New Zealand Duathlon

New Zealand competitors have gathered to compete in the New Zealand Duathlon competition. I got to the race event late in the morning breeze, but the breeze was deadly cold for all the competitors and the clouds were a dark grey promising rain. The race was held at Taupo.

I set up all my gear in transition at 12:15pm practising running in and quickly getting on my helmet. Finally what seemed like hours the year 7&8 category was called up to the starting line by a booming speaker. I was only racing out of year 7's and was all nervous, but ready for the race. Sadly the night before I had got a bad earache, but that didn't stop me from competing. Me and others like Ollie Marshall (someone from Hawkes Bay) stepped up onto the starting line. "Okay" said the race organiser. " I will say on your marks and then this horn will go on the horn you start." Everyone nodded understandingly. "On your marks."

BANG!!! The horn hooted and everyone ran off into the race. The first run was 2km, the bike 7km and then the final run 1km. after doing the 2km I entered transition. I buckled on my helmet and mounted his bike after the line. After I had done one lap of the course I was far behind. I knew I wasn't doing well and was out in the open of the course trying to catch up to the leaders. 

After completing the second lap I dismounted well before the line and started running into transition. I put my bike onto the racks then took off my helmet. Once I was running around the final lap of the course. I knew that my run was horrible but stuck behind another runner. I was close to the finish, and the runner picked up the pace and was at least 15 metres ahead. I thought the other runner was going to beat me but I still had enough energy. I started sprinting, the other runner looked back and by then I was 1 metre behind. I sprinted faster and faster it was so close and we didn't know who crossed the line first but luckily I got there by the skin of his nose. After the race I congratulated the other person.

Prize giving started and the race organiser called up...... "Will Tidswell from Havelock North Intermediate." Startled I walked up onto podium.

I was so happy! The medal said: Duathlon New Zealand 3rd place.

Afterward looking at the results I had got the same time as the other boy. I told mum "I guess the sprinting paid off!"