Search
shop

Tom Bishop goes wild (card) in Dallas: His US Open reflections

"I was so ruined I couldn't even attend the after-party" - Tom Bishop reports on a tough day at the PTO US Open
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Sunday’s men’s race at the inaugural PTO US Open in Dallas was certainly a hot one, in both temperature and talent. After recently securing third place at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea in his first year racing over the longer distances, Great Britain’s Tom Bishop secured a late notice wild card for the race.

He reports here on his experience, one that has left him eager to build for a return in 2023

Advertisement

PTO US Open; recap from a wild card

It’s been a few days since the US Open in Dallas and I think my temperature regulation is just about normal again. That heat was shocking, but I relished the challenge of it.

My wild card was announced a few weeks before the event, which meant that it was going to be a last-minute drop-in, without the chance to focus on the race. The opportunity was far too good to pass by, however. I’d planned to race some French Grand Prix races in September, then head to Italy for Challenge Sanremo. With Dallas right in the middle, I had to adapt.

My French team was relying on my presence, so I figured out a plan with my coach to race these competitions and also do what I could to prep for the 100km race. Unfortunately, heat prep fell to the compromise and I just had to rely on my past experiences of racing in the heat. 

Starstruck in the Lone Star State

Arriving in the US with the race only a few days away, I had to hit the ground running and forget about the jet lag and weather. I tried to get used to the climate as fast as I could. The environment around the event was amazing. The PTO know how to host an event and the community was so welcoming. It was also amazing to see so many legends of the sport walking around the training venues and social areas. I was starstruck.

The big day came around. I felt somewhat prepared and very excited having watched a spectacular women’s race the day before.

Tom Bishop / PTO US Open 2022 Dallas (Photo Credit: PTO)
Photo Credit: PTO

A good start

I planned to stay as cool as possible before the event, swim well whilst conserving as much energy as possible then get on the bike and try to be as close to the front for as long as possible. Everything went according to plan.

I managed to manoeuvre my way into the front pack and found some reliable feet to draft off. Heading into T1, I grabbed my nutrition and set off. I followed a few moves early on hoping to get to the front, though I never quite made it. There was some serious strength driving forward.

I found myself at the front of the pack for a bit and started to suffer with my earlier efforts. I think the heat was starting to get to me. The rest of the bike was about focussing and trying to hold my position in the chase pack for as long as I could. When the uber bikers caught, it blew that pack apart and I was debris.

With a few laps left it was about limiting my losses, which became a challenge when cramps started to happen. Thankfully this was with a lap to go and I could latch on to a second chase pack to get me back to transition.

Tom Bishop / PTO US Open 2022 Dallas (Photo Credit: PTO)
Photo Credit: PTO

The (running) road to ruin

The run was an unknown for me. As I have mentioned, my preparation for the event was far from ideal with my racing calendar already planned, but I had picked up a calf niggle as well. This meant more or less three weeks off of running into the race. Not ideal when you have to complete 18km.

It was one of the reasons why my first few laps on the bike were probably a bit reckless given the heat, but I wanted to see the standard and also put my name out there. I began the run and felt horrendous, with cramps in most major muscle groups! I managed to shake them off and get into a rhythm.

The result was over for me but I did want to try and finish, to respect the opportunity I was given. Thankfully my calf seemed ok and I was able to finish. I’d never been in a position like that after a race before.

I was so ruined I couldn’t even attend the after-party

That was something I was looking forward to so I could meet a few more people on the long course racing circuit. 

Tom Bishop / PTO US Open 2022 Dallas (Photo Credit: James Mitchell / PTO)
Photo Credit: James Mitchell / PTO

Motivation to return

Although I’m not entirely happy with my overall result, I know it was the best I could have given that day with the short and compromised preparation leading in. I’m proud of what I did and it was such a valuable experience. I needed a battering to realise the standard I need to get to. It will be my motivation for this winter’s training.

Until then, I have a short altitude block and a handful of races left in Europe. Then it’s the off-season and time to plan how to make the next step for 2023. 

Tom Bishop
Written by
Tom Bishop
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...