It was very much a learning experience for the three New Zealanders racing in the ITU World Cup in Alicante as the Spanish city hosted its first ever World Cup race.
The inexperience of the race was matched by the inexperience of the Kiwis, with Rebecca Clarke, Simone Ackermann and Maddie Dillon all very new to this level of racing and in the case of Dillon racing her first standard distance event ever.
The speed of triathlon on the international stage was again emphasised in a quality World Cup field in Alicante with the importance of making the front bunch again reinforced. Results and races are highlighting not only the need for athletes to put themselves in contention out of the water, but to back that up with a good run time if they are to finish high in any field at any race it seems.
Clarke achieved her initial goals with a strong swim and bike in a very strong field, emerging from the water with the leaders and establishing herself in a lead group of 9 on the bike. That effort would take a toll though as the Aucklander struggled on the run to eventually finish in 24th place.
"I am really happy to make top 25 in a quality field at just my 2nd World Cup. The swim was tough, with a fast pace set by Lucy Hall (GBR), I exited the water in about 7th place with Jodie Stimpson. There was a long run through transition and I had to cycle hard to maintain in contact with the leaders. The British girls were pushing the pace and we ended up in a breakaway of nine girls, extending our lead to 2mins over the chase group by end of bike.
"I was in a top 10 position until 5km into run, when people from the chase pack caught me, the effort put out over swim and bike had my legs fatigued and from there it was more about pacing myself and not blowing up.
"My race plan worked out well to get in a breakaway and it's a great confidence booster knowing I can swim and bike with the best in the world and the next goal is to make my running as strong and faster to get better results. Congrats to Simone for her great result and Maddie performing well in her first World Cup."
Simone Ackermann raced steadily throughout after just missing the lead group out of the water and riding in a chase group for the 40km bike leg and running home in 37:29 for 22nd place and the best of the Kiwis. Missing that lead group out of the water proved costly, had Ackermann done so and run as she did, a top ten placing was within reach of the young Aucklander.
"Today's race was bittersweet. I was disappointed to have just missed the front bunch, which I was in touch with after the first lap of the swim. While there is still room for improvement, I am happier with my run this time round as it was a tough day out. Today's race is a good confidence booster for Tongyeong in two weeks."
Dillon discovered what racing at this level and over the standard distance is all about but enjoyed her experience nonetheless, coming home 39th of the more than 50 starters. The World U23 elite Aquathlon champion will only be better for the opportunity as she finds her way at the top level.
"I suffered a little during an aggressive swim which put me in the third pack and realistically out of the race from the beginning. It was a great experience being on the start line with the likes of Jodie Stimpson, the world number two. I have a lot of positives I can take out of today and have learnt a huge amount. Not at all happy results wise but considering it was my first Olympic distance I can only improve from here."
