Toursn'man, June 19, 2021 (S)
Race Reporters: Sonia
I felt pretty comfortable going into this race, normally I opt for the M distance but this time I went for the S distance (mainly because it was 2 days after my second covid jab).
Bib Collection
I drove out with some friends to Tours the day before the race so that race day would be quite calm. After checking in at the hotel we headed over to the expo to collect our bibs. It was pretty quiet as the expo had just opened and all the promo stalls were still getting setup. The security guards were a little perplexed at what to do, they checked our "pass sanitaire" and gave us a bracelet so we could come and go as we liked without having to show the health pass each time. Bib collection was quick, no queues, for the S distance we got a free water bottle as a gift (the M and L got a backpack and hat).
After getting our bibs we walked over to the bike park and the water to get orientated. The organization was a little messy with no race briefing and the route map didn't give a direction (they only clarified the route direction on the morning of the race on their facebook page). Testing the water it felt pretty warm which was a surprise as it's a river and you can see the current. After asking someone they confirmed it was currently 24.7°C and there was a 50/50 chance of wetsuits being banned.
Race Day
The race start was a 7min bike ride from the hotel so we headed over around 1h30 before the race and I went to set up my transition area. The forecast for the day was heavy rain and thunderstorms, as I was waiting for the race to start we had a downpour for about 5min and then the weather cleared up, that was the last I saw of the rain until driving home Sunday luckily!
Swim
T1
Quite possibly the shortest transition I've ever done as the bike park was right next to the water. My transition time was 1min38 and that included putting socks on! (note the M and L were on the other side of the road and much longer).
Bike
T2
Another quick transition of 1min25 this time, just a quick shoe change.
Run
Reflections
They only gave medals for the M and L distances which I thought was disappointing, the S distance people got nothing as they crossed the finish line (except regular ravito stuff). I would definitely not recommend doing the S distance as the bike route is super dangerous but I am tempted to come back next year and try the M. At 2hrs drive from Paris it's pretty easy to get to.
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