Gaelforce Dublin - 2019

Gael Force Dublin was my first race of 2019 and I entered it with trepidation. I had heard that it was a difficult course and this was my first multisport race since Achill. I met Ed at the start line and he echoed my fears. These concerns were justified less than 20 minutes into the race when I tackled the first hill. I had expected to pass some competitors early on into the climb as I noticed a number of over eager novice racers speed off at the start. Hybrid bikes, large backpacks and tracksuits are a clear sign of adventure racing newbies and sure enough on the first climb I came across a number of these walking their bikes up the hill. What I didn’t expect is that further up the hill more experienced competitors on expensive road bikes would be walking and I would be one of them. This wouldn’t be the first time I would have to dismount and walk due to unsurmountable gradients. The race was short, sharp and unforgiving. The run was no different to the bike and slowing to a walk was unavoidable on some sections. All though climbing did mean that there was a lot of descending towards the finish line and despite sharing the route with traffic I was able to pick up a lot of speed as I neared the final short run. Running over the line I was pleased with my performance.