Shane Barrie - Mid ITU Cup

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Category: Shane Barrie

Matt: Picked up a 5th place over in Japan on Sunday, take us through the race?

Shane: I lead out of the water in the swim by 20 secs to the main breakaway pack and there was group of 12 that formed after about 10km on the out and back bike course. Coming into T2 it was all about positioning yourself so that you can gather momentum for the first few kilometres of the run. I did this and exited onto the run in 5^th. Two athletes built a small gap at about the 5km mark, which the winner comes from. Meanwhile I tried a big effort/surge to try and drop the other three runners I was running with but could only manage to drop one. This effort took it toll and I slipped to 5^th in the final kilometre.

Matt: Leading into an event, how do you get your energy levels filled to the brim nutrition wise?

Shane: Normally in the final few days I tend to up the intake of simple carbohydrates – like rice or pasta – so in Japan that’s easy… Rice it was! I also like to sip on my USN sports mix Enduro Carbs pre event.

Matt: What is your mindset on the starting line?

Shane: I knew I had to start strong in the swim to try and stretch the field and form the break on the bike. Or at least put some of the other contenders under pressure to catch up. So for me it’s all about getting a good start and go from there!

Matt: Only a week between the races this week, how do you makes sure you are fully recovered by the next race?

Shane: Recovering is massive. The run course was very hilly so it’s taxing on the legs. Straight after the race there was massage so that was great. Not all the races have massage but it’s something I like to get after if possible. It was pretty hot out there too so I made sure I was on top of my fluids and also had a USN protein drink. Absolutely delicious! Once I got back to the hotel I had a good stretch/ice bath and then headed for lunch making sure I covered all bases with carbs, protein etc.

Matt: Give us in insight into the next race?

Shane: The race in Gamagori, Japan is a 2 lap swim, 8 lap bike and 4 lap run. The swim is in a harbour with a deep water start so I will be looking again to get off strong in the first few hundred meters. The bike has numerous corners per lap so there will be a lot of breaking and accelerating. This means you have to be smart within the group to ensure you are in good position other wise it drain the legs. You use a lot more energy at the back of the pack. Not much to the run – it is pancake flat so it will be fast. Just a matter of who has saved enough energy. I’m looking forward to it!

Matt: Favourite thing about competing overseas?

Shane: I think it’s seeing other cultures and trying new and authentic foods. Obviously you can’t go out on a limb and try everything everywhere other wise you might pick a bug up etc. But if you are smart there are plenty of nice things to try. In Japan, sushi it is. I love it and the group I am staying with enjoy it too so it has worked out well.

Matt: Least favourite thing?

Shane: Travelling with a bike. Heavy, awkward and sometimes excess $$$ at the airport!

Matt: First thing you pack before heading to a race?

Shane: My lucky Vorgee missile goggles. Had them for a while now and they go with me every time!

Matt: Who was your favourite cartoon character as a kid?

Shane: Superman. He started out as the geek next door and was transformed into a mega-strong, mega-agile dude. Not saying that that’s me but its cool! ;)

MattL If you could play a character in any movie who would you want to be?

Shane: Going to say the same… Superman. Who doesn’t want to be a super hero?!

Matt: Anything you would like to say to the fans?

Shane: Thanks to everyone for the support and messages. Everyone from my Mum and Dad, family and friends, Coach, physio, NSWIS, Giant bicycles/Spearmans bike shop, my personal sponsors (Vorgee, Smith optics, Ultimate Sports Nutrition, Saucony). I have had a rough last 2 years with injury but they have stuck with me. It means a lot but I am back now, ambitious as ever and heading in the right direction. I like to win!