Well another Quelle Challenge completed- my third now and another second place to add to my collection of a first(2005) and second(2004). I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with my second place as I desperately wanted to win again after experiencing the finish line last year but at the same time I am also happy with my race- a new PB over this distance- 9:10:27 and a new cycle PB, and the fastest bike split of the day- 4:54:21.

My race preparation had been faultless leading into the race. Everything had gone smoothly, almost a little too smoothly and I was just waiting for something to go wrong. Three weeks before the race I had received my new BMC Pro Machine and also a new Zipp 606 wheelset equiped with Powertap which Justin built up for me along with my Oval A911 Jetstream aerobars. It was simply a dream to ride. Everything about it felt perfect and I knew I was going to ride fast on it. It would be my first time using Powertap in a race so I was very curious to see what sort of wattage I was able to hold over 180kms. Jaggad had also made me a new racesuit and it looked so good- I couldn't wait to wear it.

On the saturday before the race I awoke in the morning with a bit of a sore throat- mmmm, I was a little worried but this often happens when you start tapering for a big race. I went about the day as I normally do- getting everything organised for race day, dropping my bike off at T1, a little run in the early avo and then dinner and bed!! I knew I needed to try and get to bed early as it was going to be a 3.30am start for me. I didn't sleep so well and my throat was definitely getting worse.

I awoke on the sunday morning with a really sore throat but I put it aside as I had a job to do and I couldn't wait for my day to begin. We arrived at the race start at 5am- the sun was already up and shining brightly and there was a slight breeze- perfect race conditions! Before I knew it I was in the water and the horn had sounded smack on 6.20am. I felt really good in the water and quickly found myself a great little pack. I had been sent a new Xterra wetsuit a few days before- it was actually a size bigger than I normally wear but it felt so comfortable. I exited the swim in 52 minutes- two minutes faster than last year(looks like I will be sticking to this size!). Once on the bike I knew I needed to catch the girls in front. I had been given a split of 1min30 to Jo Lawn and Karen Holloway- perfect! I had imagined it would be more like 3mins to these girls so I was very excited- maybe a little too excited as by the 50km mark on the bike I had caught them both and was now leading the race. I felt so strong on the bike. I knew I needed to try and put some time between Jo and myself so I pushed the pace as soon as I caught them. It didn't seem to matter what I did I just couldn't get rid of them. I had made up 1min30 on them in 50kms but now I just couldn't get away from them. On the second lap the wind had really picked up and it was getting very difficult. I love these conditions and so I continued to ride hard for 180kms. I dismounted my bike with a split of 4hrs54- my fatsest ever. After a very quick transition (for the first time ever I was faster than my husband!)I was out and running. The temperature had gradually been rising all day and it was now about 30°. Luckily there are quite a few sections of the run course that are shaded. Joanna and I were running stride for stride and I felt good.

Jo was in charge of the km splits- the first couple were under 4.30 pace- opps just a touch too fast! It is so hard to keep it under control as the crowds are unbelievable and the atmosphere electric. You really have to try and block it all out and concentrate on what you are doing -easier said than done!.

Jo and I ran together for 8kms but then I just had to let her go as the pace was too fast for me and I needed to think about the remaining 34kms left to run. I went through a couple of really bad patches on the run but luckily was able to find some form again with 14kms to go. I must admit I was disappointed with my run. I had done a lot of work and both lead-up races had shown that I was running really well. But any disappointment was quickly pushed aside when I entered the finish stadium- this is truely an experience that I will never tire of. It is just amazing- you feel like a superstar. The crowds are awesome and I still get 'goosebumps' thinking about it.

All in all I cannot be upset with second place. Jo had an amazing race and was the better athlete on the day. Our plan of finishing together didn't quite go to plan but we both had fun talking about it- maybe next year. This race is truely one the greatest and most amazing races around. It is just so special to me. I cannot wait to return next year!

Well Justin and I are now off to Switzerland to spend the next 8 weeks in the mountains! Here we will begin my prep for Hawaii. We both plan on racing Monaco 70.3 in September before returning back home to Australia for my final Hawaii prep.

I will definitely keep you all posted on my progress in the 'hills'. Thank you so, so much for your continued support and help. I really do have amazing sponsors.

Take care
Belinda x