It's a quick report this week (phew, I hear you say!!) as I'm in an internet cafe! Basically I suffered like a dog in the altitude (the course went up to just under 9000ft), the swim felt like my wetsuit was two sizes two small, I could barely run to the transition, and on the bike I just couldn't get the power down.

I am a bit annoyed with myself for not researching a bit more, because all the guys ahead of me either live at altitude or else had spent three weeks living there, not three days!! At least I know what to do for next year, and it was a fantastic race course, really made for strong bikers. Seth Whealing who only just beat me in the XTERRA UK, finished fifth here, so I know where I should have been.

My final position of 14th was not terrible out of 350 athletes and 40 pros. Next stop is the world champs in Maui, I really want a top 10 there, which I think is possible. The good news is I am injury free and very hungry for a good result to finish the season with. Another report in a month's time after Maui. All my sponsors products performed faultlessly, thanks again for the support. My new Canterbury compression clothing really did seem to help after the long haul flights, my legs felt great the following day, shame about my lungs!