Report of a Hamburglary

Last week I travelled to Deutschland for the ultimate Euro-tri experience: the Hamburg WCS race. While we knew that I wouldn’t be firing on all cylinders for the race, given how it fell in relation to our prep for August, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take part in this great race. We had two objectives for the race: secure my spot for the Pan-American Games team and get more race practice under my belt. With a solid 13th place finish, I was successful on both accounts. I’ve also managed to stay in 7th place in the WCS rankings.

The racing was fast and furious, as we knew that it would be, and my skills were tested on the technical course. Although I would have loved to feel a bit sharper in the race, especially on the run, I’m pleased to have been able to play triathlon with some of my international friends. The Aussie Emmas were absolutely brilliant on the run; they’ve definitely set the bar high in regards to the run standard. Wowzers! Hopefully the work that we are doing right now will get me a bit closer to them the next time when I toe the start line in London.

On a completely unrelated note, I had a short pre-race interview with Universal Sports where I was given the opportunity to share some of my lame cow jokes (or should I say “cheesy”). Here’s a new cow joke for you: “What do you call an unproductive dairy cow?” Answer: “A Milkdud!” or, if you don’t know what a Milkdud is, “And utter failure”. Oh man, too funny...

36 hours later...

8am train departure from Davos Dorf. 8 hrs of travel: three trains, one plane and a traffic jam through Montmartre and down Champs-Elysees. Drop off the bags and search for a pool begins. 2 hilarious kilometers of swimming playing Frogger with slow-moving Frenchies. Thankfully avoid making a face plant into the breaststroking, hairy-legged, Speedo-clad lane mates, despite ~10 close calls. Back to the hotel, build the bike and wait for dinner. Late, long and lovely meal with my Charleville-Ardennes team. Realize that my knowledge of French vocab is 8 food words for every 1 non-food words. Helpful for reading a menu, but that is about it... 5am wake up with the tv alarm. End up totally mesmerized by a French hunting show for about 15 minutes. Quick breakfast and off to the race site, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Quick warmup followed by long cooling down on the pontoon, aided by the wind and chilly air temps. Race is off! Super short, fast and over before I know it. Bad T2 means that I end up running by myself, trying to catch the leaders to no avail. C’est la vie! But finish in a solid 6th and, more importantly, my team ends up 1st with strong races by Moffy (1st) and Anja (9th). First win ever for Charleville-Ardennes and team manager Eric couldn’t be more excited. Sample the post-race noshes and then off to cool down while the men race. Total Brownlee brother domination. Awards ceremony, followed by quick stop at the bakery for a heavenly almond croissant (when in France...) and back to the hotel. Best multitasking ever in packing while catching up with former training partner, the incredible Dave Matthews. In the lobby for a champagne toast with the team. Load up the van, reverse journey and back at home by 8pm. Successful trip, but now too tired to write properly. Sister will be horrified. Too tired to care, so I’m off to bed...