Tyler Smith Reflects On Impressive Race
Tyler Smith has reflected on his thirteenth-place finish in the elite men’s race at the World Triathlon Cup San Pedro de la Paz in Chile at the weekend.
He completed the Olympic-distance event in 1hr 46min 45sec, competing against an international field of 65 athletes.
Smith said he made a fast start to the 1.5-kilometre swim, emerging from the water around a minute behind the leaders.
“It was a flat lake, wetsuit swim – the boys at the front absolutely strung this thing out,” Smith said on social media.
“I came out of the water mid-pack about a minute down.
“I knew there was work to do on the bike.”
The 28-year-old said he focused on making up ground during the 40-kilometre cycling leg, attempting to catch groups spread across the course.
“I made sure I had a good T1 and then just put my head down and tried to catch the groups that were splintered across the road, especially starting off with a tailwind,” he said.
“The eight boys at the front were flying and working well together.
“Once we coalesced into a big pack, it’s hard to get any momentum going.
“T2 was a tough one – a big pack, congested.”
The Olympian said he was pleased with his performance over the ten-kilometre run, setting a personal best of 30min 35sec.
“The legs felt really good,” he said. “I ran with the pack of about eight guys and surprised myself.
“I felt good the first eight laps. I came away with a 30min 35sec, which is a 10K PB for me.
“I saw the Bermuda flag at the finish – I was happy to have my parents there.”
Smith competes at the World Triathlon Cup Iquique in Chile this weekend.
