Ironman Malaysia Langkawi

2. PLACE AT  IRONMAN MALAYSIA
After the great race on Hawaii there were some good reasons to line up at Ironman Malaysia just 4 weeks after. On the one hand I wanted to use the good shape to show another great performance. On the other hand, I wanted to test a new nutrition plan in humid and hot conditions to prevent the sluggish feeling I had on the run in Kona the next time. Ironman Langkawi is a great event and my parents and I enjoyed our stay there last year already. Furthermore, Malaysia is on the way to Australia, where I wanted to end my 2017 season.
Race week just flew past. With a group of pro athletes, we visited a children hospital. With our appearance and some gifts, we could bring a smile on the little faces. It was a nice experience and you could literally feel the caring atmosphere.
Interview sessions, video shootings, press conference and the Ironkids event combined with the trainings session filled up the days easily and soon it was November 11th and raceday again.

As in Hawaii, I had a great swim and was just 2 minutes back from the first woman – WOW! Once on the bike, Diana Riesler (the later champion) and I hammered the first few ks and after just 20 km we had closed the gap to the front. Later in the race, I could not hold my watts anymore. Along with some technical issues on the bike, I reached t2 in second position. The run felt good. Positions however did not change anymore and I finished second at the beautiful beach of Langkawi. Backing up Hawaii with a second place just four weeks after Hawaii is a great result. Though I haven’t had the last punch on the bike, the changes in nutrition were a step in the right direction. I have not had the sluggish feeling on the run that was present on Hawaii. #goodtestforkona2018