After 70.3 Danang in May, with Stéphane and Servaas we are looking for another half long distance at the end of the year. So, why not trying Challenge this time, known for being a bit different from IM events. Eventually, we were all convinced and had lots of fun.
Challenge Laguna Festival takes place at the Laguna Phuket Complex located north-west of the island. It includes a triathlon Olympic+ and a half challenge the week after. Best would be doing both races. It is one of the last of the season in Asia and reputed very convivial.
Swim: Australian type, 1km or so in the sea, a quick 100m run on the beach and the rest in the lagoon (I would like to say Blue Lagoon, but it was definitely not blue, anyway shanghai triathletes have seen worse back home). 4 waves starting by swim time estimation instead of AG, the swim goes pretty smoothly for me and I barely kick into other swimmers.
Bike: One lap of 90km around narrow and very hilly local streets of Phuket, it cannot be better… and harder. We start in pack, roads are narrow and it is difficult to get the required 7m space between other riders, but after the first big climb the group totally splits. We have some company for a bit, Annika, also looking after Z-coaching athletes.
There are a lot of locals, schools kids or tourists cheering along the course. The scenery is astonishing, especially the coast line, well, I also do have more time to enjoy the view in the two very steep climbs at the 45th and the 80th kilometer. Pretty hilly means also pretty steep, once you go down you really got to watch out the brakes.
Run: Two 10,5km laps around the Laguna complex and partly along the golf course, totally flat but with a sun burning your skin. There quite few U-turns so I try to guess if I am slower or faster than the guys behind me, I am trying to keep up but it is harsh. As usual, I get to remember that the real efforts in triathlon start when you rack your bike and go for the run.
Amazing performances of Stéphane, Servaas, Harry, Olivier and Roberto
From next year, maybe no more Challenge and 70.3 Ironman is supposed to come back to Phuket, let’s see
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