The race itself went well for me. I had a comfortable swim and made one mistake by swimming with Bradley Weiss and not with Conrad 20 seconds in front of me. The cycling went perfect with no real issues except I could not match the top guys power and speed on the day. I was left behind cycling at my own pace.
Starting with the run I only then realized how much fatigue was in my legs and that the run will be a tough one. Last year I ran 58 min on this course. This time around I was left in no man’s land – that was my perception… I thought that I was too far behind the podium places and actually lost some fight in me to run hard and fast. Luckily the gap behind me to Raoul De Jong in 6th overall was a healthy 2 min (I have to mention that Antoine van Heerden passed me in the 1st km of the run leg. He ran as if I was standing still. He managed a 56 min run split and almost won...)
I am more than happy with my result and my body’s post-race recovery, I am healthy and have no injuries. I am overall in good shape and do not have to do much more than to fine tune my training and speed to be able to compete for the win at Xterra Grabouw.
This will be the first time that I am looking forward to the challenge in Grabouw.
I must praise team Sterkspan with Jarred Crous, Edward Mckenzie and Thabang Madiba for a fantastic team overall win. You guys left everyone speechless with how fast and professional you guys are.
WELL DONE!!!
Safe Training,
Nico Sterk
Photo Gallery
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