Nigel Cox accompanied by Nick Kane have ventured into the 'extremes' of the Ironman Triathlon World, on Sunday 1st July 2007 in Frankfurt Germany. The event was a continuous race of a 2.4 mile swim,112 mile bike ride and a marathon 26.2 mile run. Both Nigel and Nick come from similar sporting backgrounds having been rugby players,marathon runners and now triathletes.
Nigels father passed away as a result of prostate cancer and Nigel himself was diagnosed and treated for the same complaint in 2004 at the age of 46. Nigel says that the treatment he received at Southmead Hospital was second to none and in recognition of this he would like to raise money for Bristol Prostate Cancer Care.
RACE REPORT, More than 450.000 enthusiastic spectators were along the race course in Frankfurt and the region Rhein-Main, they watched the sixth IRONMAN Germany, now in its second year as a European Championship. In the early morning hours 18.000 early risers gathered at the lake to witness the swim start at 7a.m. Over 2.200 participants got ready for the "longest day of the year". After swimming 2.4 miles on the two-loop course, which includes a short running passage on land, the athletes mounted their bikes. A real challenge for all, pros as well as age-groupers, are the already legendary hills "The Hell" in Maintal-Hochstadt and "Heartbreak Hill" in Bad Vilbel on the 180k bike course. The marathon in front of the impressive skyline of Frankfurt on the waterside of the river Main released the last reserves of energy of athletes and spectators. As far as our race went the swim was as physical as a rugby match jostling with other swimmers. Nick swam in 1hr 8 mins, Nigel 1hr 14 mins and Nick biked the 112 miles in 5hrs 37 mins, Nigel 6hrs 33sec. Nick then ran an amazing marathon in 3hrs 57 mins, Nigel faded but finished the marathon in 5hrs 20 mins.Our total times were Nick 10hrs 57 mins and Nigel 12 hrs 47 mins. The crowd, organisation and race itself was an amazing experience. And in true rugby club style we were drinking German beer to celebrate our achievement. Thanks to you all for your sponsorship , Nigel and Nick.
