Dorian Coninx is the only athlete to win both the Junior World Championship and U23 World Championship in consecutive years. His WTS learning curve continued this past weekend in Cape Town. In his first olympic distance triathlon, the Poissy resident finished 19th. He was kind enough to give us his thoughts and enlighten us on his experience.
The swim was shortened by 750m. How do you feel about that decision? Do you think it would have been possible to swim the full 1500m?
As a swimmer, I was obviously disappointed that they shortened the swim. I think it would have been possible to swim the full length, but there’s no sense in dwelling over it.
That said, I think the logical decision would have been to change the race completely to a sprint format, in order not to mess with the equilibrium of the race.
How preoccupied are you by this?
I haven’t really thought much of it. I prefer not to visualize races any certain way and to just let them play out. Adaptation is key in any race..
Your swim has been going rather well. Are you benefiting from the absence of some of the stronger swimmers?
I’m feeling really good on the swim these days. A few more swimmers probably wouldn’t change much and more particularly, I don’t think it would have changed anything in the outcome of this race.
Coming out of the water in 2nd place, how can you explain that there was no selection made on the swim?
The gaps were simply not big enough to create any gaps coming out of the water.
How was the bike?
A large group was quickly formed and this type of course really favours larger groups. Everyone has to take a chance at one point or another!
Do you regret staying near the front for most of the race?
I don’t have regrets. I’d much rather give it a shot than to have regrets. I stayed within my limits and I don’t think it affected my run very much.
What about the last lap, which can sometimes be a bit hectic?
The beauty of WTS is that everyone is technically strong on the bike which limits sketchy handling. We end up rubbing elbows a little bit, but that’s just the nature of the game. I really don’t mind that, it adds a tactical element to the race.
Coming out of T2..
Before heading out on the run, I try to disconnect from what’s going on around me and to gain my own rhythm. That said, taking off in 2nd and competitors making up ground on you really changes your frame of mind. I quickly focused on staying with the leaders, and in the end, that probably affected my run. It was a good experience for other races to come. I would eventually like to take off at that pace and to hold on with the lead group for the entirety of the run.
As for the end result?
I’m a little frustrated. I feel I could do much better.
But there are some positives, no?
Absolutely. My swim and bike are progressing nicely. It’s one more race experience in the books. I can still count those on one hand at this level!
When I contemplate my very average run, and the final positioning, I tell myself that there are very interesting things to come.