Top British age-grouper Jane Hansom reports from the first MaccaX Nevis International Triathlon, held on the Caribbean island of Nevis last weekend.
Nevis is a small tropical island in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, with perfect terrain for the first triathlon organised by multiple Ironman World Champion Chris "Macca" McCormack.
The long-distance race involved a 1.5km swim in Gallows Bay, a 60km bike loop which took us round the island twice, and a 10km run across road/trails and the beach.
The swim was fabulous, the water warm enough not to need a wetsuit, and full of fish. I even saw a turtle on the second lap! He was going slower than me though as I was trying to keep up with Macca.
The bike leg was great fun – I saw plenty of monkeys and goats. The run leg was lined with enthusiastic locals shouting support which kept me going as the run was tough – it was so hot!
Winners
Macca won the men’s race in a time of 3:05:44, and I won the ladies' race in a time of 3:26:36, coming third overall.
Chris told me: "I’ve just come off a long break having had glandular fever so I knew it would be a tough race.
"I raced conservatively as it was hot and humid and it's a pretty windy and hilly out here! Anaconda hill is a 5km climb so it’s a race you have to pace yourself on.
Next year
For 2014, Macca tells me that the plan is to build on this triathlon and take over the entire island with triathletes next November.
There are only 400 hotel rooms on the island, so that should make for a small and very exclusive triathlon event which gives people the chance to race against Macca.
I'll definitely be there next year!
To read our recent Q&A with Jane on her winter training tips, please click here