What a day. Rising early (4am), the mood was full of nerves and anticipation. The 'last meal' was consumed with a strong cup of coffee before the musketeers head down to start what would be a phenomenal day.
Down at the swim start, thousands of competitors were gathering their thoughts, pumping their tyres and visualizing the day ahead. Months of hard training and preparation have brought them to this point, the pinnacle of the sport they hold so dear. Supporters spoke only in hushed tones encouraging their loved ones, whilst nervous themselves.
The Kona Ironman is known to have one of the most challenging Swim starts, and this year was no different. 1800 athletes all starting together, the congestion was quite incredible and the medics were kept busy with broken fingers and bloody noses.
Out of the water in their Blue Seventy speed suits the musketeers leapt onto their Scotts and settled into the 180km ride. The strategy was to get up to Hawi, (100km into the ride) before the wind picked up. Unfortunately the wind turned early and the guys got hit with a head wind half way up. Taking the right hand turn onto the
Off the bike and into the run, this is truly the business end of Ironman. The heat in Kona is incredible and the marathon quickly separates the field. The Four Musketeers all had awesome runs, a special mention to John Mergler who was initially behind off the bike and put in a brilliant tactical marathon to reel in his opponent and run on to win his age group.
Todd Israel took out a fantastic 4th in his age group, no doubt the first of many podiums to come.
Brenton and Andy had fantastic debut performances and now have the Kona bug. Watch out for even more incredible performances to come.
John Mergler: ‘Common with all Ironmen, at some point, for however a fleeting moment, the thought flashes through your head, “What the hell am I doing? I will never put myself through this again.” But every time you cross that finish line, the elation and sense of accomplishment overwhelms any negativity that you felt. It’s this feeling that will ensure the Four Musketeers come back for more in 2012’.
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| John and Todd receiving thier Kona Ironman Champion Bowls. |
A massive Musketeer thank you to all family, friends and supporters out there that have inspired and motivated the Musketeers to perform so well. Not only in Kona but through out the whole process.
The Musketeers also could not have performed without the support of their sponsors. Velosophy Bikes, 2XU, Shift60, Blue Seventy, Inov8 and Scott. Thank you so much for all your assistance through this process.
So, what’s next I hear you ask? Don’t worry; there is plenty in the pipe line to keep you intrigued. So stay tuned.
All for one.
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| A huge thank you to our sponsors. |
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