The reason why we are all out here. Apparently the worlds largest half iron man with 3,800 participants registered. We understand that not all took part but it was still large numbers. Helen had to be at the start at 8 a.m so we were all up early to make sure we were at there.
The early morning was lovely, some high cloud but the promise of a fine day, just not as hot as yesterday for which we were all grateful. David, Alex and Michael took Helen down early and the rest of us followed, taking our position near the start of the swim.
Some of the assembled athletes.
The event started at 7.55 and 6 athletes started every 6 seconds with those predicted to go the fastest leaving first. They were divided into groups, denoted by the colour of their swimming hats, and Helen was in the third group, finally entering the water at 8.35. We then found the finish point watching her complete her 1.9km swim in 44minutes 15 seconds.
After this we split into 3 support groups heading off in the 3 cars in different directions to try and spot her on the cycle ride, with David and Alex being successful in Pollença. Following this promising start we had differing amounts of success at this primarily because the tracker we were using wasn’t accurate! Also there were road closures so we were having to use some very, very narrow roads to get us where we wanted to go. Our group, consisting of Geoff, Michael, Anna and myself saw her in Campanet, 53km in, looking remarkably cheerful!
We then drove back to Alcudia where Julie and Andrew managed to see her at the transition from bike to run. The run was a circuit that had to be run 3 times, through the town and then along the beach. This made it easier for us to see her and we did this on a number of occasions, embarrassing her with football-like chants, although nothing rude of course!
She finally completed the 70.3km in 7 hours 6 minutes. What a feat! How proud we are that all that training, hard work and determination have paid off!
Helen and her amazing support crew!
Once we had met up and Helen had picked up her bike and all the gear it was back to the villa for a swim for those who needed it and then a barbecue ably organised by Andrew.
A lovely end to quite an amazing day!
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