T100 Dubai – Richard’s Race Report – 17th November 2024

Returning to middle-distance triathlon racing after 22 months away, following the birth of my two boys, felt like a significant milestone. The T100 Dubai Triathlon provided the perfect stage for this comeback, with a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run showcasing the best of Dubai’s triathlon scene. Not only did I achieve most of my performance goals, but the day also held personal highlights that made it truly unforgettable.

The Build-Up: Training and Family Support

Over the past 12 weeks, I’ve been focused on consistent training, building fitness after a long hiatus. While I’m not back to my previous peak, progress has been steady, and this race was a step in the right direction. Having my wife and two boys on the sidelines added a special touch; their cheers and smiles were the motivation I needed to push through tough moments. Sharing a finish-line cuddle with my eldest son, Raif, was a memory I’ll cherish forever—I hope one day to inspire him to follow in my footsteps as a triathlete.

To make the weekend even more meaningful, my parents flew in from the UK to support. Their presence reminded me of how important family is in this journey, both on race day and during the months of preparation.

Race Day Challenges: New Course Layout and Adjustments

The T100 Dubai Triathlon had its fair share of organizational challenges leading up to race day. The swim was relocated from the Lagoon at Meydan to Sunrise Beach, creating a two-transition setup that added logistical complexity. Additionally, the bike course underwent multiple revisions due to safety concerns. Ultimately, the final bike route, while less technical, still became congested during the later laps. Despite these hurdles, the race-day execution was excellent, and the atmosphere was electric.

Getting to watch the professional women race on Saturday and the men on Sunday was a real treat. Seeing Alistair Brownlee claim a podium spot in the last race of his illustrious career added inspiration and a touch of history to the weekend.

Performance Breakdown

Swim: 34:57

The 2km swim consisted of two 1km loops. While the first lap was straightforward, the second became crowded as more athletes entered the water, leading to some dodging and a slightly slower time than anticipated. Given that I’ve only been managing one quality swim session per week, I was satisfied with this performance and see room for improvement leading up to my next race, Muscat 70.3.

Bike: 1:59:33

The 80km bike leg was a mix of open roads and congestion. Surprisingly undulating for Dubai, the course included long drags over bridges and a short, steep climb into Meydan. The first two laps allowed me to maintain a smooth rhythm in aero position, but by laps three and four, the course became crowded with athletes, making overtaking tricky. Despite this, I hit my goal of a sub-2-hour bike split, riding solo throughout.

Run: 1:23:41

Coming off the bike, I felt strong. My strategy was to negative split the 18km run, breaking it into three 6km sections and gradually increasing the pace. This approach worked well, although the steep inclines on the course were challenging and disrupted my rhythm. The crowd support was phenomenal, and seeing my family multiple times on the course kept my spirits high. Crossing the finish line with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop was the perfect ending to the race.

Final Results and Reflections

  • Overall Time: 4:04:12
  • Swim: 34:57
  • Bike: 1:59:33
  • Run: 1:23:41

I couldn’t be happier with how the day went. While not at peak fitness, this performance shows that consistent training is paying off. The T100 Dubai Triathlon was more than just a race—it was a celebration of progress, resilience, and the joy of sharing the sport with loved ones.

Looking Ahead: Muscat 70.3

With Muscat 70.3 in February on the horizon, the focus now shifts to building on this momentum. Improved swim consistency and refining my run strength will be key goals over the coming months. If T100 Dubai is any indication, I’m confident the next race will bring even greater achievements.

A Word of Thanks

Thank you to the T100 Triathlon team for organizing a fantastic event. Despite pre-race uncertainties, the race day experience was top-notch, with a buzzing atmosphere and great support. For any triathlete looking for a race that combines challenge with incredible scenery, I highly recommend adding T100 Dubai to your calendar!

See you at the next starting line!