Tag Archives: Pico Tri 2012

The Pico Tri Invitational was held at the Pico De Loro Club in the Batangas, Philippines. It is a truly stunning members only resort set amongst mountains and a beautiful swimming cove. It is the perfect backdrop for training and competing in a triathlon race.

The race was held over the distances of 1.2k swim, a 35k bike and an 8k run. Due to the technical course the race was limited to a field of around 213 participants including a strong international pro field of 8 athletes. Race day was clear and fine untill just after lunch when the clouds rolled in and treated everyone to a sharp rainshower and spectacular light show just before the 2.30pm start.

The swim start was a little more competitive and hard fought than I expected and I found myself drop just off the front pack after around 400 metres till Aussie vet Stu Fitch came by me and shouted me the rest of the way. The crystal clear water was a nice distraction! I got out onto the bike course just as the rain was clearing up. Within the first 1k there is an impressive climb out of the resort at around 14-17% gradient which certainly had many athletes feeling nervous about pre-race.

I passed a few athletes in the first few k’s of the bike and set about addressing the damage caused by the leaders in the swim. For the most part the bike was flat and I got to get in a good hard workout on my new very fast Vellum Uno Elite carbon TT bike. I carefully descended the steep downhills and entered into T2 and held that position over the 4 loop run course which allowed great spectator viewing and a chance to see the other athletes in the race which was good fun.

It was particularly inspiring to see my wife having a great race after giving birth only 4 months ago (1st overall age grouper). We are always a team effort and I certainly cannot do the things I do without her support and organisation!

I was very happy to finish on the podium in this race as it is definitely a memorable course and a much-anticipated weekend getaway for all. There really isn’t a more spectacular venue around than this one and we cannot help but feel a special energy here. The after party had 3 bands, a great buffet, free flowing beer and and a great impromptu singing performance by good friend Doc Adel! Perfect!

Thank you to the fantastic ongoing support of our sponsors and partners who always go out of their way to help us in our endeavours. UNILAB ACTIVE HEALTH, VELLUM, K-SWISS, RUDY PROJECT, HED, DETEC, HAMMER, GATORADE, TIMEX, and PICO DE LORO CLUB/HAMILO COAST

Photo by Glenn Colendrino: