Elites Race / The Night Before the Agr Groupers Race
Published Sunday, May 20, 2007 by Carolyne | E-mail this post
Things are rather complicated here at Race Central in Gyor, Hungary. Confusion reigns, as last minute tribulations in registration result in the Australian Team being (finally) recognised, and them collecting their race packs consisting of a collection of sticky numbers without instructions, a pair of thongs (one size fits few), a couple of over sweet not-very muesli bars, and a giant can of beer.
The juniors who raced earlier today indicated that their sprint distance race was extremely short on all legs, resulting in universal PB's and a sprinkling of World Class performances (circa 13 minutes for 5km).
Despite the prevalence of litter, apparently draconian litter laws shall mean that any odd gel packets or whatever left to fly off the bike or on the run shall result in instant disqualification. There are only 3 waves for all the age group athletes; men under 45; men 45-80+; and women. The start line is apparently a very narrow roadway, so those starting the run will be 50 or more deep as the gun goes. It will be bedlam.
With five tight U-Turns in each of the 3 bike laps it shall be fun - despite ITU (International Triathlon Union) laws specifying that drafting violations shall incur a "yellow card" penalty for the first offence, the locals have indicated that any drafting shall also result in automatic disqualification. Given the size of the fields (for example, there are 36 entrants in Bob's M60 Age Group alone, and an incredible 7 in Rad's M80 Age Group).
Tonight the Australians met in dribs and drabs at the curiously named "Captain Drake's Pub", our favourite coffee stop on the island in the Raba River next to the thermal pools. We ate early, with Bob and I sharing once more 2 dishes of the simplest spaghetti with chilli and garlic; fusilli with chicken and pesto; and tuscan grilled vegetables.
I escorted Rad and Caroline back to the hotel for another of the quirky local race requirements. The bike check in is tonight from 8:15 to a boggling 10:00pm. Another compulsory check in is required tomorrow at 7:45am, and then the competitors must be 'penned' together before their race. The young fellas go first, then the over 45 year old men at 9:45pm, with the women not starting until 11:00am.
Most people are leaving first thing on Monday morning, to head off to further travels, or return home. I hope that everything goes fairly smoothly.
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