Ollie Shilton – Checking in from ISA SUP Championships Nicaragua
Posted on May 12, 2014 - Filed Under Stand Up Paddling, Surftech Boards | By admin
Ollie Shilton Surftech Team Rider – Checking in from ISA SUP Championships NicaraguaToday was the 18km distance race in 35 degree humid conditions. Tough doesn’t describe how it was out there! What has made it even more difficult is getting food poising 3days ago and barely eating anything.
The race took place in the north west area of lake Nicaragua which is the oldest colonial city in the country and the largest lake in Central America.
The start of the race was fast through a narrow harbour and out into an open area of lake into the wind. I was in a reasonable place before getting knocked and falling. The next 20minutes was spent getting myself into the lead pack that was already pulling away from the rest of field.
Up into the sheltered area of volcanic islands (Las Isletas De Granada) I was at the back of the main group with the pace constantly changing and people jostling for position.
We hit a gap in the islands where there were little bumps to catch and this broke up the pack leaving me trailing with the South African boys and really starting to struggle for energy.
Our group worked hard to close on the leaders and eventually I got back with the lead group.
With a few miles to go I was still with the leaders but I was struggling with my energy levels and desperately hanging in.
Into the open lake to finish the last few miles my legs where really wobbly as I battled to keep rhythm paddling the gaps in the field opened on the down wind section. I paddled hard to the finish and crossed the line 12th behind Casper Steinfath and Dylan Frick.
I’m very disappointed I didn’t finish higher placed as I felt a had a real chance to do well in the distance race but I’m proud of the fact that after everything that’s happened this week I dug so deep today to finish where I did.
I have the technical final tomorrow morning.
Thanks for the support.
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