The first race of the birkirkara st joseph Triathlon Series was one to remember. I went into the race not in the best possible condition as i was very sick in the beginning of race week. I did not train for four days, so my target to go under the hour had to change to try and at least win the race.
(photo courtesy: George Bonnici)
I tried to start the race on a high momentum but from the first strokes in the swim i noticed that i was not that sharp. I tried to hang on with a relay team swimmer but the pace was very fast and since i had a triathlon and not a swim, i settled in my owm pace. I was feelimg strong but noticed that i was not so fast. Covered 750m in 11.30 and i was closly followed by team mate Carl Attard
Carl has a strong bike and a good run, so since am not in shape i thought that the race won't be an easy one to win. On the bike we pushed ourselves to the limit trying to open a gap but no one could make the difference. We both covered 20km just over 30mins and considering it was windy, the time was excellent. Same thing happened in the run. None of us could open a gap so the race had to be decided in a sprint finish.
(photo courtesy: Mariel Sacco)
At this stage of the race, the 2008 championships crossed my mind. I lost that championships in a sprint finish against my brother by a mere 6 seconds. Although i was in a better shape than him i lost the race. So i reduced alot my pace and waited for the right moment. I attacked at 800m to go. Carl responeded immediately but noticed that he was suffering. AT 200M TO GO I gave the last kick and went to win the race in 1.00.39. Only 20seconds away from my personal best
Considering i was not in shape, I am pleased with my performance but a bit dissappointed because i realised that i missed another good chance to go under the hour. I enjoyed doing the race because it was an exciting race till the end with 2 athletes give their utmost till the end based on true sportsmanship. These type of races makes one confirm how nice sports is.
(photo courtesy: Chris Azzopardi)
2 weeks after i particpated in the 2nd race of the National Cycling Championship. A 33km TT around the usual course in Salina. I had another great performance placing 4th in a time of 48.15 keeping an aveerage speed of 41.1km/hr. This is my best ever resut and placing in a Time Trial among the best Time trailist in Malta. Last year my best placing in a TT was 8th so there is a considerable improvement.
(photo courtesy: Mariel Sacco)
That's all for now
Yours
Keith
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