2005 Race report – Richard Ussher

Well what can I say? It feels fantastic to finally nail the big one and I thank all of the sponsors, friends and family who have given me such great support over the past few years. It is humbling the amount of support I have received and am glad I was able to finally deliver the result for which I have been striving so hard for.

The race itself was really enjoyable with perfect conditions for me, but it was a shame that George was struggling with his chest infection. I think he would definitely have been challenging Ross, Gordon and myself for the top placing’s. Maybe he will be back next year for another crack – time will tell.

Below are some quick thoughts on various parts of the race from my perspective.

The opening 3 km run and Phil Costley showed us all just how slow we multisport runners are by jogging away from the field and opening up a minute lead in 3 km.

What followed was the scariest bunch ride I have ever been apart of. It was truly a miracle that there were no serious accidents.

With about 5 km to go and there was a huge bang and Ross Rotherham’s front wheel had busted a spoke, it looked pretty dodgy by luckily he made it to Atkins without it collapsing.

On to the run and everything was going smoothly. I had resolved to let Phil Costley go and it was obvious that the others were thinking the same so off Phil shot into the distance. The pace was good and George and I were tucked in behind Ross taking advantage of his superior knowledge of the route. A few times, he tried some sly manoeuvres to shake us but it wasn’t until just before Goat Pass that George dropped off – succumbing to the affects of his chest infection. Over the top of the run and Ross would pull away from me on the downhills and I would gradually pick him up on the flats and climbs. This pattern continued all the way to Klondike corner where Ross led by only a few seconds exiting the riverbed.

Onto the bike and I was feeling positive, I had saved my energy well and was able to make a slight break on Ross before the Kayak.

It is always nice to get into the boat as your legs get their first break in roughly 5 ½ hours. My energy was good but it was obvious by the low river level that it would be a slightly slower paddle than the last couple of years. The river was a lot of fun but it was always a tough mental game at not having any idea as to wether I was gaining or losing time to Ross and Gordon who were in hot pursuit.

Towards the end of the gorge, Gurney and one of the film crews tried to get an interview while paddling. I tried my best to be obliging but it is always tough when you are racing hard and the race is still a long way from completion.

It was great to see the Gorge Bridge after over 4 hours in the boat, the reception from the people there was fantastic and it was with a bit of a buzz that I climbed aboard my bike for the final dreaded 70 km.

Behind I knew Gordon Walker was in 2nd or 3rd and that he would be flying on the last bike. I was constantly worried about him coming flying past.

By the time I got to Yaldhurst there was a huge number of people out on the streets lining the course, everyone seemed to know my name and it was a huge pick me up to see so much support. By Ferry road and I was trying not to think it was in the bag but it was getting harder, and when I finally rounded the corner into Sumner I finally let myself relax and the run through the finish chute is something I will remember for ever.

The first Speights tasted great, the second almost better – then it gets a bit hazy. For me this ranks up with competing at the Olympics – but much sweeter due to the result.

Gordon had a cranking ride and followed shortly after and then Ross in 3rd who had also had a fantastic race.

Kristina blitzed the women’s field and most of the men to take out the female title for the second year in a row.