Klagenfurt 5150 was held for the first time and Sione Riders were of course taking part. After a great season start in Pörtschach I was hopping to keep up the performance so no fouling about. Jonas and Miriam were my support team and did a great job - Morals support, Chearing and Screaming ;). So the first wave started, the Pros. Then the main age group got ready for the start so off into the water and look for a good position to start, of course at the front. As the starting shot was fired I gave everything to get out of the main field to the front. Everything went as planned apart from some kicks and hits in the face, the usual. Round the Loretto into the Lend and now the long part started. Just a long channel which seems to have no end and I got slower and slower. At least I could here Jonas through the water screaming his lungs out, which kept me awake. A sharp turn at the end and out of the water, a fast run into the transition made up at least 3 positions. Onto my beloved Sione K11.5, and make it a great ride. Not my best discipline but I needed to keep the position. First uphill which wore me out after the swim. No time for self pity, so on I went. After the first round I had an average of 36.5km/h but suddenly I got tired so I chucked down a energy bar and got back on the hill. About 8 people overtook me, which is less than usual so it seems I was doing ok. The second round was still bad and I got cramps at the end and this would kill my only hope, the run. Through the transition, picking up my goggles which I seemed to have lost earlier and into my running shoes. Everything started to cramp up, but I had to run. I fought and could only do small steps. Jonas and Miri fired me up, which gave me a load of energy every time I passed them. The last km was the longest, but not because my legs were filled with led but they had a bit of error in there measurement and signs - it was about 1.5km long.
But after 2:22:02 h I got to the finish line, got a great 60th place (12th age group).
Other Sione Riders were:
Alex Nussbaumer (2:11:46h) ranked 30th (4th age group) and improved greatly to last year. Gratulation!
Melanie Križ had her first Triathlon debut and did a great 3:19:35h. Gratulation!
The Bike was about 44km and the run about 10.5km so not quite a perfect olympic distance.
