Down and dirty
Dextro Energy ambassador Sam Betten came first in the recent Dirt n Dust Triathlon 2012. He tells us why it’s such a special event.
The Dirt N Dust Triathlon held in outback Queensland is one of my favourite races and one that I usually use to kick-off my season (this was my fourth year racing at the event).
It is a really unique event with great press coverage as well as past winners such as Brad Beven (arguably Australia’s greatest male triathlete), Loretta Harrop (Olympic silver medallist), Aaron Farlow (2011 Ironman UK winner) and this year, Olympic hopeful and my training partner Emma Jackson.
Soaring to new heights with Emma Jackson.
The race is held in the small town of Julia Creek which is located between Mt Isa and Townsville, and it really is the middle of nowhere. After winning the event in 2011 I was invited back as defending champion and really wanted to keep the title for 2012.
This year I was lucky enough to have Emma Jackson, coach Stephen Moss, his wife Leesa and their son Charlie come out to the event with me.
Race day showed conditions typical of the event, with scorching heat and a nice little headwind on the cycle leg to make the race just that much tougher.
Sam on the bike.
The 800 metre swim is held in a muddy creek with surprisingly cold water then it’s onto the bike for the 25km back into town. Once you’re off the bike its just three laps on the run, totalling 5kms, which coupled with the outback heat and winds, made for a much tougher race than it seems!
I attacked the race hard from the start, putting-in a fast swim and strong bike (averaging just over 42kph) on my new S-WORKS SHIV which was crazy fast out there, even with having to ride into the head wind.
On the run, I ran within myself, knowing that I had built up a big lead on the swim/bike.
Running his way to victory.
I really enjoyed the support from the crowd down the finish shoot as I walked the last hundred meters or so to take my second Dirt N Dust Triathlete win in as many years.
Number one again.
For more from Sam, visit his blog: sambetten.blogspot.com.au.
