中國我來了 (China Here I come)

Heading Abroad – ITU Asian Cup Chengdu, China

Hey everyone,

Just a quick heads up, next week I will be back on the plane, this time heading to Chengdu in the centre of China for the ITU Asian Cup. I will be accompanied there by my girlfriend, Brooke Langereis who has just recently earned her professional license and this will be her debut International competition. She also needs a little twitter loving so if you don't already then jump on board (@BrookeLangereis)

The race will be held over the Olympic distance (1.5km swim, 40km ride, 10km run). Asia is one of the hardest places to compete for a number of reasons, firstly it is HOT, often approaching the 40 degree mark or greater and the humidity always comes into play. Secondly, the language barrier is a nightmare, and third, the culinary options are not even closely related to what we have on offer in Australia. Despite this, the challenge of trying to overcome these factors and still perform makes the whole trip a little more fun. After my experience competing in China in 2011 I would like to think I have learnt a few lessons and will be able to apply them to this trip.

After my performance in Yeppoon I am looking to build on that with this race and keep that going throughout the remainder of the year. Training has been going great and I am looking forward to this one.

Cheers
Ben Hammond

Race Report - Ironman 70.3 Yeppoon

 Well, Ironman 70.3 Yeppoon has been run and won and now I am back home trying to get the legs to move again. In short, the 70.3 distance (1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21km run) is LOOONNNGGGG.

So now for the longer version; I travelled up to Yeppoon on the Friday and enjoyed the day off relaxing and eating. Saturday rolled around and after a little ride and run I started to get my head ready to tackle this race. Being my first attempt at this style of racing I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I went in with a very simple plan. Get myself to the finish line the quickest way that I possibly could. The intricacies of this meant pacing was a key factor and not getting trapped into someone else’s race plans.

On race morning it was a crisp temperature with a light breeze which somehow turned the ocean into a washing machine. After a very rough 1.9km swim there was a small breakaway, followed by the main bunch including all the main players of Aussie Long Course racing, including Australian Long Course Champion, Tim Reed. I exited the water 40 seconds down on these guys which was a little heartbreaking having to watch them run out of transition while I was coming in, knowing that it would be much nicer to have them with me. Anyway, I stuck to the plan I had set out and got busy riding a solid tempo that I thought gave me the best chance of a solid race. Also big thanks have to go to HED Wheels for helping me out this weekend and letting me roll around on a Jet Disc and Jet 9 front. This course was flat and fast and aerodynamics was a massive factor so it was great knowing that the wheels would perform regardless of how the legs went.

I jumped off the bike in 9
th place and was still feeling strong, slipped on my brand new Nike FlyKnit Racers (the coolest shoes going around and SOOOO comfy). Throughout the run I was aiming to hold a consistent tempo throughout and get to the finish line in good shape. Obviously with a race of this distance nutrition plays a large role, I had a pretty simple plan using a combination of Dextro Energy gels and their Carbo-mineral sports drink , this combination got me through the race without any cause for concern and I was very thankful I had them with me. After about the 14km point I managed to move into 8th position and this is where I would cross the line in a time of 4:08:06. The feeling of collapsing into the pool at the finish line was amazing.

I went into the race with a plan and executed it exactly as I had intended. For my first crack at long course racing and to be in the mix with some of Australia’s best felt absolutely fantastic and a massive step forward.

Finally, the biggest thanks has to be reserved for my new coach Matt Koorey, he has an ability to get through to me that I have never experienced with any other coaches and it sure is a rare talent. I am very excited about working into the future with Matt.

Cheers,
Ben Hammond

On the run course with my Nike FlyKnit Racers at Ironman 70.3 Yeppoon

Waking Up from Winter

Hey Everyone,

So, a quick update on what’s happened the last few months. As of my last blog I was targeting the “Revolution 3” Series in the USA. Due to a bit of ITB syndrome and missing key races I decided I would re-focus and target a number of Australian early season races. With that in mind we come to now, and this weekend I will be tackling my debut 70.3 event at the Ironman 70.3 in Yeppoon, Queensland.

It’s been a long and cold winter; I have survived relatively well and managed to get some good training under the belt. The biggest change I have made is to move under the guidance of super coach, Matt Koorey of Team TBB. Matt is a former competitor of the highest level himself and competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. I have known Matt since 2008 when I began working for Cycling Sports Group. His experience and knowledge will be a great asset for my future and I am very excited for the future. The only downside to winter was a bout of ITB syndrome in my left knee which minimised some kilometres in the legs. Despite that, I am feeling fit and strong and ready to race.

Yeppoon 70.3 is competed over a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21km run. I am looking forward to racing against some of the Aussie long course guys and seeing what I can do in this long course caper.

For more info you can check out- ironmanyeppoon.com