Dear Athletes,
In continuing with the World Triathlon Development race reviews, today we look at Karlovy Vary, raced on 11 September in the Czech Republic.
Race Analysis
The swim was standard for a world class triathlon, with swim specialists working hard to drop the main field. This was a little more successful in the women than the men.
The women’s race developed a group of 5 women on the bike with a large group chasing. Mathias (GBR) and Periault (FRA) worked constantly to keep the lead pack of 5 off the front, with little support from the remaining 3. The women’s chase group was disorganised with no one prepared to commit to bridge across or unable to so. As a result, they lost time throughout the bike entering T2 just over 1min30sec behind. Karlovy Vary was a course a strong rider could have made a serious impact on the outcome of the race, so it was surprising positions did not change too much at the front of the women’s race. Perhaps it was a sign that the lead group were strong and determined to stay away, combined with no real organisation to catch from group 2.
Exiting T2 Mathias (GBR) surged ahead, opening a sizeable gap. Periault ran a classy and controlled final run leg to finish a comfortable winner.
Interestingly, the lead group of 5 on the bike finished the top 2 athletes running the fastest times of the day, proving yet again, a strong bike leg can be followed with a fast run leg if an athlete is properly prepared.
The men’s race saw a group of 9 slightly ahead out of the swim, but they were caught easily on the bike due to the aggressive riding of the chasers.
A large group then raced the remainder of the course together. The fact the large group remained together was surprising considering the gradients and small technical area in the centre of town, which could normally break packs up.
The run was dominated by the winner and fastest run split Lehmann (HUN) and McElroy (USA) and 4th placed Sanchez Mantecon (ESP) who ran through the field with a tidy run.
Conclusion
The run was once again the defining leg. The swim was important and allowed athletes to position themselves well. In the women’s race the eventual winner worked hard on a tough bike course well and to her advantage to set up a clean run home. The men’s race was a more ‘sit and wait for the run’ scenario, but it was the aggressive nature of the first portion of the bike that forced the race into this scenario as the lead swimmers were caught.
Data from the race is below.
I hope you find this information useful, and can take into your races.
Next email we will preview the Tongyeong World Cup.
Emma Carney (AUS)
