Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the sweetest bike of all?

This is supposed to be a race report, but I have a hard time writing reports without race pictures. So I'll just write a story.

Not having done a road tri since spring 2005, (Alcatraz) people wanted to know why I came to Chicago. I answered: I need some quality training, so instead of doing boring intervals at home, I'd travel to a fascinating city, do the Guinness Book of World Records "Biggest Triathlon"-8000 people, talk to triathletes at Fleet Feet, catch up with the Saucony people, and try to add another win at one of the most prestigious races in the world. I have a good track record here: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. (not all in one year) But most of all- I like this town!

Ritchie Cunningham flew in from Germany on his birthday 1.1 days before the race, and we had the most amazing home stay. (Home stays are usually amazing in one way or the other) Our host Paul, who "participates" in triathlon, lives on the 11th floor of a building that overlooks Millennium Park. The park just being renovated for $260 million! They should have called it "Bizillion Park" We had a view of the lake, the city and the park. The city's architecture is amazing, the people interesting, the traffic terrifying and parking non-existing. The restaurants are great and uncountable, and Paul made sure we sampled a good view. Including the famous deep dish Chicago Pizza. (Had the left-overs at the airport this morning.)

Those who have been reading my spam, will know of my trials and tribulations with trying to stay ON my bike, and out of the ER room. Coming back from that meant I ran a total of 3 times since my crashes and twisted ankle in Milwaukee 3 weeks ago. (One of those runs included Xterra Ogden last weekend) So my run could possibly be "situation critical mate!"

I had no idea what to expect on the bike either. Xterra training is different and I had no idea of how fast the others had become while I was gone. The past two years my road bike has been set up just like my mountain bike. (ie, upright body, saddle 11 cm back, and no aerobars) Not your ideal time trail position. Monday before the race, I threw on some Profile Design Cobra T2+ aerobars, and Andy from Rebound helped me set up the position. Rode a ride or two, felt good, and Wednesday (4 days before the race) I finally decided to race Chicago, entered, and bought the ticket that evening.

Thursday I realized I needed race wheels and emailed the owner of Zipp, saying "Howzit my broe, hoe lykit met n stel wiele? Chop chop, ek se!"

Friday I had a flashy pair of Zipp 808s in my grubby paws! (Admire them in the picture above) Andy is great guy, wouldn't leave a fellow South African in a pinch. Shot broe!

All I needed was a fast wetsuit. At the expo Chris was eager to let me try 2XU. (Say "two times you") I had a good, comfortable swim, coming out with the 2nd group, about 1 minute down.

Once on the rocket ship, I mean bike, I made my way though the field easier than I thought, but when I moved into 4th, and got closer to the leaders I couldn't believe my eyes. Craig was sitting on the TV motorbikes' wheel! On and off for about 8 km. He says he did it because Simon and Benno was doing it! Nice. That's why I love Xterra: Drafting is never an issue, and no drug will give you skills or balls.

Running fast and furious the 1st mile, closing down somewhat on Bennett (3rd) was just a false sense of security. The wheels came off and I slipped to 6th. The last 2 km felt good again, so the fitness is in there somewhere.

I leave this race with optimism for the last part of the season, and look forward to LA Tri in 2 weeks. Another quality session away from home. Getting ready for Xterra Tahoe Oct 1, and Maui Worlds Oct 28.

Thanks a lot to everyone who jumped around last minute to make Chicago happen.

Conrad
www.conradstoltz.com

Craig Alexander
Simon Lessing
Greg Bennett
Brian Fleishmann
Matt Reed
Conrad Stoltz

Rocket ship in foreground, leaning against The Bean. Paul lives in the 2nd building from the right. Spot the Caveman and Ritchie...