IM Langkawi 2006 - Race Weekend

Friday, 24 February 2006 - Left for Langkawi with TT in the afternoon. Had so many things to worry about (on hindsight - were quite unnecessary) e.g. Will the bike case fit into the KLIA Limo? Will the wheel set fit into the overhead compartment in the plane? Will Trek arrive in Langkawi in one piece? Will I be late for the registration at Langkawi?

I booked a Daewoo mini MPV. Luckily the driver called up 2 hours before he came over and found out that there is a gas tank in the trunk and the bike case might not fit in. Called KLIA Limo and changed my reservation to a bigger vehicle - the Enviro MPV and it only cost a few ringgit extra (RM59 from Bdr Bkt Puchong).

It was good to see Jordan, Simon Lau & Geoffery Kronenburg in the same flight as us. I hand carried the wheel set and it fitted perfectly into the overhead compartment of the plane. Arrived at Langkawi at around 5.10 p.m. and found out from the IM reception desk at the airport that I could still register the next day.

Ah Kun fetched me from the airport (he arrived a day earlier) and we were united with the rest of the Chin Woo gang later for dinner. TT and I stayed at the Lagenda Apartments together with Swee and family. The Lagenda is less than 1km from the Seaview Hotel (Official Hotel). Unpacked & re-assembled the bike and was glad that Trek arrived safely too.

Saturday, 25 February 2006 - Woke up at 7.00 a.m. and went out for a short spin with Trek. Needed to make sure that the bike is in tip top condition. Saw some other competitors doing the same too and amongst them was Jason Shortis (the one I hope would win tomorrow's race). Rode about 10km along the run course and then slipped on my New Balance for a short 10 minutes run.

Went to Seaview Hotel at around 9.30 a.m. for medical and registration. At the medical, they checked my HR, blood pressure and measured my height and weight. Attended the race briefing at 10.30 a.m. The course would comprise of a 2-loop swim, 3-loop bike & 4-loop run. The briefing lasted an hour and the race referee sounded very very serious.

Had lunch with TT, Don and Swee while the rest of the Chin Woo gang went sightseeing around the island (and this was one of the many things they saw --->>>)

Went back to the apartment after lunch and packed the transition bags for check-in later in the afternoon.

Checked-in Trek and the transition bags at around 4.30 p.m. Spent some time looking at other bikes at the transition area. There were two P3 Carbon amongst the bikes ridden by the pros. Met Moh and Simon X at the transition area and we chatted for a little while. Both of them arrived at Langkawi earlier in the day. Trek is seen above - all tucked in for the night at the transition area. Love your bike and it will love you back (especially during the race - trust me).

Went for a short swim in the pool at the apartment in the evening. Had dinner with the gang and retired to bed early. Did not have any problem sleeping that night - was really tired just by getting ready for the race.