Last weekend our Southampton-based pro triathlete, Tina Christmann, took on the national competition at the British Middle Distance Triathlon Champs in Eastbourne on her LIOS Javelin.
Coming straight from a training camp in the Alps, Tina decided to spontaneously sign up together with LIOS rider (and Director of Challenging Events) Kelly Wickens to get another race in the legs, as well as test some race strategy before her ‘A Race’ at Alpe D'Huez in the next few weeks.
Raceday started with a 4am alarm, a reluctantly big bowl of porridge and a 6am jump off the Eastbourne Pier for a 1.9km sea swim in time trial start format. Tina navigated the currents cleverly and kept overtaking swimmers throughout the loop.
She jumped on the bike as second woman and quickly overtook the leader to be at the front of the 90km bike leg, with a measured steady effort and pulling away from the other women on the last hills (training in the Alps does pay off!).
Tina began the half marathon in first position and settled into the run, albeit initially in a defensive rhythm. After 7km she got caught by another athlete who was trying to bridge the gap. Tina stayed with her for a 5km stretch, enjoying the running company before then slowly edging away.
With a negative split last 10km, she crossed the finish line over 3 minutes ahead of the second female to take the win.
Ending the race with a new PB of 4hr23 over that race distance, it was not only a pleasant surprise, but a confidence builder for the bigger pro races ahead.
Next up for Tina:
25 July - Alpe d'Huez Long Distance Triathlon on the LIOS Javelin.
1 September - Ironman 70.3 Zell am See Pro Series Race on the LIOS Javelin.
7 September - German National elite Champs on the LIOS Exactor.
* Photos courtesy of Ironbourne / My Sport Photos.
