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Half-Ironman Mexico - 14th Nov. 20043rd At Half Ironman Huatulco Mexico.A Podium Finish To End The Season, 14th November 2004 Dear Sponsors and Friends I flew to Huatulco from New Zealand on Wednesday the 10th of November to see how things were going with my racing as I was looking to start in Ironman Western Australia after my penalty in Hawaii ruined any chance of a top 10 finish. I had really beaten the right side of my lower back up in Hawaii and went home to seek my therapists help. They put every effort into getting me back to 100%. On the plane I was really worried that I may not make it through the race so my plan was to just rest, get a massage and try to have the best race possible. I arrived in Huatulco and was roomed with Michael Lovato so the competition was going to be good with Chris Leigh, Kerry Classen, Michael and myself not forgetting that there is always a couple of quick Mexican Guys. Race Day arrived and I felt good. The race was to start at 7am which is 2am New Zealand time so a nice early start for me. There were a lot of Jelly fish in the Water and I planed to swim as fast and as hard as I could, hopefully not getting stung by being the first guy. Kerry and myself opened up a gap on the field quickly and I went to the front as I felt really good and lead for about 1600m. I managed to get a small gap on Kerry going into shore. He soon caught up to me on the bike and I rode with him until at the first 15km turn he put the Hammer down and really gaped everyone. His lead really grew fast and at 30km I was 1min 45sec down. With 30km to go Michael caught me and I had to stay with him but this is where my back started to give up. I was really worried and had to back off hoping I could still run well. When I got to the last turn around I saw that Michael had passed Kerry and I wasn't to far behind him (I was sure he had punctured but found out later that he blew up). Then there was a Mexican guy, Esteban Marin who finally placed 5th, and then Chris closing in on me. I hoped to get back to the transition in the mix with a little time on Chris but it wasn't to be as he caught me on the last steep climb and put a small gap on me. I thought if I have an awesome run I may be able to stay with him but he slowly moved away from me. I caught and passed Kerry and moved into 3rd. I kept pushing hoping that Michael may blow up but him and Chris looked very good on the run. I finished in Third Place. A great result with just 4 minutes between myself and 1st Chris Leigh. Well this was my last race for the year as I have decided to pull out of Ironman Western Australia as I need to get my injured back fully recovered and ready for my onslaught for 2005. To all my Friends and Sponsors I wish you a Happy Thanks giving and a festive Holiday Season. Kind Regards - Bryan Rhodes |
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