1. How tough was the Mexico race?
The race itself actually wasn't as tough as I had been expecting. I had visions of us all ending up on IVs at the end and although a few people did this was definitely only a minor proportion of the field.
The hill on the bike was extremely challenging but because of this the bike course was essentially 8 hill reps which made it feel more like a training session than a world cup race.
By the time we went onto the run everyone was hurting, so it was just a case of getting across the finish line as fast and as safely as possible.
2. What sort of preparation had you for the race?
I have been out in Hong Kong training for the past 3 weeks to get heat acclimatised. Chris Jones (Irish Triathlon Coach) and I chose Hong Kong as I was able to stay in the Hong Kong Sports Institute and train with the triathlon group out there.
The facilities are brilliant and the climate is humid and hot which prepared me well for the race.
3. You have had a hard time since Beijing finished, how did it feel to finish the 2009 season on a high?
I have had a year of injuries and so have not managed to post many solid results. It was important for me to get a good race out; both for funding and for my own confidence. Although I know I am still a long way from where I can be this result shows I am on the right track.
4. What are your plans for the next few months?
I will take a few days off training and then start back. I had 5 months off with injury so I can't afford to stop for too long. I will head to Aguilas at the end of the month for the training camp with the rest of the Irish Triathlon Squad.
5. Is London 2012 your driving force at the moment?
Yes everything is about that race.
I needed to go into the 2010 season in as good place on the ITU rankings as possible in order to help me with my qualification for London 2012.
This last World Cup result (7th) has moved me up significantly. The qualification process for London starts in June next year. I know from my experience of Beijing that it is important to qualify earlier and thus give yourself a chance to race at the Olympics fit and fresh and this is what I will be trying to achieve by starting my campaign as early as possible.
