Bayliss 6th at Florida Ironman

Monday, 14th November 2005

Bella and I arrived in Panama city the Monday before the race to give ourselves plenty of time to get organised and do everything we needed to get ready for the race on the Saturday.
 
We got looked after extremely well and in particular by John Lowrey from Bay Buik Suzuki who lent us a car (a big 4x4), it was the best.  Also by Team Timex who helped me out with a few problems with my bike, they were great.
 
Come race day I felt ready to race.  I had a great start and and came out of the water in a group of 4 at the front of the race.  On the bike I rode steady and got caught by a few guys and, unfortunately, managed to pick up a drafting penalty - I wasn't I promise - anyway, after a quick stop I carried on then had to take my 4 min penalty in T2.
 
So starting the run I was probaly 15th or something around there.  I felt good and gradually picked off  athletes one by one.  In the end I ran a solid marathon but not as quick as I hoped to. 

All in all I finished 6th, just 15 seconds off 5th and a Hawaii spot, so a little gutted about the drafting penalty,  but a good performance that I'm happy with.
 
Onwards and upwards from here.
 
Oh Bella was just incredible!  Coming from 12 minnutes back at the end of the swim to a 3 minute win in the end.  Just amazing!
 
Well, that's the end of my season for now so I'm having a small break.  Then back to it for some more hard work so as to keep on moving towards that Ironman win!!
 
Thanks for reading.
Stephen