Duathlon Europameisterschaft 2024 - Powerman Alsdorf

How time flies! The season seemed so far away for so long, and suddenly, it's here. :)

My last post was after the SkySnow World Championships in March, when I became double vice-world champion. What has happened since then? Not much - everyday madness, I would call it—a structured daily routine of work, training, eating, and sleeping.

Unfortunately, this routine took its toll, and my body demanded a break in April. I guess it was a combination of stress levels 24/7 from work and training and under-recovery. My body wanted a break. It was and is quite an up-and-down ride.

Nevertheless, season 24 is calling! The start of the season is at the Powerman Alsdorf, European Duathlon Championships, and German Elite Championships simultaneously—my first competition in the elite category.

I was really looking forward to it! Duathlon is simply a beautiful thing :)

The missing weeks of training only worried me a little. The foundation is there, and if the body wants the time off, you have to give it to it. I knew that it could be a good competition.

I was super prepared in terms of equipment; I had everything together in good time just 2 days before the start ;)

I was definitely nervous! I finally had a time trial bike - my bike :). Problem: I only got my competition bike in the week of the race, so I hadn't had much training.

Sunday 05.05. - Duathlon competition

Breakfast 04:30, check-in 07:00, starting signal 08:00.

Distance: 10km - 60km - 10km

It was a relatively long race for me. I will slowly get used to such distances this year.

The weather forecast was good, but it was still fresh in the morning.

I love early starts because it goes so fast that you don't have time to think about it.

1st run 10km - 4 laps of 2.5km each

I had agreed with my coach to take it easy, but I wanted to run with her. It felt good, with no pressure or anything, so I went with my gut feeling. I knew that my body could easily cope with it.

The small starting field quickly spread out. (time 35:31min)

and I can still talk ;)

Bike 60km - 3 laps of 20km each

I got on the bike in 3rd place; from then on, everything was chaotic, and I lost a better position.

The transition zone was unproblematic. I even managed to get my time trial helmet on (but not all the way :D). But the first few kilometers were tough, and the mistakes just piled up. All the mistakes at once: not getting into my shoes, problems with my helmet, gel, etc. I was able to tick everything off with a checkbox. I was stupid and wasted so much time with my watch instead of pedaling.

There were so many minutes I wasted there. It's bitter, but I let it affect me too much. I don't have the practice and experience. Something like that won't happen to me again.

After a few minutes, I was able to devote myself to the race :)

The 3 laps were loooong. Driving the TT is new, and I am still inexperienced, but that will come with time :) I'm happy with my performance.

Just before the transition zone, the icing was on the cake - I crashed, and I kissed the ground. I simply couldn't help it; it happened so quickly.

It was a combination of shock, help my bike, and what am I missing?

I picked myself up and headed to the transition area. I was dazed and had to compose myself. But the show must go on.

2nd run 10km - 4 laps of 2.5km each

Just run, that was my motto. The gap was there; I wasn't entirely focused, but I knew I had to give it my all because It all adds up.

The run wasn't easy, but I did my best.

(Time: 36:41min)

Finish: 7th place European Champs, 3rd place in the German Championship rankings.

So self-critical - I was super disappointed, too many mistakes on the bike and then the crash - I just prevented myself from getting a very good place.

After a longer analysis, I am convinced it was a good performance.

I delivered, and mistakes can happen.

I learn from them and know what I need to work on. My performance is going in the right direction, and the season can be good. :)