The last four months haven’t exactly flown by, it’s been a busy as winter in Auckland for Sam. Apologies if you’ve been looking for updates between now and the last post. But there hasn’t been a huge amount of exciting content to provide. 

I’ve been properly back into the training routine with Coach Cam since May and for the first time we are seeing some clear adaption through my progress to this style of training. Some discliplined early mornings and late nights training around work + some solid club racing has had some really satisfying affects on my performance in all sports. Most noteably kayaking. Just 3 weeks ago I had my best ever time at the local kayak club race, only to beat it by 20secs just last week. 6km in 27mins 8secs. 

The black beauty and I have spent a lot of time together this winter in the Auckland harbour

Fast forward to right now, right now I am back in China. I arrived here two days ago and very excited with the new team I will be racing with. A nice break from the workplace in Auckland but certainly no time to relax!

Our 5 star hotel where we wait in luxury for the event to start (and abseil off during the race)

Race 1 start (Suqian 24hr)= 6th Sep (approx 16hours winning time) – 2km swim, 15km kayak, 20 km inline skate, 60km mountain bike, 3km run/abseil, 35km kayak, 60km Mountain bike, 40km road run.

Photo of Team NZ Adventure, racing in Suqian 2014

See here for the race report from last year on Suqian: suqian-luoma-lake-24hr-challenge/

-Race 2 start (Wulong Mountain Quest 4 days)= 19th Sep through to 22nd sep. day 1=45min prologue sprint event, day 2-4 all mix of MTB, paddle, run and roughly 5-7hours each day.

A couple of photos from Wulong in 2013

Last time I competed in Wulong was 2013, just one week after winnning the Coromandel Classic (favourite multisport race in nz). See race report here: team-racing-in-china/

Wulong is stage adventure racing at its best, the calibre of international athletes in attendance is easily the highest worldwide. The results give a clear indication of which team is true world champions in stage team racing. 

– TBC: Race 3 start (Zunyi 2 days) = 26th sep & 27th sep. Both days mix of running, mountain biking and abseiling – 5-8 hours each day.

Running up the never ending steps in hot hot Zunyi 2013

Some tough racing ahead, but prepared I am. I feel extremely well prepared for once and from that brings great confidence and a clear head.

I have the hand sanitiser on ready and hoping like hell I don’t catch any bugs this time.

Stay tuned folks for an update on Monday on the outcome of the Suqian 24hr race (which is tomorrow!), the first update should be on Facebook for an instant indication of results and later in the day on the blog for the full story (and a thrilling story it will be).

The horse saddled up for tomorrows race

The 5 star hotel room coverted to a tip

The Suqian racing essentials

Shopping for race food yesterday in central Suqian

Being a goof

Cheers to some soild racing!