Tag Archive for tim berkel triathlete

| April 28, 2013
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Galveston & New Orleans 70.3 Ironman Race Report

Galveston 70.3 Ironman
I arrived Friday into Huston, Texas to then be picked up by Mitch Robins and his home-stay family The lovely Gibbons. I firstly wanted to thank them for making me feel so at home and looking after us Aussie boys over the weekend at your beautiful property.

So game day went like this. I had a reasonable swim, coming out in the middle of the second pack. I then went onto ride the fastest bike split of the day with a 2:07:58 helping me ride myself into 2nd position. Many thanks to Ivan From Retul for getting me dialled back onto my stead (Giant Trinity).

Earlier during the week Andrew from Newton gave me the opportunity to test the a prototype of a newton shoe that they gave to the Olympic runners to wear. I found the shoe to be very light weight and fast but also stable enough for me to have the confidence to go hard. I went on to post the second fastest run time being 1:14:24. Overall I had to settle for 2nd place, not a bad result considering I only got to the states 2 weeks earlier.

New Orleans 70.3 Ironman

Following Galveston 70.3 Ironman I had two weeks to prepare for New Orleans 70.3 Ironman. So the weather in Boulder hasn’t been ideal for training due to the sever cold and constant snow, I also had a niggle in my hip that was not 100% come race morning.
The swim went to my usual swim standard of around front of the second pack, I was happy where I was positioned thus far in the race. Onto the bike I wasn’t feeling the way I did in Texas, my hip was pinching me but still managed to do a 2:08 putting me in 4th position off the bike. My run was damaged due to my hip, I didn’t have my usual spring in my step, in turn causing me to fade to 8th position. Lets just say I was happy to see the finish line!

Now I’m back in Boulder and I’m getting some much needed treatment done on my hip. I will be here up until I my next race back in Australia at Busselton 70.3 Ironman.

I also wanna give a big shout out to my boy Mitch Robins for his come back after a year of racing getting 6th and 5th and posting a Smokin 1.12 at Nola.

Big thanks again to all my wonderful sponsors: Scody, Giant, Newton, Daikin, Endura, Altitude Training Systems, Shimano, Blue Seventy, Oakley, Garmin, Continental Tyres, Jet Black Cycling and of cause my Coach Grant Giles from Team Aeromax.

Looking forward to getting back to Australia.

Missing my girls!

See you all in Busso



Category: 70.3, Race Report, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| October 25, 2012
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Ironman Australia 70.3 Championships report

Arrived on Thursday to Mandurah, after a long 6 hour flight across to WA via Sydney. I was in Sydney for a few hours and was able to catch upfor lunch with the black prince (aka Dwight), thanks to the prince for my awesome new rockstar aero helmet, Love it! Thankyou also to Virgin Blue for the upgrade to Business class, made the flight across a hell of a lot more bearable. I settled into my Sebel accommodation which was nice.

Friday was a busy day with the usual media commitments, press conference, tv interview etc… Saturday I went down to the iron kids event and handed out medals to all the cute little kiddies. Saturday afternoon I dropped my bike into transition, ready for a big race day.

Race day! The swim was a down current 1.9km, in saying this I was red lining still to keep up with the pack. I came out of the water at the end of the pack and had quiet a bit of work to do to chase down Clayton Fettell.

The start of the bike saw the pack contain at least 16 strong guys, which soon was to be strung out by Paul Ambrose, Tim Reed, James Bowstead and myself pulling off the front and making a gap across to Clayton Fettell by the 50km mark. Then James Bowstead and I made contact with Clayton Fettell on the way back into town. Hats of to James Bowstead and Clayton Fettell who had me balls to the walls sitting on 290-330 watts! I was “Boxed”. The bike course was a flat fast course which worked to my advantage. The three of us rode into transition all together, it was great to see “Giant Trinity’s” 1,2 off the bike (speed machines!).

The run leg consisted of 2 laps. To start off with Clayton Fettell took it up the road storming off, I was feeling a little worse for wear and it took me 2km’s to catch Clayton Fettell and then by the 5km mark I had found my run legs. Reports were that Tim Reed was within 55 seconds of me during the run leg at some stage. But in the end I managed to be 1 minute 45 seconds ahead of him to take the win and be crowned Aussie 70.3 titles champion.

Thankyou to the City of Mandurah for having me, also a special thanks to Geoff and the Ironman Asia Pacific team on a job well done.

And of cause thankyou to my team who I couldn’t have done it without there continued support; Scody, Daikin Air Contitioning, Rockstar Racing, Giant, Newton, Urban Hotels, Shimano, Endura, Oakley, Garmin, Blue Seventy, Continental Tyres, Hypnotic Zoo and also thanks to Mike (my manager), Grant (my coach, Aeromax Team) and also my amazing Wife and our Pug (Poppy) for all your love and support which is always greatly appreciated.

See you in Port!

Related posts:

  1. Race report for Geelong Ironman 70.3

Category: Race Report, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| August 29, 2012
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Some Japanese and Copenhagen news

Just a quick recap as a lot has been going on in my life. Sorry for the slackness on my blogs.
The Japan 70.3 was a great, hot race, where Macca tested me and I ended up with a 2nd place.
Then I went off to the US where I picked up a virus which knocked me for a six. I did end up going to Munice 70.3 where I was still experiencing the effects of my virus, I got a 10th place there.

Once back to Boulder I was trying to get on the mend so I could get a full block of solid training in for Challenge Copenhagen. Two weeks later I was off to try and make it a three peat at one of my favourite races Challenge Copenhagen.

Race morning started off well having a typical swim of mine. Onto the bike course, I rode up to Jimmy and Fredrick by the 20km mark and moved into 2nd place whilst Aaron was up the rode in 1st place. I dropped the boys and tried to close the gap on Aaron, but he was riding like a demon and kept putting time into me. I got off the bike 9 minutes down and knew it was going to be a long day as I immediately felt sick. On the run I was unable to hold any nutrition down and it was coming out both ends! Thanks to the crowd who encouraged me the whole way and helped get me to the finish line. I was upset with not being able to three peat but glad to give it a shot.

I wanted to thank the boys from Challenge Copenhagen for putting on a great event as always and maybe I might have to give it another shot.

I am now back on the Gold Coast to look after my wife, who was diagnosed with Cervical cancer just three days before my big Copenhagen race. She has now had her operation and is on the mend and I’m having to be her slave and do all the house duties…..

So my Aussie season is going to be big. First race for me is Port Douglas long course race, with a few others in between. My next big Ironman race will be Western Australia in December.

I’m disappointed that I wont be at Vegas 70.3 worlds but family comes first and there’s always next year.
Onwards and upwards from here!

Related posts:

  1. My first place in the 2010 Challenge Copenhagen
  2. Images from Challenge Copenhagen
  3. Challenge Copenhagen Race Report

Category: Ironman, Race Report, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| August 5, 2012
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Ironman Japan 70.3

Here is a quick video that Newton did with me after Ironman Japan 70.3.

Category: Race Report, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| May 25, 2012
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2012 Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie Race Week

Here is the full version of the highlights from Ironman Australia 2012. Enjoy!

Related posts:

  1. Intro – 2012 Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie Race Week
  2. Checking in after my 2nd place at the 2012 Port Macquarie Ironman
  3. Ironman Australia – Port Macquarie

Category: Ironman, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| May 14, 2012
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Intro – 2012 Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie Race Week

Hey guys, I just wanted to share a video that I had produced last week during Ironman Australia. With the help of a very talented Videographer, Michael Wilkie, he captured the vibe and energy of race week, and some of the race footage. Later this week, I hope to have a longer version online covering the race highlights. I’m currently in Bora Bora on my honeymoon, but wanted to get this out, while the memory of the event is still in everyones minds. Port Macquarie had incredible race weather, and the crowds were amazing as usual.

Related posts:

  1. Checking in after my 2nd place at the 2012 Port Macquarie Ironman
  2. Ironman Australia – Port Macquarie
  3. Pre-race interview – Port Macquarie Half Ironman

Category: Ironman, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , , ,
| May 10, 2012
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Checking in after my 2nd place at the 2012 Port Macquarie Ironman

Port Macquarie Ironman is a special race for me, it’s my hometown race and one that I hold dear to my heart. Being a hometown race I’m always under a lot of pressure to perform at my best and give it my all come race day. I arrived into town on Tuesday and spent the days before doing all the media commitments that comes with racing in my hometown. I also had my own media following me around 24/7 for this race as I’m doing a documentary on racing ironman and the whole race week preparations that are involved.
So race morning was a rather chilly one, my swim went well even though I ended up ripping my hand and my Blue Seventy Helix wetsuit to pices by swimming to close to a buoy obviously covered in something bloody sharp! Need to get a new wetsuit now…. I came out in around 6th spot with a time of 48:49.

A quick transition onto the bike and out for the 180km ride I went. Lucky for my wifey Bel as she got a chance to ride in the lead car for the day and was doing a marvelous job twittering my splits throughout the day. So for the first 90km Leon Griffin and I rode solid together but Paul Ambrose was absolutely killing it on the bike and was putting time into us. Unfortunately for Leon he got a drafting penalty and then I was on my own for the next 90km, something I would rather have not had to do. The back 90km I hit the wall at the 140km mark and had to roll for a bit and take in my SIS Bar and SIS Gels. I managed to get my $hit together and come back into town with a gap of around 13:20 minutes to catch Paul Ambrose on the run. Now the question running through my head was had I saved my legs enough for the marathon that was to come.

Another speedy transition and I was onto the run course, the course was 4 laps long, making it a lot more spectator friendly. At the half way mark I was 10 minutes down and the legs were still with me but not for much longer as the 39km mark my quads felt like concrete and at that point I only needed to find another 8 minutes to catch him. So with the final 5km to go I was 4:15 down and was running out of real estate. So down the finish shoot I went, I got 2nd place. A much deserved victory to Paul Ambrose – doing it in style of the front all day. I had the fastest run split of the day banking a 2:47.20 for the marathon. I live to fight another day and see everyone back in Port Macquarie for the 70.3 in November.

Thanks for all the support on course guys and stay tuned for the documentary coming out shortly. Thanks again to my family and family in law for coming down and supporting me, as well as my wifey for being a legend on twitter xx love you and of cause I can’t forget my Manager (Mike), coach (Gilsey, team Aeromax) and my awesome Sponsors: Scody,Daikin,Giant,Rockstar,Urban Hotels, Newton,Shimano,SIS, Oakley, Blue Seventy, Garmin, Coastline Chiropatic, Continental tyres, Gordan Street Cycles, Aeromax Coaching, Power Breath/Compresssport, Hypnotic Zoo

P.S but I bet your all super jealous now, where off on our Honeymoon to the exotic location of Bora Bora Tahiti where I will be sipping on Piña Coladas and lounging around the pool. See you all soon I will be revitalized and refreshed after this holiday without the bike!

Related posts:

  1. Intro – 2012 Urban Hotel Group Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie Race Week
  2. Ironman Australia – Port Macquarie
  3. Port Macquarie Half Ironman

Category: Race Report, Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , , ,
| March 16, 2012
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A Wedding and What’s Next

Hi guys now it has been quite seem time since I last wrote a blog post, so here goes I will fill you in on my last few months so far which for me have been out of control busy!

So my first race for the year of 2012 was New Zealand Half Ironman where I got 3rd, not a bad start to the year on the podium. What I got out of this race was the realization that after a much needed break there was still some work to be done and I have a few cobwebs to dust out.

The next race on the cards was one I didn’t have originally in mind to do, but the fiancé said I need to go off and race and make some money. So off to the wild west I went for Goondiwindi hell of the west triathlon. I headed out with the boys (Adys and Andrew) for the long drive. I came home with a 2nd place at Hell of the West triathlon, not a bad result but still a little more work to done before Geelong.

So the field was a bit more competitive at Geelong and I hadn’t quiet got my position right on my new Giant yet, but I was there and ready to give it my best shot. I managed a 3rd and was happy with that. I now know where I am at for the rest of a very big and busy season. I have also ironed out my position on the Giant and can’t wait to hit the races in the US.

Next on the agenda was to be the most important day of my life our wedding. The weather was not so nice to us as it was quiet windy and raining most of the day, although for our outside beach ceremony it managed to stop raining for the 30 minutes that our ceremony took place, we were very lucky! Onwards to the reception and for the party to start. Our reception was held at Oskars and everything was perfect. It was such a fun night filled with lots love and crazy dance moves from the Aeromax tri crew! I do know there was defiantly a few sore heads in the morning and maybe not so much training haha. I want to thank everyone for coming and also for all the lovely gifts we received. I would also like to thank my wife for making the day perfect and that you looked amazing xx love you Bel.

So now that everything has gone back to normality for us on the Gold Coast, I have been training hard and will be leaving for the US in a couple of weeks to hit up Oceanside 70.3 race and possibly another one. I am heading to Boulder again to reap the rewards of altitude training. I will be there only for a month as I have a few Aussie races to do in May/June, and then back over to do the rest of the US season.
Anyway onwards and upwards peace out :)

Category: Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| February 17, 2012
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A chat with Triathlon and MultiSport magazine Tim Bradley

I sat down with Triathlon and MultiSport magazine’s Tim Bradley before the Urban 2.80.20 in Geelong, Victoria.

I chat about my training, the up-and-coming wedding to Bel and my change to the shorter distance.

Related posts:

  1. Check this out! I’m on the cover of Australia’s 220 Triathlon magazine
  2. 220 Triathlon magazine interview
  3. How I’m preparing for the 2011 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

Category: Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
| February 4, 2012
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I’m now a Rockstar!

Tim Berkel becomes the first big name to sign with the Rock Star racing team, a team more known for their stellar raft of mountain bikers. As Team Rock Star look to move into the sport of triathlon, Tim Berkel will be the team’s first signing. On the back of the Berkel Rock Star signing, Giant bikes have also picked up the multiple race winner as their stable of top end Australian talent continues to build.

Berkel, speaking from his home training base said “I’m very happy to be signing up with Rockstar racing and Giant. Giant have some of the nicest bikes on the market and I’m really looking forward to racing on them in 2012 I’m also excited to be teaming up with Dwight Woodforth and Rockstar Racing. It’s great to see Rockstar moving into triathlon and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

For Rockstar racing and team director Dwight Woodforth this is a significant step outside the mountain bike world. This is an exciting time for Rockstar Racing, the move into Triathlon is something we have been working on with our major partners for some time. “Tim is a great asset to our team, not only is he a talented and well respected athlete but he fits the Rockstar mould perfectly.” commented Woodforth.

“Rockstar Racing was established on the back of our Mountain biking platform. We have had great success not only on the track but also off. Our Rockstar Team kit have been extremely popular and we recently reached an agreement with clothing Manufacturer Champion System to sell our gear through there online store in the US & Australia.” he said.

This is the first real move for an Australian team into triathlon and while it might not have the fanfare of the Green Edge movement the Rockstar team has had some top results on the dirt. Now they are turning their attention to the tarmac with Berkel as the pilot.

Thanks to Phil from First Off The Bike for putting this together for me.

Category: Tim Berkel Posts | Tags: , ,
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