I traveled to Costa Rica 9 days before the race, spent a few days in San José with a friend and then drove to “Las Catalinas”, the venue for the race, on the Wednesday before the race. I visited the trails on my bike and in running shoes and fell in love with the route. 90% single trail on both disciplines, with a view of the Pacific - a dream.
The starting signal for the professional field was given at 5:50. There were 2 laps to complete in the very warm, wavy and salty water. The triangular course was defined by buoys, I was able to swim the first lap well, in the second lap I had to slow down and finally came out of the water last in the elite, a little frustrated I knew that I had to make up a lot of time to be at the forefront. On the bike it went straight up steeply and the mudflats also rose upwards. I was able to gain 2 places and really put pressure on the first trail. I caught up with them one by one until I finally reached the front of the field - in the lead. With the very strong American right behind me, we collected km after km. He overtook me and took the lead, but later it turned out that I should have ridden in front on the tight, winding downhills.
Together back to the 2nd transition zone I was able to get out onto the running track in first place, but the 10” hole wasn’t necessarily much of a buffer. After a good 2/3 of the route, at a refreshment station, the American Josiah Middaugh passed me, increased the pace one last time and I had to open a hole. In the end I crossed the finish line in second place and could hardly believe it.
Together with Josiah I had so much fun in the race that we then decided to sign each other up for the trail marathon the day after, which we did.
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