Sunday August the 25th 2019 saw the Ironman 70.3 series visit the idyllic seaside town of Dun Laoghaire on the outskirts of Dublin. With the Ironman 70.3 world championships in Nice, France only 2 weeks away it provided vital preparation for a number of athletes ahead of the big one on the 7/8th September. One athlete in particular was Ribble's very own sponsored athlete Adam Bowden, despite a strong field Adam performed magnificently to finish on the podium in third place. Read on for Adams race report;
The swim
Adam and Alistair discuss conditions / tactics whilst awaiting the run to the water. / Photo Credit: One2One Physio
The swim went very well. It was a beach run in and I got off to a great start, breaking clear of the majority of the field within the first 20-30 metres. Once I had settled into my rhythm I looked over to my left and found feet, and settled into the race. After about 400m I looked behind me and noticed that other athletes had dropped off the pace, with just myself, Alistair Brownlee and Chris Mintern together at the front of the race, which remained this way to the finish and exit into T1.
The athletes enter the water for the swim leg. / Photo Credit: One2One Physio
Bike Leg
Getting the position right for the start of the bike leg. / Photo Credit: One2One Physio
After a relatively smooth transition I managed to get out onto the bike, and looked forward to tackling the tough course into the Wicklow mountains, which is just what the legs needed heading into the World Championships in 2 weeks. Heading out of T2 I experienced a technical issue with the bike which unfortunately cost me time in the latter stages of the bike leg.
I initially decided to sit behind Chris on the bike, but gradually I noticed a gap starting to develop out front in between Chris and Alistair. I thought this would close by the time I decided to make my pass into second place, however by the time I decided to make my pass Alistair had pushed on up the course. I focused on trying to get nutrition in and holding power on the climbs and descents. With the issues out of T2, this made the latter part of the bike course difficult, and I started to lose some ground towards the final stages on the bike, slipping into 7th.
Heading out on the bike leg. / Photo Credit: One2One Physio
The Run for the Line
Straight off the bike, I decided to use my gels early on to get some much needed fuel in the tank, and I managed to get into my stride, closing in fast on the athletes in front. I pushed hard and on the final lap closed the gap to run myself onto the podium and finish in third.
Post race
I was pleased to finish in third considering the nutrition problems faced in this race. At times out on the course I didn’t think it would happen, so it’s good to get back on the podium again. What a spectacular course, and the support from volunteers and spectators throughout the race was fantastic.
It was great to experience the challenging course ahead the world championships. All preparations now turn to Nice as I look forward to my second outing at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships!
The post race interview for the podium finisher! / Photo Credit: One2One Physio