The week leading up to the race, in

I was fortunate enough to get a home stay with a fantastic family in San Diego, and spent two days in

An hour

The course itself was on what I could best describe as solid sand dunes. Making much of it a roller coaster type experience. There were sections on this less technical course that had up-down, curving, banked single track liked I’d not seen before. Real fun, fast, but not as demanding. The run was similar, and more a scramble of sorts. One biggish climb at the start, and the rest short ups and downs, all in very arid desert like sun scorched dust.

I wish I could go into the funnies of the American athletes there, and how different the norm is back home in SA. Whether it be the psyched-up commentator, the “good job” volunteers, or the average Jo taking part. Suffice to say, my R40 000 bike, was run of the mill compared to most there. I got to see back makers coming off the bike in the sport race, fists in the air, victorious… Aiai.

Race day. 10:00 am start, by a cannon, large enough to scare even spectators into

Rode alright, but nothing special. Felt average and couldn’t push the gears I needed to. Both drink bottles got spat out on the first lap, and cost me a bit. Managed to grab something on the second lap, but in the heat, was perhaps already too late. Came into transition in 6^th, with two running just in front of me, and three just behind.

Was really hoping I’d be feeling better on the run, but struggled here too. Had felt good the day or two before, well rested after traveling, and think the week or cruising  and recovering was more the lethargic cause than the travel over. Either way, only on the last lap of the run did I feel more at ease. Finished 6^th, running between two rows of flags representing the countries present, one being the South African, which Conrad had made proud by cruising home for an impressively easy victory. Couldn’t be happier for him. The Caveman, as his affectionately known here, is back, strong, happy, in love, and its awesome to see.

Second was a Canadian, Mike Vine. Third an Aussie, Andy Noble. Fourth and fifth two Americans. Round 550 athletes racing. Was great meeting the principle players here, on the media and race setup side. Colourful people with a lust for life.

Three weeks in Reno training with Conrad, and then race two and three, in Alabama and

Dan Hugo

Been some week. Far out shit. America,

On the plane to Atlanta, the guy to my left said I just needed to hang in their till I get out of

Brian, Lauren, Ray, Roy and Rusty, really made my stay in

The race itself was great to get through. Been a dream just to be here. Not a great day but in the bag. Finished 6^th and feel there is much positivity I can work on for the next two. Read all under the race reports.

Entering