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ROTH IRONMAN 12.07.09 RESULT

edited July 2009 in Road Racing
Roth - Germany. 3500 entrants. Distance : Swim 2.4 miles. Bike 112 miles. Run 26.2 miles.

Probably the best long distance triathlon in europe. Ecstatic atmosphere with tens of thousands throughout the whole course. The swim started in waves from 6am onwards out and back in an industrial canal that was cleared of vessels for the day. So off to a good start with a 1hr 11min swim. The bike course was rolling but the roads were excellent. Unlike ours they were smooth throughout the two lap course... there were emotional moments passing through villages that were lined with people sat behind joined tables, the whole length of their village high streets, waving their beers, banging drums, winding up air-raid sirens, running with flags, or holding their hands out to be touched (sometimes a little too hard as one rider found out in front of me after been knocked off)... one hill was like a mountain finish in 'Le Tour'. At the start of the hill I couldn't see a way through the crowd until they parted just in time. The crowd were going crazy as two police bikes over took me about a third the way up, and seemed to be escorting me. People were running in front taking photos whilst a motor bike camera crew seemed to be focusing on me! They weren't- the pro leader was just about to overtake me. Funny thing is - this top pro equivalent to David Beckham, camped in a tent next to our camper van the night before and shat in the same portaloo as everyone one else (you think the bogs at Glastonbury are bad... should have seen ours in the van!)... anyway without stopping and grabbing the odd banana and drink on the move, my bike time was 5hr 30mins (Martin tells me that's a 20.2mph average- cheers ears). Now, only a marathon to do... Feeling still ok I set off and ran hard down the canal tracks until the final 3 miles. Then my head went. I had to walk for a bit... maybe a mile. Maybe 2. The final half mile was like no other ironman event that I've experienced before. Someone shouted 'Enjoy your finish'. It was a single track rammed with screaming people on both sides enough to blow your mind, if that didn't, the bloke on the PA system did by shouting out your name and your time... and whatever else he was saying in german "Here's that fat knacker Robbie Laughton from Ashwell England, coming in at 11hours and 11minues with a personal PB."
Back in Ashwell Surgery the doctor reckons I did the whole thing with a broken bone in my right foot. Better put the cast off for another three weeks... Ironman UK in Bolton to do first.

Comments

  • total respect!!

    Looking forward to seeing you on telly then!!
  • Need a lie down just reading that. Well done Robbie. Got the calculator out: actually 20.36mph average.

    Not sure I'll be around Bolton that weekend now. But if I am I'll let you know and cheer you on outside the Black Dog pub the other side of Winter Hill - the biggest hill in Greater Manchester... [and my training hill for the Mow Cop killer mile]. Just three times around it yeh? oof.
  • TOTAL RESPEECT mate, sounds like one hell of a day, hope the toilets been cleaned out for Bolton. You are THE MAN.
  • Robbie the first time I met you it took a few miles to realise you were for real. Your description is very real. You have my real respect. I'll help Martin with the beer. Daniel
  • Mad and just brilliant Robbie.awesome..simply awesome!!!!!!!!!!! your youngsters have the same spirit and determination.....Daisy cycled brilliantly , as did Alfie, but given she was youngest and with only 2 hrs bike practice she was spectacular.
  • Just to update you all... my race time was good enough to land me a place in TEAM GB triathlon for my age. Perth Oct 09.
    Smiling.
  • Good work Robbie! Just need sort out your foot.
  • Great result Robbie.........reward at last.is that Perth Sco. or Perth Aus.??...what's with the foot??
  • What a fantastic achievement !
    you deserve all of it
    Just mention our humble club when you are on the Telly with the crowds cheering

    James
  • Just got back from Ironman UK. Tough course on the Lancashire Pennines and even tougher for the three of us who had just raced at Roth three weeks before.... not advisable and never again... put it down to experience eh! My foot problem is osteoarthritis due to my big toe leaning into my others. The podiatrist made me a silicon block to wear which is helping especially on the bike. So, now rest then prep for Perth (Australia) in late October via a half ironman in September to keep up that race mentality (and to keep me out of the pub!).
  • or Belgium ;-)
  • Phenomenal!!!
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