Epic Port Douglas race a real beauty
AUSTRALIA’S longest-running Olympic distance event is back for another year, with hundreds expected to descend on Port Douglas for the Coral Coast Triathlon.
The event is now in its 36th year.
Following on from the excitement and success of the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns last month, the best athletes from around Australia will compete on Sunday morning.
Cairns Crocs president Nick Carling is thrilled to be continuing the legend that is the Coral Coast Olympic Triathlon.
“This event is now in its 36th year running and everything is set and ready to go for race day,” Carling said.
“What makes this event so special is its heritage, its history and the incredible athletes such as Coral Coast legend Allan Moustakas, who is registered for his 23rd Coral Coast Triathlon.
“There are a few more legends out there, and we really do hope we get more legends turning up on race day.
“It’s unique, inspiring and just adds a very special touch to what is a sensational event.
“We have made a few small changes to the course and race precinct this year, which will improve the atmosphere and give spectators more opportunities to cheer on their athletes at each stage of the race.
“It’s going to be an amazing day – we can’t wait.”
The race is part of the Nissan State Series, which incorporates 17 of the most challenging and diverse events across Queensland, handpicked for the best season to date. With four different distances, there is an event for everyone from seasoned athletes to juniors.
Triathlete and former kick- boxer Renee Ker, who is also vice president of Cairns Crocs, believes the event showcases the beauty of North Queensland with an open-water ocean swim, a cycle through the beautiful palmed streets of Port Douglas and a beach run on Four Mile Beach.
“The location of it, you cycle through Port Douglas and it is a beach run and an ocean swim,” Ker said.
“It is a really good race, with a beautiful location.”
Ker runs TriMotivate Performance Triathlon Coaching, a Cairns coaching group for athletes training for triathlon and multi-sport events, offering swim, bike, run and strength training.
Her business offers programs for everyone from individuals wanting to race their first enticer event through to seasoned athletes training for Ironman events.
The biggest tip is not to change anything on race day just because it’s race day.
Don’t try any new food or sports drink that you haven’t trialled in training.
It’s not uncommon for competitors to try new sports gels on race day in the hope they will give them that extra burst of energy, or some kind of competitive edge This is a bad idea. Focus on not skipping meals and eating regularly leading up to the race.
Slightly reducing your vegetable and fibre intake the day before and increasing the amount of carbs (rice, pasta, noodles, potato, etc) can reduce the stress on your gut and store some extra rocket fuel.
On race day, stick with your regular breakfast and drink plenty of water, maybe even throw in a few mouthfuls of your favourite sports drink.
Ensure you have a sports drink ready to go for the bike ride. Staying hydrated in the Far North Queensland heat is so important.
Don’t forget to have a good nutrition plan to get you through the race that gives you enough carbs and ensures you are adequately hydrated.
Good luck!
SLIGHTLY REDUCING YOUR VEGETABLE AND FIBRE INTAKE THE DAY BEFORE AND INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF CARBS CAN REDUCE THE STRESS ON YOUR GUT AND STORE SOME EXTRA ROCKET FUEL
Mitch Smith is the director of Health Management Dietitians and an accredited sports dietitian