For the last two years, Malua Bay’s Rebecca (Bec) Shepheard has travelled with Craig, her husband, to Port Macquarie, for him to compete in the Ironman Australia Triathlon. Last year Bec completed the Ironman 70.3 (half ironman) race. This year it was husband Craig’s turn to support Bec when she became the first female to complete an Ironman race as a member of the Eurocoast Triathlon club.
Bec completed this gruelling race in a total time of 15hr:01:30. She finished the 3.8km swim leg in a time of 1hr:05, placing her 8th in her age group. Bec was unable to keep up the pace and completed the 180km bike leg in a time of 7hr:27, averaging over 24km/h for the distance. Bec suffered a foot injury in the marathon distance run which is the last leg of the race and this also cost her considerable time. Bec finished 33rd in her age group, an impressive effort considering that this was her first race at this distance.
Above: Rebecca and Craig Shepheard in the lead up to Ironman Australia.
Simon Fitzgerald was the only other Eurocoast member to compete in this race. This was Simon’s 14th Ironman start, but unfortunately Simon failed to finish. He competed the swim leg in 1:06, but lost time on the bike leg, completing the 180km in 6hr:17, well down on his normal race time for this leg. Simon continued to struggle through the race and subsequently withdrew during the marathon run. This was only the second time in 14 starts that Simon was unable to finish Ironman Australia. Simon has been classified as a Legend of that race because of the number of races that he has finished.
This is one of the last races of the triathlon season, with most of the clubs members taking it a bit easier during the cooler months.
The Eurocoast Triathlon Club was formed in 2014 to support triathletes at all levels and abilities. Any inquiries in relation to the club should be directed to club secretary, Ray Davidson, via email, to aztec@southernphone.com.au
Above: Simon Fitzgerald exits the water at last months Batemans Bay Traithlon Festival
