2016 New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Finale

It is that time of the year again when the final race of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series is near. Many races have been swum, many laps and strokes have been turned over in the training pool and many Eggs Bennies have been consumed. Well, I've consumed a lot of Eggs Benny in the last six months anyway.

Friendships throughout the series have been made, friendly rivalries fought and many goals and fears have been conquered. And although the euphoria of finishing each race to the best of one's ability is still pulsing through the body, a lingering sense of frustration may be present - after all, winter is coming. So what happens next?

For some, resolutions will be fresh in the mind and the motivation to progress, to get fitter and to reach further heights will be excitingly overbearing. For others, the thought of a beer, a burger and not seeing the sun rise through a pair of goggles while swimming in a straight line repeatedly for a good six months will hit the sweet spot.

Unless you're a Polar Bear and love being in cold air temperatures and cold water, training over the winter period can sometimes seem arduous, and if a goal isn't to be met for some time then it can even feel a little pointless. Yet keeping a baseline of fitness makes the summer months that much easier! If swimming through winter isn't your thing then doing dryland workouts like weights, Pilates or Yoga are great ways to keep strength and flexibility. While running, riding a bike or participating in some other form of cardio is great for the endurance come those 'I'm Going Long' rounds.

The important thing is to continue to have fun with whatever keeps you busy. Some will have the magnificent opportunity as I will to travel the world and chase the summer while swimming in iconic locations - for this we should be truly gracious.

At this point I'd like to thank Scott and Natasha Rice along with Simon and Lauren at Quantum Events, the outstanding series sponsors as well as the countless volunteers at each round for the opportunity to swim in some of New Zealand's, if not the world's most beautiful locations. I've had an incredible time jet setting and exploring the country as you'll see in my video!

View from Mt Maunganui

Thank you to Jetstar NZ for so generously allowing me to pass my knowledge back to the weekend warriors, the hardened ocean swimming athletes and the new generation of swimming hopefuls to help build our beloved sport and for creating awareness of this magnificent event that allows us to be one with the ocean and its marine life. Flying Jetstar has been outstanding!

A big thank also goes your way - to the readers. Feel free to wander back through this blog series and refine your skills for the final race and if you see me on the beach don't hesitate to say hello - I love to spin a yarn. Follow my adventures at www.michaelsheil.blogspot.com

I look forward to mingling with you all after the final event and to the Jetstar Super Swim Squad in April where I'll get to properly meet all of the young and upcoming stars!

Mt Maunganui Beach

For now, sit back and enjoy a quick recap (see if you can spot yourself running across the line) of my recent 32 hour return trip from the Gold Coast to Mt Maunganui for the Sand to Surf courtesy of the good people at Jetstar.

Jetstar Ocean Kids

As a young boy I was fortunate enough to be able to try almost all mainstream sports during school - finding that I was highly un-coordinated at most of them. After knocking over hurdles, jumping face first into the sandpit while attempting to Long Jump and plodding along the running track with big flat feet, Pool swimming was something that I fell in love with and showed some potential at. It wasn't until I was 20 that I found Open Water Swimming and soon fell in love with that too.

There are a lot more opportunities these days within the sport of Open Water Swimming for young kids compared to when I was starting out in the pool - National Championships, Oceania Championships, World Championships and of course the Olympic Games. But most importantly, the opportunities to see and experience different parts of the world, swim in some truly iconic locations and meet remarkable people to form friendships are simply life changing. This all comes from hard work in the pool and the ocean.

So what can you do as an OceanKid to reach your dreams and aspirations?

• Write your dreams down somewhere that you can see them everyday (preferably not on the walls of the house, otherwise Mum & Dad might get a bit upset)

• Work hard and smart in the water. Listen to your coach at training and don't get too mad when Mum tells you to go to bed because you have training the next morning!

• Learn from the best OpenWater Swimmers by watching them and even talking to them at races like the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series. Then as you get older try to put what they do into your swimming routine and make it work best for you.

• Have friends and hobbies outside of swimming. Swimming can take up so much of your life, but equally important is having fun with your friends and of course school work! 

• Never, ever, ever give up!  You will come across hurdles along the way but just jump over them and keep on going.

• Always have fun - every open water race is different to the last so the fun should never stop!

Checkout some tips below on putting the next OceanKids race together

I look forward to seeing everyone at The Mount!

Recovery the Right Way

Recovery after a race is just as, if not more important than the training process involved in getting ready for the race. Just like the Jetstar planes - if they aren't refuelled after each flight they won't be able to take off again, the human body is exactly the same. If it isn't refuelled and maintained correctly after a race then having a great performance the next time you race or train is highly unlikely.

Below are a few recovery techniques that I use to help me get ready for the next race or training block. Remember that everyone is different and should experiment with different techniques during their training phase.

Sighting

The Topgun Pilots at Jetstar always put a great deal of planning into how to get from A to B in the most efficient of ways and, fortunately for us - although not as much study is involved, we as open water swimmers can practice our sighting techniques so that we can get around the course as quickly and as directly as possible.

Find some helpful tips in the video below and see how close you can get to swimming straight in between the buoys in the next round at Christchurch!

Keeping Warm Pre-Race

As swimmers, most of us are a custom to kickstarting the day before dawn by taking our clothes off in less than ideal colder temperatures and plunging into a pool - the water temperature always making sure that if we weren't awake before we got in, the fresh rush of liquid hitting the skin from the toes down to the feet would certainly awaken the senses!

I find this to be a fantastic sensation while training but not so much for a race. Luckily - there are aids to help keep warm on race day. Just like the big Jetstar Jets, staying warm comes from an internal heat to combat the external ambient conditions. So regulating your body temperature right from the start of your trip to the race will make it easier to combat those stiff winds all too often experienced in Wellington.

See below for handy tips and be sure follow Michael_Sheil on Instagram and Twitter for more helpful hints!

Harbour Crossing - Nutrition Tips For Travel

If you're a carbohydrate enthusiast like I am, travelling to new places can open up a whole new world of delicious cuisines to tickle the taste buds. On the other hand, I've been to plenty of places around the world where I'm either time poor from transiting or there just aren't too many options to choose from. Although those potato chips at the airport or the confectionery at the hotel often seem too appealing to pass up, there are plenty of other options to make sure your body is in tip top shape for that big swim you'll be tackling.

Everyone is a little different in what they can eat so it's always a good habit to know what kinds of food groups the body responds well to when training for the big race. This way you'll know what to eat on race day and you'll have an idea on how to get the best nutrition from what is available at the venue.

Check out below for some handy hints and feel free to follow my social media pages for some extra tips. Enjoy your morning out on the water - this race is truly one of the most fun that I've competed in!

Bay of Islands Classic - Packing Lightly

As the dawn of the new season of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series fast approaches, feelings of excitement and abundant happiness are generally experienced by its participants who travel from all over New Zealand and other parts of the world. A swim series of seven events in seven different locations over the course of five glorious summer months that feature some of the countries' most epic and beautiful scenery indeed calls for jubilation in the form of a phat smile from ear to ear.

But within all of that prospective travelling lurks an overwhelming nervousness and a heavy chest when the moment of realisation comes - "My flight is tomorrow!? I haven't even packed!". Or even worse, when rushing to the registration tent on the day of the event, you suddenly realise that you've packed your best pair of tighty whities or that special undergarment instead of your wetsuit and togs!

Don't despair, these red faced situations happen to the best of us and even elite swimmers at times can misplace important race equipment. Yet by eliminating clutter within your luggage and sticking to a packing routine, misplacing or simply not packing important items in your luggage will almost never happen and you'll be carefree and raring to go on the start line.

When I first started travelling to race events around the world I had a tendency to pack my entire house - just in case I needed to use those six pairs of shorts or four pairs of shoes on a three day trip. I soon realised that I was entering a packing frenzy because I didn't have a plan of what to take with me. Nowadays, if I don't need to check any luggage I like to travel with a carry on bag and one personal bag that generally holds my electronics and travel documents.

But if you really do need to pack that arsenal of shoes and those seven sweaters that you haven't worn for the past 5 years - just in case, Jetstar, sponsors of the series and elite competitors, offer a very generous 15-40Kg checked luggage allowance depending on your fare type for a very reasonable price.

I also like to write a list before I pack so that it only takes a short time. Sometimes if I have back to back travel for different races I might even leave my race equipment packed in my luggage - similiar to Jetstar crew having a standby bag packed and ready to go.

For most of the events in this year's series I will pack the following items to travel over 2-3days:

Remember that if you are carrying on luggage only, Jetstar has a 7Kg limit. For this reason I don't pack things like towels, water bottles etc. Instead I buy water/gatorade at my destination and use hotel towels. Always remember to return the hotel towels as a courtesy though! For international flights like mine will be, always remember to check the carry on liquids rules before arriving at the airport. Finally, be sure to wear comfortable clothes for transiting.

I always pack two pair of goggles in case I need a spare on race day. Generally I'll pack a trigger ball or small foam roller if space and weight permits. I'll also keep important items like my passport and travel documents in my personal bag which I keep in my hands at all times at the airport.








So now that you're packed and ready to go, check out my below tips to help you through the first round at beautiful Pahia:
- Be sure to arrive on the start line with plenty of time to allow yourself to get your bearings and map out your racing line. Position yourself as directly in front of the first marker buoy as possible to give yourself the shortest route
- Listen out for any final race briefings from the event team
- Once the gun goes off stick to your racing line and create your own personal space around you. Try and stick as close to the marker buoys as possible as there may be a current pushing right or left.
- Settle into a pace that you know you've been able to do in training and build on that closer to the finish line.
- Above all, enjoy your time in the water! It's not often that swimming in beautiful locations like this come around!

For the Jetstar OceanKids:
- Remember to listen to the lifeguards before you enter the water
- Ocean Swimming is most fun when done with friends, so stick together with a group of your buddies if you're a little unsure of the conditions.
- Swim within yourself - that means if you're out of breath and need to have a little rest, let the closest lifeguard know, catch your breath and then continue on along the course to the finish line.





All the best to everyone taking part in this great event and I'll see you on the start line!

FINA/HOSA 10Km Swimming World Cup Noumea

Opportunities to do what one loves while in a location akin to Paradise don't often come about. Yet I recently found myself in that exact position while I raced in Noumea for the third event of the FINA/HOSA 10Km Swimming World Cup Series.

The location was Anse Vata Bay - about a 40 minute drive from the airport. I had never visited New Caledonia and had no idea what would greet me. Turns out that the sun sets pretty early this time of year and so with a 6pm arrival, I was greeted with complete darkness as the hotel bus chauffeured me to Château Royal. I would have to wait until morning to have my pupils pleasured.

I was joining my team mate Rhys Mainstone who was already settling in and Samantha Watts along with Head Coach Ron McKeon who would arrive 24 hours later. Perfect timing to get a few night shots in:

Anse Vata Bay - Noumea

Course Recon with fellow Australians Rhys Mainstone & Samantha Watts

We were to race on Saturday, a couple of days after my arrival, which would allow enough time to settle in, get some time in the pool and ocean and to relax and enjoy the eye candy that was right outside my bedroom door. I was pleased to find that Noumea is actually a beautiful spot in the world featuring European familiarities being a French territory, crystal blue water, friendly French speaking inhabitants and decent food, all while being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and giant mountain ranges. This would make for a perfect backdrop while racing.

Rest Day before Race Day

This trip however wasn't all sunshine and rainbows with cute Labrador puppies sliding down them. I was here to compete in my first World Cup - a 10Km, 4 lap race in Anse Vata Bay against the best swimmers in the world. The field was slightly smaller than usual with some federations deciding to concentrate on the next leg of the series - Cozumel, just two weeks later. But this wouldn't stop the race from being a gruelling two hour event. The Island Gods decided to treat the field to a 35Km/h wind blowing from slightly behind us and over our right side for half of the clockwise course, allowing us to hone our body surfing skills and get some mad waves. Sure, getting some swell similar to what you'd find at home on your local surf beach is all good and fun for a time, but when that time is two hours in duration, a rain storm is thrown in for good measure and you have a field of competitive swimmers wanting to be in the same place as you, that frothing surf can get a little old.

Strong winds would add to the excitement of the race

Nonetheless we pushed forward. The start of the race was magnificently slow with nobody wanting to lead. Rhys soon made a small surge after the first buoy to test the waters but came back to the pack. On turning the second buoy most of the pack sighted slightly left of where we actually wanted to go. Rhys being the experienced professional saw an opportunity and took a different line to the pack - a line that would see him reach the finish line first and a line that made us never see him again in the race!

We continued as a pack for the first lap (2.5Km) and fed together before three Frenchman lifted the pace and broke away. I found myself nestled in another group of three featuring two Olympians in the likes of Frenchman Anthony Pannier and Venezuelan, Erwin Maldonado (Double Olympian). We would sit together for the best part of 6.5Km with only a few centimetres separating us in the washing machine that was Anse Vata Bay. Just like that annoying intruder while riding public transport that wants to sit on you, chew their gum in your ear, pick their nose, eat their toe nails, try to eat your toe nails, talk on the phone loudly, belt out the lyrics to their favourite song from the 80's while assuming you can't hear them because they can't hear themselves over their headphones, all while the entire carriage is completely empty with a myriad of seat selections - Anthony, Erwin and myself would replicate this scenario, albeit without toenail eating, for the best part of 1.5 hours. It was clear that this would not just be a physical battle, but also one of mental strength.

Photo Credit: Rhys Mainstone

Eventually Anthony and I took a slightly different line to each other on the last lap with him finishing a few seconds up the road in front of me. It was down to Erwin and I to battle for 7th position. I was able to hold him level with me right to the finishing pad and in all honesty I was sure that I had finished in front -  with photos that I have seen backing up this self thought. However I was officially classified in 8th place, still within the points classification and prize paying spots. Sometimes in sport, these kinds of things happen and although I would have like to have finished a little further up the road I thoroughly enjoyed the battle I had with Erwin right to the end.

Two hours of racing comes down to a split second touch

An official ceremony would take place that night, allowing us to briefly meet the locals and be spoilt with a delicious buffet dinner before backing up for the 5Km French Cup the next morning. I would place 7th in this race with my own professional photographer and escort boat following me the whole way. Cheers to Rhys!

Official Ceremony

I need to take a moment to make a special mention of the local resident on the beach outside the resort. We named him Salt Dawg. This particular gentleman would set up his beach rug, two bags of personal grooming products and food at 6.30 each morning and then proceed to strip down to his very small, black budgy smugglers and enter the water to knee depth. Once there, with divine form and prowess similar to a peacock, he would walk in a large rectangular shape, arms still by his side with a firm gaze in front of him - only stopping to exit the water to comb his luscious grey beard. Sunscreen was a prohibited substance for Salt Dawg as you'll see in the below photo. Each day he would retire from the beach at precisely 5.30pm after witnessing the sublime sunset. His display of mental strength throughout the daily ordeal of heat exhaustion and fluid dehydration definitely left us mortal athletes in awe!

Local Resident - Salt Dawg

So what comes next? It will be head down for me into a training block at home in Brisbane where I will aim to increase both my aerobic fitness and anaerobic threshold ceiling, allowing me to better challenge for places at the pointy end of the field when it is next time to race.

Thanks to everyone who has shown interest and given support - I hope this blog brings some light entertainment to you!

A full but brief photo timeline is available over at Flickr for your visual enjoyment.

Cheers,

Racing Tales: BHP Aquatic Super Series 10Km

Perth, Australia. To me this place is a world away. Yet five hours on the plane and I'm still in the same country! Being one of Australia's major capitals and the largest on the West Coast, it provides all the creature comforts of home with a few twists - peak hour traffic is like a public holiday compared to the eastern capitals, it is clean, spacious and friendly, however east siders may feel a little less affluent when eating and finding accommodation as the dollar in their wallets doesn't quite stretch as far is it does back home due to the mining economy.



But when it greets one with the below photo, thoughts of financial extortion and everything else disappear from the mind:

City Beach Sunset

I was in Perth to race. In particular to compete in the 10Km Swim the Swan - an event that is part of the BHP Aquatic Super Series. In it's third and final year, the series hosts Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming and Water Polo against nations like the USA, Japan, China and Brazil to name a few.

This year the open water event featured nations including Australia, New Zealand, America, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Japan and Canada for the Elite Men's race. And with an $80,000 prize pool, it was great to see so many of the world's best swimmers making the treck down under to compete and try to line their pockets with what is one of the highest paying wins in the sport.

It also doubled as Australia's first step in the 10Km qualification process for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Stay with me here: The top three Australians head to Cancun, Mexico for a World Cup before the top two finishers in that race are selected to compete in Kazan at the World Championships and finally qualify for Rio if either or both of those competitors finish inside the top 10 and the IOC and AOC deem them qualified. On top of this, further candy was added to the cake of success with the top Australian finisher being crowned the Australian 10Km Champion. Great Britain and New Zealand also adopted a similar Olympic Selection process so the stakes were high for not just the Australians! So with a large stack of money up for grabs and the first steps being taken along the golden path to Olympic glory by 55% of the field, none of us were in the mind-frame to have a somewhat cruisy and fun two hour swim. This was going to be a fierce and fast battle on par with an official World Cup.

The accommodation I stayed in had a 25m lap pool which was extremely convenient

I was incredibly thankful to have a brand new race suit on hand provided through the kind generosity of Mizuno and Yasunari Hirai. This suit is the business and I would highly recommend to anyone in need of the best quality race attire to check out the range. It was a pleasure racing with the Mizuno logo!

Fresh out of the box!

The Mizuno Race Suit

In between having an epic bum scratch, I was preparing for the race

The race was a simple set up as usual - four 2.5Km laps in a rectangle adjacent to the Swan River Esplanade with the city as a backdrop, starting in a deep water start and finishing with a touch pad.

Course Map

We were greeted that morning with overcast yet fairly pleasant weather conditions coupled with a delicious atmosphere of both elite and age group swimmers who were also competing in shorter distance races but who were just as eagerly keen and excited to get in the water. I'll take a moment here to congratulate everyone who took part in the 1.5Km, 2.5Km and 5Km events. Around 800 people took part and as always, it was great to see so many people taking up the challenge of swimming in an open water environment and coming away with ecstatic smiles on their faces.

Our race start time was scheduled for 0745 (made 25 minutes earlier than the original time) however we didn't dip our toes in until somewhere around 0825 (some 15min later than the original time and 40min later than the amended time) due to the amount of age groupers in the shorter distances who were still on the course and a difficulty in getting 80 odd people onto a small pontoon roughly 33mx3m who were tasked with the most important and equally brutal feeding duties.

If you look closely - there is a pontoon that somehow fit 80 odd people at once!

Coaches & Handlers patiently waiting each lap in between feeds

Elite Men ready to enter the water

The first of four laps was relatively simple yet we swum at a decently fast pace, taking a few seconds to feed at the end of the lap before continuing on. I made sure to position myself as well as I could inside the middle of the pack and towards the front. To illustrate the concentration needed to do this, picture yourself walking in the most heinous of peak hour foot traffic in a busy city, with a large group of people all wanting to get to the very same, very specific space of land that you want to be on (similar to 100 people walking through a doorway at the same time that only fits one person). Now picture those people throwing hands, elbows, feet and sometimes bodies at your head, face and chest. Add a fair amount of water chop caused by the direct wind in your face and the splash of other people swimming around you each time you look up for directional sighting and you've painted yourself a fairly accurate picture that is the chaos of pack swimming. A picture that is weirdly attached to the feeling of adrenaline filled euphoria and an addictive enjoyment.

The pace continued to evenly be applied on the second and third laps as the screws continued to be turned with each stroke and each metre we came closer to the finish line. Feeding went smoothly all three times although after the race I heard of stories from feeders of their swimmers breaking teeth and hands! Unfortunately around the 8km mark I lost contact with the main lead pack (some 20 strong still). This wasn't the plan for me but it was what I had to deal with at the time. I noticed a few swimmers swimming by themselves and we reformed as a small group to continue on the last lap and fight it out at the finish. I finished 27th overall and 7th Australian - by no means what I had hoped for but that is what it was on the day. On reflection there wasn't anything in particular that I could point out that would ultimately hinder my race. I simply wasn't fast enough on the day. A humbling yet incredibly motivating conclusion.

Congratulations to Jarrod Poort, George O'Brien and Simon Huitenga for making the Australian Podium!

The 5Km National Championships and Team Selection is just around the corner, again in Perth next weekend. I look forward to racing there and to then get stuck in to a nice block of training for the first half of this year - becoming fitter, stronger and faster!

On a side note - We travelled a little south after the race to a place called Rockingham and Penguin Island before ending up at City Beach for a calming sunset closely followed by a hair raising apocalyptic storm! This was a great afternoon spent after a fairly tiring race. Perth really does have some aesthetic magic as you can see in the full set of photos over at Flickr.

Looking West from Penguin Island into the Indian Ocean

Customary Eggs Benedict (The Real Traveller's choice of breakfast)

Until next time, just keep swimming! (And enjoy your Eggs Benny while travelling!)

The Land of Grass and Sheep - State Bay of Islands Classic, Paihia, New Zealand

A week ago I travelled over to the land of grass and sheep to race in the first race of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series - The Bay of Islands Classic in Paihia. I was graced with the presence of two outstanding swimmers in the likes of Japanese Olympian "Yasunari 'The Photo Man'  Hirai from Tokyo Japan, nice to meet you!" and George O'Brien one of Australia's top ranked swimmers who likes to do to handstands on his head in his spare time.

We started our journey early Thursday morning from the Gold Coast flying Jetstar NZ (insertion of gratuitous plug just there) to Auckland where we had the afternoon to immerse ourselves in what seemed the coldest water on the planet (probably just 15C) at Milford Beach followed by a very enjoyable feast provided by our gracious home stay hosts, Richard and Sandy.

Yasu ready for take-off

On Friday we started our supposed three hour drive from Auckland to Paihia after enjoying a scrumptious Eggs Benedict (the true traveller's chosen breakfast) and a quick paddle in Auckland City. Lucky that we enjoyed those tenderly poached eggs smothered in rich, moist hollandaise sauce as the drive took just under seven hours to complete due to a fatality on the road just outside of Whangarei. Thoughts are with the families of those affected.

The true traveller's choice of breakfast - Eggs Benny

None the less we were greeted by this at our timely arrival of 7pm, hungry and weary but nothing a brisk dip in the balmy 16C water, a steak burger with delectable smashies and a few beds with hospitality provided by Nateele and Gerry couldn't fix:

The view on arrival

The race itself was a 3.3Km crossing of the Bay of Islands, departing from Russell and tracking in a straight line to Paihia Beach. On this particular day, the tide was ebbing strongly against our left side, while the wind was blowing directly opposite from our right side and a nice little sweep flowing in the opposite direction of the tide greeted us in the last few hundred metres of the race. Perfect conditions really... The opportunist was poised to be rewarded greatly. We even had a big grandstand arena created by the anchored P&O Sea Princess!

Race Course

The morning of the event

We were treated to a short ferry ride across the bay (rather than swimming to the start line) in time for a 1.15pm race start. 700 people competed in this race with the elites departing in the first wave. We all got off to a good start and quickly established a lead pack with Yasu, George, Phillip Ryan, Troy Balvert and myself hustling each other. Multiple attempts by Troy, George and Phillip were made to break the pack up however nothing ever seemed to eventuate. In a flash we were towards the end of the 3.3Km with Yasu and Phillip taking a right hand line, while George and I seemed to go slightly to the left. I slotted in to a slick 4th, a few seconds off the podium. Congratulations to Yasu on the win and George and Philip on rounding off the podium!

Finishing

Top 5 Men's Race & Series:

1. Yasunari Hirai 43.59
2. George O'Brien 44.14
3. Phillip Ryan 44.26
4. Michael Sheil 44.33
5. Troy Balvert 44.46

And just like that, 45 minutes later it was all over and soon after we were back in the car on the way home, making a couple of pitstops to check out some truly beautiful scenery. Most of which these lads slept through!

Somewhere on the North Island

Strong travel form...

Overall the trip and race itself was thoroughly enjoyable and one that I can build on as the series progresses. As usual, Scott and his team at Quantum Events have put on an incredibly well run and enticing series, not only for we elites but for the hundreds and thousands of age groupers that will compete in each race this season. All the best to each and everyone one of them!

A big shout out to State Insurance, Jetstar NZ, blueseventy and all of the team that makes the series possible. A special thank you to Richard & Sandy, Nateele and Gerry and Laura for their hospitality and help for this round.

Travel & race equipment provided by Jetstar NZ & blueseventy

A pictorial can be viewed here.
The television show race recap can be viewed below:

The next race in the series is the Auckland Harbour Crossing, December 7 2014.

Chur bro!

Racing Tales: Champions Cup - Moscow & Lipetsk

Race One: Moscow

A 1.8Km fresh water race in an Olympic Rowing Regatta about 30min drive from the hotel. This was the first ever open water invitational race that Russia had ever hosted. The event started off very warmly by being presented Russian gifts at the press conference the night before. Although I couldn't understand what everyone was talking about there, I got the sense that the organisers and press were very excited and proud to host this event.

The course was simple - dive off a pontoon, turn left and head straight for 900m. Turn right for 25m and make another right hand turn before continuing straight for 900m and finally turning right towards the finishing gate.

The Course

The plan for these races is always simple - go hard and don't look back. There isn't enough time for strategy. But of course always time for plenty of excitement!

Unfortunately all of the elite field missed the starting gun as we had no idea that there had been a countdown as it was in Russian. Not to worry though! A few shoves in the back and we were off, organising ourselves into a lead pack. The pace was strong for the first half but not at full speed until finally the field was strung out by the last quarter of the race. I had grand fantasies of gunning it up the right hand side of the pack towards the last turning buoy but each time I tried I found myself not making any ground once out of the direct draft from people in front.

Eventually the final hundreds of metres were a bit of a blur to me, only knowing that I had made up a few positions and finished sixth, a few seconds off the podium and 15sec off the win.

Finishing the race

For me, naturally winning is the aim of the game but in the company of this elite field, I am happy to come away with this result after some time of not competing. I look forward to things to come in the second half of the year.

Post Race: Left to Right - Michael Sheil, Valerio Cleri, Christian Reichert, Alex Studzinski, Vladimir Diatchyn, Daniil Serebrennikov, Evgeny Drattsev & Evgeny Bezruchenko

Congratulations to Evgeny Drattsev on the win.

Top ten results:

1. Evgeny Drattsev 19.05.89

2. Daniil Serebrennikov 19.06.06

3. Christian Reichert 19.07.06

4. Alexander Studzinski 19.16.71

5. Valerio Cleri 19.18.81

6. Michael Sheil 19.20.36

7. Maxim Sedov 19.22.61

8. Roman Yusopov 19.22.95

9. Vladimir Dyatchin 19.22.98

10. Victor Komendantenko 20.13.15

Race Two: Lipetsk

One week later the second race was held in the city of Lipetsk - Vladimir Dyatchin's hometown. This time the race was held in a river which was so upstream it was completely fresh water. Being a smaller city, the press seemed a lot more honed in on individual athletes rather than the event as a group like was the case in Moscow although I could be very wrong - the press conference again was entirely in Russian.

A simple course once again this time featuring a run in start from the beach and a run out finish through the same gate. A simple slight turn to the left headed us straight for 600m, before turning right for 300m, right for another 600m and a final right turn for 400m before finishing on the beach.

The Course

This race again was meant to be a balls out race right from the start however some younger Russians took control of the pack and we seemed happy to follow. I was in a world of pain from the outset having battled with a chest infection for over a week. It seemed today wasn't going to be my day so the best option was to sit 3rd or 4th, stick to Dyatchin like glue and hope to get lucky in the closing stages. Unfortunately this wasn't the case and I blew up with 400m to go, eventually finishing 7th some 20sec down on the winner - this time Daniil Serebrennikov.

The Start

With the very limited training I've completed in the last while compared to the rest of the field, I'm happy to take away some positives but of course would have liked to have built on my Moscow result.

The Finish

Top ten results: 
1. Daniil Serebrennikov 18.19.37
2. Vladimir Dyatchin 18.21.94
3. Alexander Studzinski 18.23.65

4. Valerio Cleri 18.25.64
5. Roman Yusopov 18.28.53
6. Sergei Khursanov 18.35.75
7. Michael Sheil 18.40.81
8. Nikita Nkrasov 19.39.36
9. Ivan Bondarev 20.55.57
10. Constantine Oleynik 21.06.77

Overall I was very happy to have competed in what was a very well run couple of events, considering it is in its inaugural year. I can't speak highly enough of the organisation, water safety and post race entertainment that was on show - all with the help of generous sponsors and trusty volunteers. It was fantastic to see so many age groupers getting involved and young Russians travelling from all over for a start.

Photos here and here.

Cheers,