Despite my years of triathlon, Ironman Frankfurt was only the second ever Ironman that I have witnessed, the other being South Africa way back in 2001. It’s an incredible event, most impressive being the final moments where people crossed the finish line, before it’s game over. What a party and atmosphere. As a triathlete it was never my thing, but I can see why it is for others.

Macca and Terenzo both had tough days. It’s Terenzo’s second ever Ironman, so he’s new to this in an event that takes time to hone. The swim went to plan for Terenzo, exiting in first with most major contenders, except Macca, who was three minutes back. The water was so warm and Macca was really struggling to keep cool.

The gaps remained largely the same throughout the 180km bike ride. I did not see the swim and opted instead to travel to feed one in order to support the lads, with Macca’s manager Scott and friend Derek. On lap one Terenzo looked ok, while Macca was on a mission to claw back some time. Lap two and already about 115km in and the event was taking it’s toll. Llanos was moving to the fore, while Macca, still over 3’ off the pace had moved up, with Terenzo’s young body going backwards, but still in the top ten.

The run was going to be really interesting. What a venue, with a run course up and down the river in Frankfurt’s centre. Macca had a 3’20’’ deficit to Llanos starting out, which is nothing in a marathon but a lot considering Llanos’s pedigree. Terenzo was back in 7th position and on the first lap looked very smooth.

On lap two of the four lap run it looked like the gaps would remain the same and hence the positions, but then Macca’s charge to first began and by the start of the penultimate lap he was running shoulder to shoulder with Llanos. Macca pressed on and developed a slight lead, while Timo, who appeared to be out of the picture earlier in the run was flying. He caught Llanos, and the duo then caught Macca, who had blown big time. Timo had an impressive course record victory (7 hours 59’ 15’’), while Llanos finished 2nd and Macca 3rd. I think Terenzo did really well to finish 9th. Not bad for a 24 year old in only his second Ironman.

Last night was good fun. Dinner with Terenzo and his friends, then we caught up with Macca and my old Oakley friend David Hyam. We laughed into the early hours.

Now it’s homeward bound and a few days in Ireland.