Joe Skipper is fresh off the back of a 1st place in the 2018 Ironman 2018 Event with a finish time of 7:55:34 and we've done a Q&A with the man himself. He gives his thoughts on the event and also the Ultra Tri bike he was riding 
Training pre-race – how did it go, were you confident?
My training pre race was ok, I had raced an Ironman 2 weeks previously so I never felt amazing but in the sessions where I did up the pace a bit I was pleased with the effort for the power/speed I was holding going into the race.
Pre-race prep routine – Whats your typical training day / rest day routine?
Pre race I don't really have a specific plan, I'll just keep myself ticking over and listen to my body. A typical training day is pretty varied but genuinely I would swim first and then either bike or run later in the day. I might do all 3 sports or just two depending on the on the intensity. Rest day routine is genuinely an easy swim and or bike/run. I have two easy days a week - Monday and Friday. I don’t tend to have days off but do have two easy days every week.
Reflection on the race – What went well? Any room for improvements?
I didn't feel like I had that good a swim. I think I was lacking a bit in swim fitness. It was a non-wetsuit swim and I think practicing some swims like that in preparation for Kona would be beneficial. My bike was ok but I think I could push it harder and will definitely look to push it a bit more in Hamburg. I was pleased with my run as I felt strong throughout.
How did the bike perform?
The bike performed really well, it was comfy and I felt like I was holding good speed for the power on the flat parts of the course. For the race it was set up with syncro-shift which pre-determines which chain ring you’re on depending on rear gear selection – I’ll need to switch this up for hillier races, switching syncro-shift off so I have independent control of the front derailleur.
What’s next?
Ironman Hamburg in 2 weeks time.