Andi Giglmayr, second place in Rimini
I`m just back from Italy and my first race on the middle distance. After the London Olympics I made the big decision to move to longer distance and was really excited to start the new journey. I started training in January on Lanzarote island, then moved to Stellenbosch/South Africa for one month to get more millage done and finally ended the big part of my preparation in Portugal.
Last weekend it was then time, to test my legs for the first time and to see where I`m on the way to Ironman Klagenfurt, my main goal for the first part of the season.
I chosen the Challenge Rimini Half Distance, because I like Italy a lot and it is only a six hour drive from my home town Salzburg/Austria. When I arrived in Rimini and checked the course, I was straight away in love. A sea swim, very hilly bike with lots of corners and a nice fast run.
The start field also proved to be a good test, with the current European champion and the second from last years half ironman world champs. On race day I was feeling good and after a solid swim and a good paced bike, I started the run on 7th position. I was feeling strong and in control of my body, which helped me to move through the field and I ended on a fantastic second place. My first race on a middle distance and straight away on the podium, what a nice feeling!
Now back home in Austria its time to recover and then start my preparation for Ironman Austria. Greetings from Salzburg and hop to see you at one of the big races in summer!