1. Falls Creek Long Course Triathlon (Vic, AUS)
All time favourite race in an all time favourite location. On a wind-less day when the sun is shinning, Falls is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I grew up tackling the ski slopes of Falls Creek, so when I heard there was going to be a tri at Falls over summer I knew that it would be a must do race. The triathlon which is held in February is of the long course format of 2km/80km/20km.
As the sun rose up over the mountains on race morning I could tell it was going to be one perfect day. The swim was one lap in the icy cool waters of the Rocky Valley Dam, followed by a three lap cycle which had a bit of everything - flat, steep climbs and sharp descents. The day finished off with a stellar 20km run along the aqueduct trail. Some races are just that, a race, but Falls is an experience. It was tough racing; the course was tough, the altitude was tough and the competition was tough, which when combined made for one rippa day out!
2.Alcatraz Triathlon (CA, USA)
I've done the Alcatraz Triathlon twice now, and it is by far one the the best races in the world. It is a tough as nails race. The day begins with competitors jumping from the ferry into the the icy cold San Fransisco waters off Alcatraz Island to battle the current, chop, sharks (??) and poor visibility in an attempt to make it back to dry land in one piece. It is then on to the bike for some challenging riding through the hills of San Fransisco. The run is by far one of the tougher runs going around. A nice 2km flat section at the beginning is followed by some super tough climbing up to the Golden Gate bridge, followed by a touch of sand running and then the torturous sand ladder climb. The return has some stellar views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. An awesome race which should be on every triathletes bucket list!
3. Kansas 70.3 (KS, USA)
"We're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy" was the running theme for the Kansas 70.3. This race was my favourite 70.3 while in the US. The beautiful scenery combined with world class competition in Chrissie Wellington and Leanda Cave made for some memorable racing. To be lining up against two of the greats in the sport was awesome.
The scenery out on the bike course was spectacular, with rolling fields that reminded me of Tassie and the support on course was the best. The run wound and wound thorough the local campgrounds, which made for some nice distraction when the going got tough. It was one of my best 70.3 races of the year. I felt strong, it was fun and I am definitely hoping to get back there next year for some more Wizard of Oz adventures!
So there you have it, 3 cracking races that remind me of why I do this awesome sport.
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