The World Deca-Ironman Championships
5-15 November 200724ml swim / 1120ml bike / 262ml run
by Arthur Puckrin
After my 8th place in the World Cup Triple Ironman in Virginia, I was pleased to receive an invitation to compete in the Deca Ironman Championships in Monterrey, Mexico. We left a cold, wet England and arrived 24 hours later in a very hot and dusty Mexico. I arrived one week before the start, and hopefully this would allow me some time to acclimatise. We were pleased to be met by Carlos, assistant to Jorge Andonie our host and race organiser, and although Carlos spoke no English and my Spanish is negligible, we arrived safely at our home for the next three weeks, the sports village at the Parque Ninos Heroes where the event was to be held. Unfortunately, my bike and kit remained in Houston; hopefully we would receive it in the morning.
After a much overdue long sleep, sure enough our kit arrived and I put the bike together. I had a short ride around the track to make sure both the bike and myself has survived the journey intact. Then off for a spot of “carbo loading” at the “Sirloin Steakhouse” where, having paid for a steak you could eat as much as you like. A bargain for hungry triathletes and just what I needed after airline meals.
Monterrey is like the industrial north-east of England and I felt instantly at home, dust, industrial pollution, but in contrast to England, extremely hot. I would hope for rain during the event, possible, but not likely. Still, I would have to take what the weather brought.
Gradually my opponents arrived. I knew that they would have all the single mindedness and determination of the “Terminator” and if I was to match them, never mind beat them, then I would have to show at least some resolve.
The day before the start, we had a press conference and briefing at the “President International Hotel”, and very impressive it was. Also I made the most of the food, probably my last good meal for 2 weeks. Then for an early night for the 8am start the following day.
The race was to be held in a new format – each day we would complete an Ironman – 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26 mile run. This format has been done only once before and it was so difficult I assumed it would be the last. But, we are trying again. This time it will certainly be the last as the athletes have voted with their feet and very few who competed last year have returned for a second time. However, we are all on the start line, ready to go, it is now too late for second thoughts. Fortunately, I had forgotten quite how hard it was, otherwise I might have remained at home.
Each morning we cycled en mass with a police escort to the swimming pool along a very busy main road. There were 2 large pools, an outdoor 50 meter olympic pool which to me was pleasantly cool, the only time I was cool all day, but the other athletes found it too cold and resorted to the inner, warmer 25 meter pool. I enjoyed the extra space we had, but as each day progressed my companions became fewer until on the last day only 2 were left. The smaller pool became more popular.
Day 1
I made a steady start, swimming nice and easily in the cool water. 1:43:39 for the swim, quite good for me, then something to eat whilst I changed into my cycling gear – banana, jam sandwich, energy drink, choc bar, and away escorted by a police motorcyclist along the main road to the cycle track. (Surprisingly this worked well throughout the ten days and we all escaped without mishap). It was very hot but I quickly overtook the faster swimmers and proceeded to lap the field with exception of Kim Greissen, Denmark’s champion cyclist who took a few laps off me (if Kim could continue in the form he showed in France 2 years ago where he blew everyone away on the bike, he should surely win this race easily). However, after about 60 miles Kim started to slow and I managed to take a few laps back from him. I came off the bike in 4th position in 5 hours 42 minutes. Now onto the run. It was still very hot, so I decided to take things very easily as we still had 9 days to go. I ate large quantities of ice cream in an effort to keep cool, also tinned pears, coke and cold water. I also washed my head and neck in cold water each lap. Sergio caught Kim on the run and finished first in 11 hours 36 minutes. I was in 6th position in 14 hours 22 minutes. I finished quite easily and felt good. I knew that from now on, everyone would be tired and it would probably be the last man standing.
Day 2
The rule was that you had to be ready each morning at 8am for the ride to the swim start in order to stay in the competition. You then had 23 hours to complete each Ironman. If you finished early then the rest of the time was your own ??????
Before the start of the second swim, I was surprised to notice how tired everyone looked. It was very hot, but nice and cool in the swim. I enjoyed this part at least, nice and easy just conserving energy for later. 1 hour 49 for the swim, then onto the bike. It was very hot and I remember little of what occurred. I probably had heat stroke looking back. Sergio from Brazil was unbeatable in the heat. Running in his bare feet he strode home ahead of the sensation of the race so far, Michael Gaertner from Germany who obviously enjoyed this form of competition and showed much improved form from his previous performances finishing in 2nd place in 13 hours 43 minutes. I dropped to 8th.
Day 3
A great improvement for me, this day it was raining. I was a solitary cyclist to the start escorted by police. The others went by car with their bikes in a truck. I knew I would do well today. Even the swim went well although the water temperature was the same. 1 hour 41 for the swim. A quick feed and then off on the bike. I would take it easy for the surface was very wet. The rain soon dried up and also the track. All through the bike ride I was thinking, “Should I run to win the days race?” there was no reward for finishing first apart from a longer rest before the next days start. However, a win would be good for my supporters and my support crew. What decided me was the thought that this might be the only day that there was rain. (This proved to be the case).
The bike ride was still very hard in the cool conditions, but everyone else seemed to be finding it harder. The last 10 laps were cancelled. I shouted for my racing shoes. I came off my bike with a good lead. 5 hours 48 minutes. Something to eat and drink a cold wash down then run. Nice and easily because I still had 7 days to go and could not exhaust myself today. Tomas Zsolt, Hungary, was close behind, but I knew I could beat Tomas. Michael Gaertner was next, I could beat him, but I knew I would need about 6 mile start to give Sergio a good race and I possibly had about that. I ran steadily to the half marathon point. I still had a good lead. It was cool for Mexico but I still needed to wash myself down in cold water at the end of each lap. No ice cream today, just cold water, cold coke and pear juice with the odd Ritz cracker with butter and cheese towards the end. 6 miles to go, I still had over a mile lead on Sergio. It should be enough. I dare not speed up , otherwise I would be exhausted and out of the race. I was slowly easing down the pace, I could feel it, then with just over a mile to go Sergio burst past me. I could have managed a 50 yard sprint, but knew I would not beat him over a mile, so I eased down, I would have to be content with 2nd place. Sergio was not done however, on the final bend he waited for me so we could cross the line together. I told him he had beaten me fairly and to take the line honours, but he steadfastly refused and we ran across the line together wrapped in the Brazilian flag. Time 12 hours 46 minutes, for the run 5 hours 4 minutes.
The day was also notable because Guy Rossi dropped out. Guy is a legend in Deca Ironman, a former Champion, he never drops out. Conditions must be really severe for Guy to suffer so badly that he has to retire. I noticed that he was suffering on day 2 and today I seemed to be lapping him on the bike every 3 laps and I had lapped him at least 3 times on the run. We all applaud him and wish him well.
Day 4
The rain had vanished and it was very hot again on day 4. Nice and cool in the swim – 1 hour 48 minutes. Kim Greissen takes the honours today coming first off the bike and holding off Sergio on the run in 12 hours 20 minutes. Alfredo Munoz from Mexico astounds us all with his courage, despite damage to his knee he holds on and completes the race in 16 hours 56 minutes. I drop to 10th place. Even though we are very tired, it is very difficult to get to sleep at night. Our bodies still wish to continue. So sever are the conditions that although we are only half way through only 3 men are left with a realistic chance of winning, Sergio, Michael and Tamas.
Day 5
Again a very hot day. My swim is still good. 1 hour 46 minutes. Everyone is cycling slowly now. I hang on grimly. As the race progresses my feet become increasingly painful as they expand in the heat. I have an old pair of cycling shoes which are split along the side to allow my feet to expand, but I try to delay putting them on. At 72 miles I have to stop, and change my shoes. I take the opportunity to eat ice cream to cool me down and egg sandwiches with salt on them. After my stop I only have 42 miles to go and eventually it comes to an end. 6 hours 23 minutes on the bike. I am in second place, but it very hot and I must take the run very easily to avoid totally exhausting myself. I use my walking sandals (MTB) and run and walk to the finish washing myself in cold water every lap and eating large quantities of ice cream to keep me cool. I also eat salty Ritz crackers with cheese and tinned pears and egg sandwiches. I finish in 5th place in 14 hours 58 minutes. Sergio does the fastest run time of the whole competition – 3 hours 57 minutes and maintains his lead with 12 hours 24 minutes. Kim Greissen was cautioned for drafting me and the referee asked if I would make a formal complaint. I said that it was such a boost to my ego that Denmark’s champion cyclist was drafting of me that I could not possibly complain. Personally I have no objection to drafting so long as the person doing the drafting also takes a turn at the front, although obviously it is against the rules.
Day 6
Again very hot today, a nice cool swim in 1 hour 45 minutes and a steady ride to the bike start. Sergio maintains his lead with 12 hours 30 minutes over Michael and Tamas. Kim Greissen retires. He was obviously not in the form which he showed in France last year. Although I am suffering in the heat, I am amazed to find myself in 4th place overall. Can I hang on untll the finish? 6th overall on the day.
Day 7
My routine is well established by now. I awake at 6:30am, ride down to the 24 hour café alongside the racetrack. Have my breakfast of 2 fried eggs, toast, cornflakes and coffee. Check to see if anyone is still running from the previous night. Then check the bike, pump up the tyres, oil the chain, have a cup of tea and get ready for the ride to the swim. Each day as everyone becomes more tired we seem to start later and our numbers become smaller.
I am pleased to note that I am maintaining my form in the swim. 1 hour 47 on the day, but the others are getting slower and I soon gain the lead on the bike. Everyone is riding slowly now. No one says much, we are all engaged in a grim battle for survival. Can we hang on for another 4 days ???? I finish the bike in 6 hours with a good lead. It’s very hot and I decide to take the run very easily, eating my ice cream and running and walking nice and easily. I finish the run in 6 hours 37 minutes 4th place on the day and maintaining my 4th place overall. Sergio extends his lead over Michael and Tamas finishing in 12 hours 59 minutes with a run time of 4 hours 30 minutes.
Day 8
Another very hot day. I finish the swim in 1 hour 47 minutes and I am glad of the cool water as I ride to the cycle track. Everyone is cycling slowly and I hang on grimly to my 4th place overall. We are not receiving any up to date times so we can not be quite sure of the places and I am confident of my 4th place. Disaster strikes Sergio as a moment’s lack of concentration causes him to hit a cone marking the edge of the track and he crashes badly. His bike is damaged as well as his arm and shoulder. As he has such a good lead, it would be a great pity if he could not continue now. They find him another bike and he continues with one arm. However, this does not seem to be affecting his running. He completes his marathon in 4 hours 23 minutes extending his lead. We are all finding it very difficult to get to sleep after the races and are managing on a maximum of 4 hours sleep each night, less for the slower runners.
Day 9
Another very hot day, Sergio’s arm is very painful and he is finding swimming difficult. It takes him over 2 hours, about 40 minutes slower than his usual time. However, his bike is unaffected and also his run. He finishes in 4 hours 3 minutes extending his lead still further with a total time of 13 hours 10 minutes. My swim time was 1 hour 49 and again I have the fastest bike with 6 hours 4 minutes. However, although it is still very hot, I decide to have a final go in my racing shoes. I do not have much of a lead over Sergio and he soon overtakes me. After about 20 miles when I am still running easily I decide to change in to my walking sandals and save something for the final day. However, Mary informs me I am still well ahead of Michael, so I run onto the finish, 2nd on the day in 13 hours 38 minutes.
Day 10
We are all pleased to have reached this far. The end is in sight. The final day. Sergio’s arm has worsened; he can only swim with one arm. It takes him 2 hours 18 minutes compared to my 1 hour 50 minutes however, he can cycle and run as normal. Tamas Zsolt of Hungary, IUTA World Champion for 2007 has saved something for the last day and he runs home in 13 hours 17 minutes to finish 1st, Vincenzo Catalano from Italy takes 2nd and the indefatigable Sergio takes 3rd place.
The emotional effect of these long races is shown as many weep as they cross the finishing line for the final time. Tamas kisses the ground, but as for myself, I just feel relived that I have no need to swim, cycle or run ever again. A bit of luck with the weather (i.e. COLDER AND WETTER) and I could have beaten these guys.
Many thanks to Mary, the worlds best support crew, who had less sleep than I had, and got me over the finish line despite all the odds. Also thanks to Jorge Andonie and his team who organised a superb race with much food and drink, before, after and during the event. See you next year.
Results:-
- 1) Sergio Cordeiro, Brazil
- 2) Michael Gaertner, Germany
- 3) Tamas Zsolt, Hungary
- 4) Vincenzo Catalano, Italy
- 5) Arthur Puckrin, Great Britain
- 6) Juan Alfredo Munoz Montes, Mexico
- 7) Michael Roberts, USA
‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
From “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.