Arrival in Italia!

We have arrived in Rimini, Italy after a few days drive from Clermont Ferrand and a stop over in Milan. Leys Geddes and his BMW was our able transport and negotiated the traffic well. I am staying with fellow Aussie elite James Attard and his family and we will tick over now until the big race Saturday. the course is flat and very fast so the good run speed will be essential on the first 10km. Their will be live race coverage from 9.30pm (Australian Eastern) and 7.30pm (Autralian Western) time this Saturday at www.triathlon.org

Regards
Radar

The French Home- Clermont Ferrand

Training is all going well here in Clermont Ferrand for the World Championships in 9 days time. The training group here is spot on and atmosphere is very relaxed. Gael Mainard, a former French Ironman Pro is now a Division 1 cyclist and as always has been great to get on the road with. The cycling here in the middle of the Massif Central is fantastic as showcased during the first week of this year's Tour. All is tracking nicely.

PS Gaffy has told me to forward this attachment as a French tribute to the famous Australian Kangaroo http://nimportequi.com/video_popupNEW.php?id_video=87 .

Running Regards
Radar

Good hit out French GP 5

It was a solid hit out in the final French GP in Nancy. The town is a few hours east of Paris and has a beautiful town square and some nice trails along canals for running.
The race was 5k/30k/5k and I was comfortably in the main pack of 12 just behind two favourites - Silva and Dereere- who had 5 seconds on us from the first km. The first 5k of the bike there was a big crash right in front of me and I somehow stayed upright and avoided hitting the deck.
A break of 3 finally got clear 2/3 of the way through the bike and 9 of us came into T2 together in the chase.
Unfortunately, after a quick transition I got a yellow card for racking my bike by the handlebars and lost valuable time understanding my infringement and in the end had to go back to mount my bike by the seat. In France, it does seem that officials want to be more a part of the race then they need to be at times....in the end, my second run split was comparable with all but the top 3 guys but only got me back to 10th at the finish.

I have certainly found my best running form at the right time and look ahead to the World Championships and having a big result when it matters most.

Thanks to everyone for their support and a special thanks to 2XU Australia for supplying James Attard and I with our uniforms for the World Championships, it is greatly appreciated and they look spot on.
Cheers
Radar

Le Retour

I have safely arrived here in France after a good flight with Emirates. The total travel time via Dubai to Paris is only 17 hours and a quick 2 hour transit makes it the best way possible to get here.

I never tire of France and as soon as I arrive it feels as though I am a professional athlete and can focus almost exclusively on training, racing and recovering. I went for a quick run along the river Seine and past the Eiffel Tour this morning to shake out the cobwebs and will travel east to Nancy this morning to get ready for the last French GP on Sunday.

The big news here today in Paris is the return of Lance Armstrong to pro cycling. It will be great for the sport and profile of cancer as well. Certainly, will be interesting to watch it all unfold over the coming months.

All the best

Radar

Pancake Run 5k

Had a good tune up prior to departing for Europe on Tuesday with a 15.19 5k at the Pancake Run today. The most important thing was it felt really solid and I am looking forward now to the World Championships in 3 weeks with every indication that my form and health are both rounding nicely for the race. Unfortunately, little Seb missed the start of the Pancake run so will have to start next year when he can run for himself.

Running Regards
Raf

Seb and Mum ready for Pikelet Run

The little fella is all set for his first hit out at the Pikelet Run this Sunday. Day will have a hit out in the 5km as well.

Well Done to Front Runner Team !

Well done to all the Front Runner athletes on their outstanding performances at the 2008 Perth City to Surf Fun Run. The expansion of "Front Runner Coaching" has been incredible and to see the commitment, determination and spirit of the group grow has been very rewarding for myself and all the coaches.

We are currently launching our new website www.sebsports.com.au and our new "Front Runner Framework" will commence in October. We will be advertising this shortly on the website and on www.triwa.org.au . This will offer runners and triathletes the key ingedients to enhance their performance and get more enjoyment from their running experience.

In other matters, I will depart for France in 5 days time and the engine is starting to fire up. I will race a 5km this weekend at the WAMC Pancake Run to sharpen up and my body has been responding well with an injection of speed and specific brick sessions.

Running Regards
Raf