A land of the Bible and security checks! After overnighting in Tel Aviv, I travelled with Hendrik De Villiers of South Africa to Eilat, whom I shared a timeshare accommo with (much cheaper than hotel). Meant we did our own shopping and could eat what we wanted. There was all the hype and organisation of a World Cup leading to race start.
I hit the water somewhere in the middle of the commotion (pic) and after a few kicks to the head, I found my posi in the water. I exited the 1500m at the back of the first pack and due to the long run to transition and my poor running speed, I was in no mans land in the first bit of the bike. I shared this moment with New Zealand Olympian, Nathan Richmond. The 2nd pack caught up with us and settled into a pretty quick 7 lap cycle leg. A 5-6% gradient hill made the course interesting. Onto the run and tried to run the legs off, which was not quick enough to finish around the guys in my bike pack. Nonetheless I had a finish of 40 out of about 60 starters and gained a few points for my Olympic Ranking, which is now 127 and a 125 is needed by June next year for minimum criteria. Its possible!
Spent the last night in some cold corner of the Tel Aviv airport with guards checking on me every so often. My wetsuit became a good blanket. At check in I had a 1 and a half hr security check examining my bike.. mmm.. that carbon fibre is suspicious.
Back to Zimbabwe for December and January and then will be back in South Africa to prepare for the big races. Have a good xmas and new year and await a training update in january..
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