I just came back from a high-altitude training camp in Sankt-Moritz and here I was in a burning sun, waiting to jump into the water for my first race after my injury.  Soon after the start, I had to let the better swimmers go, but i joined a group with Stefan Liebetrau and Norman Stadler. We came out of the water together, with a delay  of about 1 minute and 30 seconds. I quickly got out of my wetsuit, but it was quite evident that i was missing practice in the transition zone: I managed to put my race number backwards (see picture) and left T1 cursing.
Together with Stefan and Norman, I started the pursuit of the leaders. After 10 Km, Liebetrau had to let us go. Immediately afterwards, we encountered Marino Vanhoenacker at the side of the road with a flat tire. Unfortunately, his race was over already! Just before the start of the local lap, I had to let Norman go. However a little bit further I managed to pass Peter Croes and Richard Cunningham first, then Pete Jacobs and Andreas Boecherer. At the turning point, I saw Stadler, Spencer Smith and Andrew Johns leading, followed a little bit further by my friend Thierry Verbinnen. So, I was in 5th position.

A few kilometres later, I passed Norman Stadler, who also had a flat tire. This was the second time I saw Norman like this: last October in Hawaii, I came by in the same way. What a bad luck for such a great champion!  During the second lap I managed to take Spencer Smith, but then I felt that my best time had gone: it took me up to km55 to  get by Thierry Verbinnen. During the remaining 35km I had to fight a very strong wind and I felt that my strength was fading away. I was happy to reach T2 in second position after Andrew Johns.
It was obvious to me from the beginning of the run that I was unable to attack Johns. Hence, I was more worried about keeping my 2nd position. At the first turning point, I saw Pete Jacobs in third position some 45 seconds behind me. He looked quite fresh to me, so I thought he was going to catch up. Fortunately, I felt a little better after the first 3 laps, so I managed to increase my advantage a little bit.  After 5 laps, I was quite happy to go for the finish line at the 'Grand Market'. It felt really good to hear the applause of the many spectators. Thanks to all my supporters for their enthusiasm! I am sorry, but finishing second after Andrew Johns, was the best I had in me today!  Actually, I have to admit that, without the flats of Marino Vanhoenacker and Norman Stadler, I probably would have missed the podium. Congratulations to Andrew with his victory.


Some afterthoughts:  I am glad with the result, glad that I did not feel any pain in my leg anymore,but not satisfied with my performance. In three weeks, I will have to do better during the Ironman of Lake Placid. I checked on the website whom I will be competing with: amongst others,  Bryan Rhodes, Tom Evans and Victor Zemtsyev. All three of them have already won more than one full Ironman.

Greetings,
Rutger