Ironman Taiwan Race Report by Barney T. | Tritons Triathlon Club Hong Kong

Ironman Taiwan Race Report by Barney T.

Despite hearing the stories from last year, somehow, the 6 of us STILL came together for this year's gruelling challenge on this beautiful island of Penghu, Taiwan. Knowing this course was designed by sadists, for masochists, all of us dug deep and found something that kept us going on the big day.

Posted on Sunday 1st October 2017

2 months before:
"It's a hell gate out there" Mandy to Nick
"Penghu? Peng-hell!" - Tobes to Barney

Swim course check: Calm clear waters, jellyfish sighting, Mandy being Mandy. To wetsuit, or not to wetsuit, that is the question!

Run course check:
"This hill isn't so big" - Everyone except Mandy. "You'll ALL see tomorrow" - Mandy. Somehow it grew in size overnight.

Race Day! This chart does not do the actual weather justice. It was more like high of 45 degrees.

6am rolling start. Clear skies, 24 degree wat

Looking sharp, looking re

Bike: Thankful we're used to the humidity. But still, it felt like 40+ degrees.

The aftermath of an accident at the 60km. Right gear shift broke, left with 2 gears for the rest of the race.

You can almost see the water evaporating from the pavement...nevertheless, we kept soldiering on!

Cheers from spectators always help. Especially if they're coming after you with traditional costumes (from your worst nightmare).

Mark and Nick crossing paths.

"This is b***s*** !" - Mark to Mandy. "You can catch Mark, he's walking!" - Nick to Mandy. "Just keep moving." Mark to Barney. "Out of the 8 IM I've done, this had to be the hardest run course I've encountered" - Anne.

Sunset.

Aftermath

Despite a tough and hot race day, trophies and personal goals were achieved:
3 top 3 finishes
3 first time Ironmans
AMAZING job and congratulations to everyone. YOU ARE IRONMAN!
To be continued...Revenge Penghu 2018. Come if you dare!

Despite a tough and hot race day, trophies and personal goals were achieved:

3 top 3 finishes
3 first time Ironmans

AMAZING job and congratulations to everyone. YOU ARE IRONMAN!

To be continued...Revenge Penghu 2018. Come if you dare!

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