chicago

Raced in Chicago on Sunday in the second biggest race in the world. Almost 9000 competitors. I ended up finishing 7th which is alright but that included a 1min penalty on the bike. I think I must have an X marked on my bike, I don't know whats going on. I was having the best race of my life thus far. I felt awesome in the swim and was sitting on Andy Potts's feet who is a really good swimmer. I got out of the water in 5th but I ra across the timing mats first so it actually gave me first for the swim. I was first onto the bike and hammered the first few km and myself and Stuart Hayes of England who ended up winning the race managed to get away on the bike. After about 15km we were joined by Matty Reed and we had a lead of 45-50secs lead to the next guy and then all of a sudden at about 25km an official came up next to me and told me to pull over which I couldn't believe. I wont go into it but I was never doing what she said and her explanation for pulling me over left a lot to be desired and made me think that she didn't even know the rules!!! So the race of my life was starting to turn upside down. After the minute penalty I rode my arse off for 5mins and caught the second group but with 10km to go they started attacking and I didn't have the legs to go with them so I ended up getting off the bike about 11th and I managed to run up into 7th so I still got some ok money but it could have been so much better. On the positive side I'm in really good form so I have to put it together in LA now in a week and a half. Plus the dragons won so that was good!! Paul/Barny