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31.5.2009 European Triathlon Union On the 31st of May 2009, the European Triathlon Union – XTERRA Italy 2009, hosted a triathlon competition in Sardinia. This event was simultaneously a European Championship in extreme triathlon. There were approximately 400 participants of different age and ability groups. In the woman’s category our own member of PBS staff, Aneta Demelova, took part. PBS part-funded Aneta in order for her to be able to participate in such a prestigious race. There had been bad weather leading up to the race, which grew significantly worse on the morning of the race; two metre waves in which the buoys could not be seen; and a mountain bike track which was not suitable. In spite of this Aneta did extremely well. She managed to get an impressive 9th position in professional category and 3rd in her own age category. Here you can read about Aneta´s schedule during the race day: 5.30am. Wake up then warm up in the rain 6.00am. Shower 6.10am. Breakfast 6.55am. End of breakfast. The race is going to be long. I am having 2 plates of rice, energy gels, and a banana 7.00am. Kit check: Swimming: cap, goggles, suit, electronic chip for timing, Bike: bike, helmet, shoes, number, drink, food, gloves, rubber bands, Run: shoes, number, hat, energy gel, pills against cramps 7.45am. I am in the bike transition area. It takes 30 minutes to be perfectly organized. I now have to have my number written on my shoulder and calf. There is a new announcement: No wetsuits allowed for professionals! Great! It’s going to be cold! 8.30 - 8.35am. A quick cappuccino, we’re in Italy after all! 8.40am. More food - energy bars, hypotonic drink. 9.00 - 9.30am. Warm up. Stretching, the transition area is now closed 10.00am. Start. I am swimming as if my life depended on it, the waves are huge, I cannot even see the buoys! 10.22am. 1500 metres over. Straight on to the bike! 12.00pm. I am totally exhausted and wet. The bike track was treacherous due to all of the rain. 12.50pm. The run is over. The whole race is over! The end of the run was rather unpleasant – 80per cent of it took place on a sandy beach, then stones and loose swinging bridges over rocks… The final result 9th place! The competition and age difference were huge. I am great!
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