What can I say but what a brilliant race. Dave Thompson, Fraser Dawson and I headed for the clubbers Island of Ibizia for a weekend of racing. The race was a run through for next years long course championships and comprised of a 4km swim, a 120km bike and a 30km run it was the end of a long race season for us all which had included Ironman and long course races and were going for an end of season trot out . The weather for the weekend was brilliant with hot sunshine temperatures around 25 degrees ( my sunburn can vouch for that ). The race started at 8.00am with a one lap swim in Ibzia harbour and what a long way it looked, the start was a first for all of us with a 6ft jump off the harbour wall into the sea which was lovely and warm and with the sun rising and blasting onto Ibzia castle which overlooked the harbour the swim was quite pleasant.After the swim we hit the bikes for the two lap bike course which again beautifully scenic climbing out of Ibzia town following the coastal road away into the centre of the island with fantastic views out to sea and we climbed and swooped around some superb roads with some technical descents the 12 hospitalised athletes maybe shouldn't have pushed it so hard. The run of 18miles was flat 3 lap affair which went past the start and finish line 6 times. The sun was blasting down at this point the run went through the harbour and into town on closed roads although running past Mcdonalds 6 times was hard the run course was quite pleasant. All 3 finished as well as our other two room mates GB age grouper Terry Whalley and elite licence holder Pete Swaine.There were about 10 Brits racing and it was good to meet and chat at the after race do where the food was good and free and the wine was cheap and plentiful. If you can qualify for the Worlds I recommend the race if not put it in your race diary for two years time I would go back for sure. Cheap flights , accommodation and food you can't go wrong it is the ideal location for a weeked away.

Fraser - 6hrs 31mins

Ratty - 7hrs 39mins

Dave - 7hrs 52mins