Triathlon World Cup in Mooloolaba: Jan van Berkel got 12th (29.03.2010)

Jan's report from Australia

At the first World Cup of the season I reached the best result of my career.

A long time it did not look like a good day for me ... a hilly running course and high waves are pretty much the opposite I like. Though I was motivated to gain as many Wold Cup points as possible and to reach a good result.

After the swim I was far behind – I still have not found the key of the transfer from the pool to the open water swim. Fortunately I can trust my bike shape! And that I needed it for four loops on the bike until I closed the gap to the leading group with the help of other athletes. As soon as I was there I was already bored :) I did not think for a second and all my cut-outs burned through and I pushed as hard as I could over the next hill. And I got away! I was on my limit for two loops and I had already gained a distance of 40 seconds to the others. But from the first step of the running leg I felt that was not the smartest thing what I did. My legs were pretty tired. The first guys overtook me fast but I could stay around the 10^th place. In the end I reached the 12^th and it was my best place in the World Cup so far!

With my tactics I was popular and the people recognized me but I cannot tell if that worked in the end. Anyway I pushed as hard as possible and the 12^th place was the best I could reach that day. That makes me happy! Now I look forward to recover and to race in 2 weeks at the World Championship Series in Sydney.