TRIATHLON XTERRA IN LAGO DI GARDA - strenuous running and biking with a nice atmosphere
07. 06. 2018
The Xterra World Cup race took place in the Italian town of Toscolano-Maderno, where we arrived on Thursday morning. We built a tent in a camp on the shores of Lake Garda and set off for trying the cycling section.
We have practiced riding and running
We did not expect an easy track, because everyone who visited Lake Garda told us that it was just uphill here, nevertheless, we were surprised by its difficulty. A seventeen-kilometer round with an ascent of 650 meters, two steep climbs, where we shifted the two lightest gears, made us work hard. There was no rest in the downs. Demanding stony roads required 100% attention, as well as the endless, infinitely long stairs with curves.
After cycling, we went to see the running section which was even harder than cycling one. Parameters of 12 km length and 540 meters uphill promised a walk rather than a run. Run down full of loose stones, footbridges above the river, enlightened tunnels - it was simply both exhausting and terrific.
The off-road triathlon started by swimming
On Sunday, at 13:30, the starting pistol shot and 48 racers in the elite category jumped into the water. Any has started for the first time in her sports career. The rest of the anxious racers went into the first discipline 2 minutes after the professional athletes. Any made an effort at 1 500 m swimming in 2 laps. Her struggle with the waves of the lake was difficult.
Successful cycling and running section
The following two bicycle laps passed quickly. There were many people along the track and the music bands playing along the track gave us a lift. It got cold like magic at the running section and we were running pretty good now. Any ended in the tenth place in the elite category.
I went to Italy without training and I determined not to start. But atmosphere and surroundings eventually fascinated me and I set out to start. I enjoyed swimming in the beautiful lake, and the bike with lots of viewers making the demanding track more pleasant. But I was exhausted in the depot, and the final run resembled walking. I was happy to be able to finish the race after such a long drop-out.
We are both glad to recall the charm of triathlon after a year. We recommend you this heavy race amid the beautiful nature of the Italian Alps.
Any and Filip
