family and friends on the side of the track cheering me on. I kept telling myself to pick up my leg speed, hold and relax. This helped me maintain a nice rhythm early on, and I started to gain the ground I lost on the bike. It was the last 300m, and there were about 3 athletes just in front of me. I needed to kick now! I picked up my speed and sprinted to the line, passing those three athletes and nearly catching another but just left my sprint too late to catch him.
 
Overall:
I was pleased with my race considering starting to feel fatigued and having broken my seat when jumping onto my bike for the final didn't help with trying to drive my legs on the bike. I was super happy with my run execution as I was able to make time up. Now it was time to relax and recover from the week of racing

RACE - QTS # 3 - Kawana Tri]
Distance - 750/20/5
First OPEN Race

QTS Kawana was race 3 of the series I knew it was going to be a challenging race deciding to race again in the open men category. However, I was determined to have a strong race.
 
Swim: 
​The swim was a beach start, the field was not very large which was good because I knew many of the other competitor's capabilities, I was positioned on the inside and knew and needed to have a good start to be at the front around the first swim buoy. I started well but got bashed up around the first swim buoy which I expected, but I found my swim rhythm early and just sat at the back of the group saving my energy for the rest of the race. 
 
Bike:  
I had fast transition and made up some time, I knew on the bike I just had to settle into a fast pace and try not to lose any ground to some of the older and stronger athletes ahead of me. I tried to find a good pace to sit through on the somewhat technical course. I sat at an average tempo for most of the bike leg but was lacking the legs in the final lap. Unfortunately, as I was coming around to the far turnaround point on the last lap (1km from transition), I was given a 3min drafting penalty. Just before the corner where a few riders around me came together bunching up for the turn. I was both annoyed and frustrated about receiving the penalty as I was not given any warning unlike others and I had ridden the entire race myself until the last kilometer. 
 
 Yes, I must admit I was bitterly disappointed and felt very deflated. I was more annoyed having ridden pretty much the entire race with no-one in front of me and to receive the penalty felt like a kick in the teeth. I had to slow down when the official was speaking to me which allowed other riders to go past. I gathered myself and made the decision to continue to ride on and not serve the 3 minute penalty knowing I would be disqualified at the end of the race.
 
Reflecting back and after speaking with my coach Toby Coote about my frustration, I should have approached the official after the race for some feedback on why I was given the penalty. I understand this is racing but I pride myself on doing the right thing and following the rules
.
Run: 
I ran out of transition and yes I was not happy. I had lost my concentration and was not mentally focused for the run ahead. I should have been focused on finishing the race and putting in a strong run leg. I could not find my rhythm, I felt I was just going through the motions of just finish the race. 
 
In Summary: 
I was pleased with my swim and the start of the bike, but after my legs started to fatigue and I received a penalty, my race was over mentally and I just made it my goal to finish. Being able to speak with Toby about the penalty and some strategies for future racing will hopefully help me to better manage the mental side of racing.
 
Now my focus is to work on some shorter stuff for SSRW coming up in December at Runaway Bay as part of the Australian Junior Series Race # 1 
 
I would like to personally thank the SCTA Junior scholarship sponsors for all your support.
 
I would also like to thank the Event Crew for running the series and supporting the SCTA Junior Scholarship Holders and Triathlon Queensland Officials and all the volunteers for making these events possible.

Race: Queensland All Schools Triathlon – Lake Kawana
Date: Sunday 27th of October 2019
Distance: 750/20/5
Category: Senior Men
Result: 8th Place
 
It was that time of year again — Queensland All Schools at Kawana, a race that is fun but challenging. I had
a goal with this race, and it was to finish on the podium. I felt as if I had prepared well for the race. I had felt strong in training well and was excited to race.
 
Swim:
The swim was a knee depth start, it was a pretty large field as usual, and I knew it was essential to be in the leading swim group to give myself the best chance for the rest of the race. The buoys were positioned quite a long way out, allowing the swim to start not to be so hectic. I waited on the start line, I tightened my Vorgee stealth Mark II goggles I determined and focused. The start siren went off. I started the swim with a solid start and found my swim stroke early on. For the entire swim, I was in the front group just sitting in comfortable trying to save energy for the rest of the race.
 
Bike:
I had a fast transition and was out onto the bike with the leaders. I had a plan to push
on the bike on the technical course, but that plan went south after crashing on the first U-turn. I came into the corner to fast, and my back wheel slides right out on the off-camber section of the curve. After eventually getting back up and fixing up my chain, I tried to settle into a nice speed and gain some ground and limit my losses on the bike.
 
Run:
I went on to the run with some lost time needing to gained, and I started with a steady
tempo that I knew I needed to hold for the rest of the race. I felt good running in my new
Mizuno Wave Duals and made some good ground overtaking a few competitors. Ultimately, I need just a little bit more run distance, and I would have caught up to some fast-fading
runners and finish 5th place. But I just fell short, coming in 8th overall not bad for having
crashed and lost a fair bit of time.
 
Summary:
Overall, I started the race very strong with a fantastic swim, and I was pleased to
see that the hard training is beginning to pay off. The crash on the bike was not ideal for a
race I had some high expectations for, but that didn’t stop me from just pushing hard to the
finish line. Ended up with some nasty skin off my back, elbow and hip but luckily no damage
to my bike and cannibal suit.
 
Now ready and looking forward to more racing to come.
 
Thank you to the following sponsors for your support; Unique Health foods, Vorgee,
Cannibal Australia, Mizuno Running Australia, Intune Sports Massage, Tara Leanne
Nutrition, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, The Event Crew, Ironman Oceania, Allez Sport
Mooloolaba, Davey and Associates Optometrist, Queensland Triathlon Series, Felt Bicycles
Australia, Kawana Aquatic Centre, Rackley Swimming, Titan Performance Group / Zone 3
Australia and of course Grant Symes from protector Aluminium for all your support.

Raby Bay Triathlon Race Report
Race: Queensland Triathlon Series
Date: Sunday 13th of October 2019
Distance: 900/25/6
Category: Open Men
Result – 11th Place / 13th Overall  

QTS Robina race 2 of the series I knew it was going to be a challenging
race deciding to race the long distance in the open men category, however, I
was determined to have a strong race.

Swim:
The swim was longer than what I usually swim but I didn't see this as a disadvantage, I knew that I just have to swim strong and hold my speed and rhythm throughout the entire swim. I knew because I was racing opens, I would most likely come out behind everyone in the swim yet I didn’t let that thought slow me down. I started the swim strong but was beat up a bit, but nevertheless I still I was positioned pretty well in the
second swim group. I stayed with the pack for the whole swim and came out of the water in a good position. 

Bike:  
I had a fast transition and made up some time, I knew on the bike I just had to settle into a fast pace and try not to lose any ground on the competitors in front of me. I watched as the lead riders started to get further and further away but it didn’t bother me, they were all TT Bikes and have lots more experience and strength on me. This was a massive learning curve that will enhance my development further into this season of racing. I was happy to hold my position from the swim to the bike only being overtaken once. Now I knew it was up to the run

Run:
​I came out of transition strong and knew that I needed to hold my leg cadence (been working on this in training) and find my rhythm for the duration of the run. I found a comfortable speed at which I slowly started to increase leading up to the finish. I had a pretty strong run, although I lost my rhythm / Form and cadence in the final lap and was overtaken. I finished strong and was quite happy with my run. There are some points I have taken out of the race and will adapt into training to perform better next race.

Summary:
In summary, I was pleased with my outcome from the race. I know that there is still some work to do but it is early in the season. Racing Opens opposed to Age Group showed the next level at which I need to be at. I am proud to see the progression from training being implemented into the racing arena.

Next Race
Queensland All Schools on home turf at Lake Kawana on 27th October

Robina Triathlon Race Report
Race: Queensland Triathlon Series Race # 1
Date: Sunday 29th of September 2019
Distance: 750/24/5 
Category: 16 -19 Men
Result : DNF

QTS Robina was the first race back since Lausanne and was the first race of the Queensland Triathlon Series. I would like to thank the Event Crew who has given me the opportunity to participate in this race as well as the entire QTS series as part of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy Protector Aluminum Junior Scholarship.

Swim:
The swim was a hip depth start; it was a pretty large field as usual and I knew it was important to be in the leading swim group. The buoys were positioned quite a long way out allowing the swim to start to not be so hectic. I started the swim with a very strong start and found my swim stroke early on. for the entry of the swim I was in the front group. It was great to see all the swimming practice had paid off with the swim feeling relatively easy and I was able to be one of the leading swimmers out.

Bike:  
I had a fast transition and was out onto the bike I tried to settle into a nice speed but I was starting to have some stomach cramps and pains I had started to feel in the day leading up to the race. On the bike, I was losing time I couldn’t get comfortable with the stomach pains I was facing. The goal was just to finish the bike and limit my losses and try and stretched it out on the run.

Run:
I went onto the run with some lost time needing to gain however after stretching out in transition the pains kept holding me back. I decided I would finish the first lap of the run and see how it was from there. But it kept getting worse I pulled up with a lap to go after vomiting at the aid station and thought it was the best option for my general health. 

Summary:
Overall, I started the race very strong with a fantastic swim, and I was pleased to see that the hard training is starting to pay off. The cramping I suffered throughout the race was just a case of bad luck since I have never had cramping like this before, after speaking to coach Toby he said it was most likely a stomach bug that I picked up in the lead-up days causes the cramping. Hence was still happy to be out there racing again. There were positives that I will take out of the race and implement in the coming races that I will be competing in.

Thank you to the following sponsors for your support; Unique Health foods, Vorgee, Cannibal Australia, Mizuno Running Australia, Intune Sports Massage, Tara Leanne Nutrition, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, The Event Crew, , Ironman Oceania, Allez Sport Mooloolaba, Davey and Associates Optometrist, Queensland Triathlon Series, Felt Bicycles Australia, Kawana Aquatic Centre, Rackley Swimming, Titan Performance Group / Zone 3 Australia and of course Grant Symes from protector Aluminium for all your support.

ITU World Triathlon Championships Lausanne, Switzerland - Race Report 
Race: World Triathlon Championships
Date: Saturday 31st of August 2019
Distance: 750/20/5 - Draft Legal
Result: 9th Place 16-19 Year Male
 
I arrived in Lausanne 7 days prior to racing in my first International event. First day was relax and sleep to catch on the time zone change over. The rest of the week was all about familiarizing myself with the swim, bike and run legs of the race. We were staying close by which was great as it allowed me to ride each day on the cycle course. As for the swim, I was able to use the local pool for laps and the lake for open water training. The run was pretty straight forward; there were plenty flat and hilly areas for run training. I spread my training over both as the race bike and run course were both hilly. I also took over my Normatec Boots to help with recovery in between races as well as my Fisiocrem. I am fortunate as the scholarship holder to have a nutrition plan provided by Tara Leanne Nutrition which is both helping me to understand the right nutrition I need before, during and after racing. Thank-you Tara.
 
Preparation for the race: I kept on top of my hydration from the moment I stepped of the plane, as it was much hotter in Lausanne then in Australia. All the hard training sessions with Coach Toby Coote and my team mates from SCTA, meal plans, blood, sweat and tears had all lead to this moment. I was eager to race! It was my first-time racing internationally, and I was really stoked to be here. I was ready!
 
Swim: It was a stacked field with 85 other competitors on the start line with me. I knew it was vital for a fast and clean start. It was a deep water start, so I made sure I positioned myself on the outside with some other fellow Australians which I knew were strong swimmers. It was a crammed start line. The start hooter went off. I had a clean start and was positioned on the back of the front group. The first buoy was 200 meters out so it was spread out, but when we hit the buoy it was carnage. I managed to get hit in the stomach and was winded slightly, finding it hard to get my rhythm and breathe for a few meters, yet I kept pushing the pace on the swim to try to be there in the front pack. I came out of the water roughly around 20th around 30sec off the top swimmer, so I knew I had to have a fast transition to make up some lost time from the swim.
 
Bike: I had a great transition making up some good ground but just missed the front pack. I found myself in the second pack consisting of around 15 other athletes with a group of 5 up the road. The course was very hilly and I knew I could use this to my advantage and put some attacks on to break up the pack and that is exactly what I did. The pace on the bike was brutal we came into transition 5 seconds off the lead group; it all came down to the run.
 
Run: I had yet another fast transition and ran out in 6th position. A small group of roughly 5 of us came together on the run trying to catch up to the leaders. We passed a couple of the boys from the front group on the hill. The run course was also hilly and again the pace was hot. I was still in a fairly large group with about 1km to go, we were fighting it out. A few of the boys put some surges on and I was dropped with 600m to go the legs were cooked from the hard bike, but I knew I had to keep going hard till the end. I managed to find some final reserves and came in for 9th place.
 
Summary: I was stoked with a top 10 finish. I was happy with how I executed my race and gave it all out on the course. It was a completely different experience racing Internationally, I learnt many things and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.
 
Congratulations to all the other Australians who raced. Thank you to Coach Toby Coote for preparation, SCTA sponsors who provide me with the best equipment and opportunities for racing and my family and friends for supporting me. ​