Grupa Azoty Triathlon Radłów is a race organized in Radłów near Tarnow (Małopolskie voivodeship). It was held for the first time this year and I must admit that it was undoubtedly a success. Not without a few minor mishaps, but as for the first time, the organizers did great. The weather was great as well, although it was questionable until the last moment.
I woke up with the sun. The alarm clock rang at 5:50. Race start was scheduled for 9:00, but we had to fit our bikes into the transition zone between 07:00 and 8:30. Everything got packed the day before (here you can read about preparations), so the only thing that remained was a good breakfast (a classic before competitions – rice flake porridge and mixed dried fruits and nuts) and we were ready to go. I got to the site at approx. 7:30 and found a parking spot easily (there was a special parking area for contestants). With no place to change clothes, we all started changing next to our cars and rush with bikes to the transition zone. I do not have a tri racesuit so I prepared cycling shorts and T-shirt for a change, a pair of SPD and running shoeas next to a bike (I did not install shoes on the pedals as I haven’ practiced this option before – I’d rather not risk it), all gels in place, bike helmet with glasses and gloves and a belt with the number on the handlebars.
Prior to a briefing I did a short warm-up and acquaint myself with water – it turned out to be warmer than I anticipated (and cristal clear).
SWIMMING- 00:21:32
With a slight delay, but finally a starting signal rang out. First started blue caps, i.e. the 1/4 IM distance, a moment later yellow and white ones (1/8 IM and relays). To a half-distance buoy I got quite smoothly, but on the way back I couldn’t pinpoint a gate singaling a transition and I lost approx. 2 minutes zigzagging in the water.
BICYCLE– 01:29:40
Once I touched the sand with my feet, I felt that the worst is behind me (always nervous before a swimming part). I rushed to a transition zone, a few quick moves, bicycle off the hook and on the way. This part takes place on asphalt. There were 4 loops, 11 km each. The route flat as a table, only narrow at U-turn. The ride was very smooth, my two water bottles (water and isotonic drink) were sufficient for the whole stage. On the last lap I emptied last bottle, unclipped from pedals and back to the transition zone.
RUN- 00:47:36
I hung up the bike, jumped into running shoes and sprung out onto the road. Throughout the whole stage I felt power and I kept the pace of approx. 4:45 min/km. The run took place on 2 loops in the mixed terrain (mostly asphalt). Kilometer and directions could be marked better – in consequence, at the end of the first lap I had to ask several staff members for directions to get to a second loop. Despite full sun, I didn’t feel to hot and on each loop, two cooling curtains were organized – over the lake, and halfway the loop by fire brigade, giving us a full shower. The last lap I used all of my remaining forces and crossed the finishing line, where I was given a medal and sent to the „Green Bar” to cool down and supplement the calories and fluids.
OVERALL- 02:43:40
I admit that finish area disappointed me slightly. There was very little space for a slowdown and no photographer, and my „shooting-person” looked the other way, so I cannot boast with my heroic finish. Luckily, after-race meal organisation rose to the occasion. Plenty of fruits of all kinds (bananas, oranges, watermelons, etc.), isotonics and water as much as you want. Warm soup and the best – very professionally prepared meals: tarts – sweet (apricot, chocolate, coconut, each with a different sauce) or dry (with chicken or beef), salads and pasta, all nicely wrapped in foil and described, including the composition and caloric values for 100 g and for serving. All thanks to Zdrowy Projekt. It really made an impression.
After satisfying hunger, you could jump into the pool with 10 deg. Celsius water and cool down. Obviously I took the bath as well.
SUMMARY
Tomasz Brembor won the 1/4 IM distance with the time 1:52:27. The women’s category was won by Ewa Bugdoł with the time 2:04:15. 1/8 IM distance won Mariusz Bartek with the time 1:07:37 and Alice Ulatowska (1:10:32). The Race was attended by nearly 300 competitors.
It is worth repeating that, as for the first time, the organizers did fantastic job. Minor mishaps will surely be eliminated in the future edition. I can recommend this triathlon to anyone with all confidence, whether for a debut or a serious competition. The spot is very good, water fantastically clean and organizers really trying to make things right. I will be a very well remembered triathlon and I’m booking my calendar for next year in case it will be organized again.