Eurocoast Triathlon Club members again descended on Port Macquarie for the 34th running of the Ironman Australia triathlon, but it was non club member Daniel Beby who was the standout performer from the Eurobodalla. Daniel completed the 226km course, consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and finishing with a 42.2km marathon run, in the impressive time 9:51:57. This placed Daniel 9th in his age group and 49th overall, from more than 1200 competitors. His time has qualified him to compete in the Ironman World Championship to be held in Kona, Hawaii, in October.
Club member Adrian Connor, competing in his first Ironman distance race, finished in 11:18:45, 39th in his age group out of more than 200 other athletes. Adrian had an outstanding ride, completing it at an average of more than 32km/h, and ranked 25th in that particular leg.
The club had the majority of its competitors In the shorter distance Ironman 70.3. This race is half Ironman distance, comprising of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run. Lachlan Brown was the clubs best performer at this distance, completing the course in 4:59:19. Lachlan finished 8th in his age group out of 72 finishers, and placed 129th overall out of almost 1000 other athletes.
Debbie McCartney had her first race at this distance, and completed the race in a time of 6:03:33, placing her 21st in her age group out of more than 60 other competitors. Debbie’s swim leg had her in the middle of her pack, but she made up time on both the bike and run legs and also picked up time with fast transitions between disciplines.
Simon Fitzgerald had to step back from Ironman distance for the first time in more than a decade, as work commitments curtailed his training opportunities. Simon finished the course in a time of 6:27:46, placing him 29th in his age group. Simon was 9th out of the water in his group, but he slowed during the bike ride and latter part of the run leg, no doubt the legacy of his less than ideal preparation.
Leah Childs finished in a race time of 6:57:02, and after a slow swim leg, picked up time and positions on the bike leg, before losing some of it again on the run. Leah placed mid pack in her age group.
Rebecca Shepheard was another club member who stepped back to the 70.3 distance, after competing at Ironman distance for the last two years. Bec completed the course in 6:57:41, having an outstanding swim, but dropping back on the bike and run legs.
Stephen Phipps was another athlete competing at this distance for the first time, and finished in a time of 7:11:30. Steve has been carrying an injury for a couple of months, which impacted both his bike and run leg, but he was determined to finish the race regardless.
Above: Adrian Connor
Above: Lachlan Brown
Above: Debbie McCartney
Above: Stephen Phipps
Above: Daniel Beby
Above: Debbie McCartney
Above: Debbie McCartney
