BUFFALO THRILLS
It’s rated as one of the toughest 70.3s on Planet Earth. So how would fare in his bid to scoop a Worlds Champs’ spot? We head to Buffalo City to find out…
There’s no feeling quite like crossing the Ironman red carpet, and Buffalo City in South Africa definitely knows how to put on a show. The feeling is contagious and makes you think about all that hard work that you, as an triathlete, have to put in to cross that 113km finish line.
I’ve been dabbling on and off in triathlon for 16 years since I was just nine-years-old, and I’m definitely now as one of the ‘old-school’ tri boys in my area of Swansea. My goal for the 2017 season is to race early and to get a slot for September’s Ironman 70.3 World Champs in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and South Africa seemed like the perfect race, so off we went!
FIN FLASHBACKS
In the days leading up to the race, Buffalo City has all sorts of weather: you name it we had it. The sea had been wild and the event organisers were unsure if the swim would even go ahead. Thankfully, come race morning, they decided just to chuck us all in.
Sticking to what works for me, my pre-race meal consists of pizza, chips and a beer. I find the best spot for a takeaway, eat like a king and, by 8pm, I’m in bed with my phone off and soon out like a light.
My alarm goes at 4am on race morning and I head straight down for a big breakfast of porridge. I’ll usually add some brioche but I
settle down for a doughnut this time round. I head to the swim start in plenty of time and at 7am it’s go, go, go!
Despite the week’s turbulent weather, the water is relatively calm. Yet as soon as I start the 1.9km swim, I start having flashbacks of the race briefing when we were warned about sharks! It definitely makes me swim faster, I just keep saying to myself ‘I need to get out of there’. I finish the swim in 31:17mins, 10th in my M25-29 age-group.
A swift T1 and out onto the bike course I go. I think this is without a doubt the hardest 70.3 bike courses in the world, with the majority of the course seemingly uphill. The course is just up and down the national freeway, and it’s a lonely cycle with little atmosphere. My 90km bike split is 2:50:40, 15th in my age-group, and I head out for the run after a swift 2:42min T2.
CHATTANOOGA CALLING
The run quickly establishes itself as brutal and swiftly turns into a pain-fest. The temperature peaks at 30ºC and there’s no wind so I have to adopt survival mode. I just want to get to the finish line. I can’t thank the locals enough for the huge support on the run course; it’s insane and really keeps me pushing.
I finish the half marathon in 1:34:41 and, overall, I’m satisfied with my performance. Without doubt, it’s the hardest 70.3 I’ve ever done and an experience I’ll never forget. With a 5:03:32 finish for 10th in my age-group, I’ve gotten what I want out of the race and I finally have my slot for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs! I celebrate with a few ciders, burger, chips and way too many piña coladas!
In terms of a race destination, Ironman 70.3 South Africa is definitely a bucket-list race, and something that’s extremely challenging but hugely honest. And did I forget to mention that it has the best goodie bag in triathlon?!