As we reported on Saturday, Dann Brook won the Lisboa International Triathlon, his first attempt at the half-iron distance to set himself up for a great season. We're pleased to say that Dann has been in touch, and reports first hand on his race.

Coming into the race I knew I was in pretty good shape. I had put together a big block of training in Stellenbosch for a little over two months at the start of the year, and then really put the finishing touches to my form since getting back. I was nervous going into the race, the weeks leading up to it were a learning curve, chatting to loads of people about nutrition, pacing, competition etc. However when it came down to it, it was me, myself, and I on the startline - it really was down to me!

I swam pretty solidly, fancying the €250 prime at the end but ended up leading a group of about 10 around. Coming up to the last turn the sun was low, I struggled to see where I was going, and before I realised someone was level with me, sprinting for the prime. He also had the inside line, and I thought he had taken me. Luckily he stumbled and I was able to get some traction on the slippy exit and got to the timing mat first! I carried on through transition with a slight degree of urgency, but managed to put a massive gap into the competition before I even got out on the bike. With it being my first 70.3 distance race I decided to pace myself, however with cycling being my relative strength at the minute, by the time I got to the first turn I had a sizeable gap. After the first lap I was inevitably lapping people, and so my sense of who was where started to falter, however I was sure my gap was getting bigger.

Lap three came around, and I noticed someone was closing me down. Despite my best efforts I couldn't hold him off, and at the start of lap four he came past me. I tried to go with him, but I was well into the red trying to hold onto his wheel. I had no choice but to let him go - there was probably less than 20k to go, but by T2 he had put over a minute into me.

Relax, I assured myself - anyone riding that hard is no way going to be able to run! Luckily I was right, and I passed him 2km into the half marathon! My attention then switched to the athletes who were chasing me. I was settled into my pace quite comfortably, but I had no idea how my body was going to react after 10 or 15k's of solid running. When I realised that I was being caught I had a decision to make, pick up the pace, or try and save some speed for the last lap. I was pretty sure my last lap would be a struggle anyway - so in my head I convinced myself that it would be a good plan to crack on sooner rather than later. My third lap was the hardest pacewise, but then I felt my legs tightening up. On the last lap, the way out was a mission... it was a new sensation to me - being fine aerobically but just struggling to turn my legs over. With 2.5 k's to go the Belgian athlete Denis Devriendt was closing the gap with every step he took. He had closed the two minute gap down to just over a minute, and this instilled a bit of urgency into my pace. I summoned a bit of extra speed for the way back, and finished my first half iron distance event in just under 3hrs 54minutes.

I was over the moon with the win. Whilst I knew my form was good in the lead up to the event I had no idea a win was on the cards for me. I really hope its a sign of good things to come from my 70.3 career, as it is definitely one of the most enjoyable races I have ever competed in, the atmosphere, people, organistaion, and course (plus the fact that I won!! haha), all created a truly unique race.

The organiser said to me that nobody has ever successfully defended their Lisboa Triathlon title... maybe I'll give it a try :)