Hannover’s third Maschsee Triathlon drew 600 racers for the Olympic Distance Race into the capital of Lower Saxony. A spectacular race course in the heart of downtown pared with a fantastic organization called for a good race. Only the overcast weather and dropping temperatures in the last couple of days didn’t support the atmosphere. Water temperatures dropped from 21 degree Celsius to 17 degrees on race day and a wetsuit was well needed to survive the cold water of the Maschsee. Race favourites included a couple Hannover 96 Triathletes as well as ITU Worldcup Starters and German Team Champions 2010 Lena Brunkhorst and Hauke Horstmann.
The Swim
First wave went of at 2 pm with a two loop 1500 meter swim that was more like 1800 meters. Hendrik and I started in the first line, right next to the race favourites. Both of us were able to keep initial pace from the Worldcup starters until the first buoy. Once around the buoy we had to take off this fast pace and start our own chase group. For the first time this year I felt great and relaxed on swim, knowing that my pace must be alright if Hendrik swims right next to me. During the second loop Hendrik took the lead of our small chase group and picked up the pace. I was able to follow this pace, stayed behind him and prepared for a fast transition.
Hendrik entered the first transition in 8th place and I followed right behind him in 9th place, about 2.5 Minutes behind the lead.
The Bike
Once settled on the bike riding towards the turnaround on the south side of Lake Maschsee I was able to time my distance to the lead. I hit the turnaround in 5th place, only about 2 minutes behind Hauke Horstmann. Riding back towards the start/finish line and around city hall there were hundreds of spectators that made the chase feel easy. Starting loop 2 of 4 I have moved up into second place and realized that I was able to come close towards Hauke. My rhythm on the bike felt great and I never felt like riding on the limit. During loop three I caught the leader, made up 2.5 minutes within 30km, and hoped to expand this lead until transition two.
Coming into the transition I could tell that most spectators and the commentators were fairly surprised not seeing Hauke changing first. 46 seconds transition followed after my personal best 59:19, 40km ride and the fastest bike split of the day gave me a confident lead.
Hendrik moved up into 5th place coming off the bike, 8th fastest bike split of the day, 1:03:08 and a well managed race for him up to this point.
The Run
Leaving transition two the run course followed the first part of the bike towards the south side of the Lake. The run was set up as a two loop, each 5k out and back course. I found my rhythm very quickly, mainly of the fact that I was in the lead running behind the “LEAD” bike. Furthermore, this was my home course; I have ran around this lake a thousand times and know every turn by heart.
My pace settled around 3:40 minutes per kilometre, which shouldn’t be enough to keep our ITU Worldcup starter behind. Once I hit the first turnaround, still feeling great and in control, but not being able to pick up the pace to 3:30 or below, I could see that the initial lead was shrinking. Hauke passed me at kilometre four, I tried to hang with him, but quickly realized to run my own race and fight for second place. Once heading towards the last turnaround I saw my lead over the third placed athlete and was able to enjoy the great atmosphere. With the support of the crowed coming down the last stretch I tried to drop my pace below 3:40 and enjoyed the last meters. A final 10k time of 37:15 gave me the fourth fastest run time of the day and one of my personal best Olympic Distance run splits, especially after the chase on the bike.
Hauke managed a 34:52 10k time, probably not a big deal for him, but definitely tougher then he had expected before the race. Hendrik finished his 10k run in 43:03, dropped only one position and finished in 9th place. This was by far his best race of the season, Top 10 and a fantastic run time under 45 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Best race of the season with a good second place finish and great organization. My current bike performance sets me up well for the World champions in Florida. Only two months out, but with my current confidence and this big motivational boost I will take a well needed rest over the next 3 weeks. Starting at the end of September I will get back into some hard work outs.
