EROWAL Bay's Matt Lewis couldn’t have asked for a better start to his competitive triathlon career in Europe, claiming victory just one week after he arrived.
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The 25-year-old only touched down in Germany seven days ago but that didn’t stop him from winning his division at the Kraichgau.
“I acclimatised to Europe straight away – I had no jet lag and got into a great sleep pattern by the first night,” Lewis said.
“Kraichgau was my first race, one week after I arrived in Europe – I like to do a race as soon as I can once I arrive.
“For this race, my coach and I were very focused on building strength on the bike, as it is very hilly over here and the Europeans are so strong on the bike.
“I was doing a lot of strength based sessions on the indoor trainer and long race pace efforts outdoors.”
Despite the Kraichgau event being a half ironman distance (1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run), Lewis attacked the race from the outset.
“The race went really well, I had my best swim in a long time and was in third position out of the water,” he said.
“I felt really strong all day on the bike and worked my way up to first place.
“On the run, I felt great early on and was running strong but as the race went on, a I started to fatigue and just tried to maintain a pace where I wouldn’t lose the lead I had.”
Lewis completed the course in a time of 4.19.31, with splits of 26.41 in the swim, 2.25.35 in the bike and 1.23.01 in the run – more than three minutes ahead of his nearest competitor in the 25-29 age division.
“I was over the moon to win my division but much more excited to be the third age grouper overall,” he said.
“To finish where I did in a big race like this was amazing – it is a race I’ll never forget and am very proud of.”
Next up for Lewis is Challenge Heilbronn on June 17, where he will be again competing in the half ironman distance.
“My next race is in two weeks in Germany again and I hope to be on the podium again,” he said.
“Then I will apply to tasks my professional license for the start of next season, which I’m really excited for.”