Here is a compelling narrative of triathlon Vichy support European Championships ETU Long Distance ( 3,8-180-42 )FRANCE .

Arrived at the site on Friday , at the end of the day, I get my Bib and I escaped. We can say that , not to let it settle stress. Despite years of practice, when I see all these athletes ready shaved and sharpened as razor blades , I always wonder if I have not made ​​a mistake in signing me .
So I ran away and joined the apartment, lent by a friend , Maxime , whom I thank .

After a good night , I turn to face my demons on the race site with a training swimming. I found Christophe , a new triathlete , who in his first triathlon chose an Ironman distance , only that !

Small bike tour , latest tips and then we'll drop the bags , guided by volunteers available and courteous.

Sunday race day
I 'll spare you the details, such as " I was well and less well, but I managed , and could have done better next time ... " well drunk stuff.
31th/627 finishers
Amateur 17th
2nd AG(40 - 44 years old ) and then Vice-European Champion ( nothing to say, slap it , but that does not change the face of the world and yet least my daily )
Swimming: 1:07 to swim alone behind a group too strong for me
Bike : 4:56 , head to the grindstone . In this regard, the volcanoes of Auvergne, you do not see them. No time .
CAP : 3:20 , could do better !

Monday: ceremony
As we are always at the top, organizational point of view and that is trust , Muriel had not been a day off, then back on Sunday evening at home and hop, towards Vichy, on Monday morning, Valentine, my daughter (13 years ) and most importantly, my official photographer.

Podium , medal, paella and chocolat cake, coffee ... supermarket shopping, washing machine, storing sports bags.
No time to take the big head.

Debriefing with coach Patrick BRINGER, a reference!! , not made , but I know what he will say to me , basically , " swimming improved, good bike and solid marathon ... "

For more:
October 06 : Natureman ( Half) or Challenge Barcelona (Full Distance ) ? ?

PS : Christopher young triathlete , finished in 12:05 for his first long-distance , with a smile , knowing that he swam the Crawl, a year ago , the Running was not too his thing.
His times : 1h49 - 5:40 - 4:26
Him, he made ​​me dream ! !

Great race , an organization at the top , either with volunteers, but also in the management of post- race ( buffet , massage).