ITU World Championship Race Report
- Jess Claxton
I was ecstatic to have been selected for the World Championships junior team and felt all my dedication and hard work had paid off, but this was now just the beginning of world stage competition. Stuart Denton, my triathlon coach who has enabled me to get this far, ensured my training program was tailored for Cozumel conditions.
I was excited but also apprehensive on the journey over to Mexico, which took 3 days. As I stepped off the plane, the heat and humidity hit me and it felt like I was walking into an oven.
I had arrived in Cozumel, Mexico, ready for the World Triathlon Championships. The heat was immense, but I had trained for these conditions so felt I was prepared. Training before the race was tough and I think everyone struggled a little to get used to the hot and humid conditions. After some of the running sessions we would run into the ocean or jump into the pool in an attempt to cool off, which only helped a little as the sea was also pretty warm.
Race Day
My race was scheduled for the afternoon, which is unusual, but I had raced in the afternoons a few times previously, so didn’t see this as a negative factor. I knew time was going to pass slowly and didn’t want to spend the whole day feeling nervous so tried to distract myself throughout the day. However, I wasn't expecting the time to go as slowly as it did! As race time approached I became more and more nervous, but I knew I had support and encouragement behind me. My goal for this race was to follow my race plan, which I discussed with my coach, to enjoy the experience and see what I could learn, so I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous. But then again, it was the biggest race I have ever competed in.
Due to the immense heat, our race was postponed by half an hour, but fortunately we learnt this before leaving for the venue, so had extra time to try and ‘relax’. We arrived at the venue in time to see the junior boys finishing their run, they looked exhausted. After my run warm up I headed to transition 1 to set up my bike, then off to transition 2 to lay out my shoes. I have never raced with 2 different transitions which felt a little strange and confusing. I headed out for a swim warm up with the other girls. The water was crystal clear and seeing all the fish swimming directly underneath and darting through your arms as you took a stroke, was quite distracting.
It was finally time to head down to the athlete’s area, ready to be called out to the start line. I seemed to be less nervous now than I was during the day, which was strange. We were called one by one as we jogged down to the starting platform. I chose my spot and before I knew it the heart beat music began. We were off. I had a good start and didn't find it too rough until we got to the first buoy. From then on arms were everywhere and it became really rough. I came out near the back of the first main pack. For the cycle I knew I had to be near the front of the pack, as it was a very technical course with lots of cornering, so I worked my way up. For half of the course the road was uneven and bumpy so all the girls ended up being in one line next to the curb because it was the only smooth surface. Unfortunately, on the last lap of the bike I found myself towards the back of the pack and wasn’t sure how I managed to slip to this position. Transition went smoothly and heading out onto the run I felt I had little left in my legs. Due to the immense heat more drink stations had been placed on the run course which I was thankful for. I gained a couple of positions and finished in 19th place which I was ecstatic with.
I was thrilled with my race overall and how I executed my race plan.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip and the experience I gained from every aspect which will help contribute to future competitions on the world stage.
I would like to thank Triathlon Australia for this amazing opportunity to represent Australia and to all the coaches and managers who came along to help support us. I found everyone positive and friendly which helped a great deal to calm my nerves! Thanks to Triathlon Western Australia for the support they have given me to enable this level of competition, the TEP squad and of course my coach Stuart Denton for getting me onto that start line fit and healthy ready to race, my sponsors and my family and friends for all their support.
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