It is hard to believe after everything that has happened this year that we are going to be racing. There were still rumours circulating 7 days out that it was going to be cancelled. So it was with relief that on arrival in Cairns being able to see the course setup happening it was certain that we would be racing.
The race had a strange vibe about it as with the Covid restrictions there would only be 250 starters for the ironman and only 38 of those were female. So to still put the race on with such a reduced field was a credit to Ironman and something every single person that raced was grateful for.
A couple change to the course this year combined with the race being held in September instead of June meant there were going to be a few unknowns. The swim course was now 2 laps instead of one larger lap, and for the first time in many years the water was calm. Offsetting that the water temp was 27.5 degrees and as a safety precaution with stingers is still a wetsuit preferred swim.
The bike course was now three laps of a shortened trip to Port Douglas before heading back to Cairns. This added around 300m of elevation including and extra couple of trips over Rex’s lookout. On the plus side you could see where you were placed relative to other regularly, on the negative it was a bit boring. Given the small field a lot of time was spent riding solo. Must of us also got the bike course at 182km vs 177km last year.
The run was the same awesome Cairns run course as last year albeit in reverse. Only issue on the run was the lack of ice and at many aid stations even cold water not good when the temp was still in the mid 20’s at 5.00pm
Did the Covid requirements have an impact – not really (other than the reduced field. Ironman did a great job putting on the event. My only serious complaint would be there has to be a better way of completing podium and rolldown. The current system of collecting your trophy from information tent and waiting for an email regarding slot acceptance is disappointing.
CF Racing was dominant in both the Ironman and 70.3.
Results for the crew:
Ironman
Ryan Miller – 1st (40-44, 2nd age grouper and 7th overall)
Geoff Miller – 1st (50-54)
Mark Rhode – 1st (45-49)
Michael McEvoy – 2nd (40-44)
Marshall Scott – 2nd (45-49)
Michelle Petsky – 2nd (45-49)
Rhys Jones – 4th (30-34)
Shaun Richardson – 8th (35-39)
Mandy Em – Finished (1st IM)
Brad Heard – Finished before the glowsticks came out
7 Kona Qualifier’s (Geoff had already qualified)
70.3
George Wright – 1st (30-34)
Rose Dallimore – 1st (35-39)
Craig Seaton – 4th (25-29)
