Retiring from the Pro field

Well the title says it all, it's time.

The decision has gone through my head on a few occasions over the years, but I always decided to fight on. This time I just knew I didn't have the drive to push on.

I thought I had one more year in me, but coming back from injury, this virus that has sidelined me for the past two months and a few other issues have taken away my love for the sport. I needed a break to get my health and motivation back. Which got me thinking about what I still want to achieve in the sport, my future goals don't require a pro licence.

I have had some amazing support from sponsors since 2007. I was lucky to be associated with great brands and people. I couldn't have achieved what I have without their support.

Sponsor since 2007
Murray at Sports Fever was my first ever sponsor and he came on board without even meeting me. I went down to meet him after Busselton Ironman and was stoked with his enthusiasm for the sport. Over the years they have stuck by me when walking with a limp was the goal or just getting through a triathlon with no thought of being competitive.

Murray and Gus have opened doors to other sponsors for me as well as getting my shoe fitting correct, which they've done for thousands of other athletes in WA.

Thanks Murray, Gus and the Sports Fever Team




Sponsor since 2011
One of the brands I was stoked to have associated with me. I love their shoes, whether the Pure Cadence or Ravenna I can't recommend these enough!

Thanks Jacqui and the Brooks Team

Sponsor since 2011
I first went to see Sheldon about getting some rather large dry needling! Having an 8cm needle stuck into my glute wasn't fun, watching me try to walk back to my car would've been very funny. But he fixed the issue and has been instrumental in keeping me on the track ever since. If you're after a masseuse with great knowledge and experience go and see Sheldon.

Thanks Sheldon

Sponsor since 2012, my Physio since 2009

I've said it before, I own John Annear a lot! Getting me back to racing at a pro level after I destroyed my left hip joint was huge. Coming back from that injury there were a lot of set backs and John got me moving again every time.

A big thanks to John, Ben, Rob and the team at Sports Med Subiaco

Sponsor since 2012
Its been great dealing with the team from 32Gi and seeing them grow here in WA. They're always looking at new products for athletes and the addition of low Gi nutrition into the endurance sports mix is a big positive.

Thanks Kristen, Nick, Nic and Nat

 

Sponsor since 2012
Scody came on board last year and I am very happy to be involved with this company. The quality of their products was the reason I approached them and I have been continually impressed. Check them out, Australian made and great supporters of Triathlon at all levels.

Thanks Kristina, Bernard and the Scody Team

Sponsor since 2012

 

Matt from Churchill Cycles came on board late last year and has been a great addition. Nothing is too much trouble and having his knowledge on all things cycling is on another level. If you need a bike, Matt is the man to see!

 

 

Thanks Matt, Rick, Brynt and the Churchill team

Sponsor since 2013
Simon from Upbeat approached me a few months back about the Beetroot drink Nitrate Max. I'd been using beetroot for the last year, so was well aware of the benefits. The big pluses with Nitrate Max are the taste and its been tested thoroughly by Simon and some of the states best athletes at WAIS.

Thanks Simon

As I said above I've been lucky to be associated with such great sponsors and in the future I will still continue working with most. Thanks again.

Last weekend I had a chat with someone who watched Busselton 70.3 for the first time this year and was amazed and motivated by the sport. After being in this sport since 2005, that view of the sport has faded a little. Hopefully after a bit of a break I can rediscover that view.

I'll have the rest of 2013 off racing and will start back with the Albany Half Triathlon on Jan 5th 2014 in the Pro/Open category, before focusing on the Cairns Ironman as a regular age grouper.
In my last post I said I would be working with Coach Andrew Budge. This will still be the case when I return to racing in 2014 and thanks Budgie for your advice.

Looking back on my pro career it didn't go to plan, I suppose that what happens to most who have a crack at it. Two major accidents had a big effect and I really only hit top form in 2012. Singapore 70.3 in March 2012 is the race I look back at with disappointment. I was in great form and the toughness of the conditions would have helped me. Shredding a tyre put me out and I just didn't realise that there was support only minutes away.

Best race was Busselton 70.3 a month and a bit later. In a slow day for Busselton my form shone through and I rode and ran myself into 6th. The race wasn't perfect and I knew I had improvement in me. I was confident going into Mandurah 70.3, it had been a hard 3 years to get back to top form and I was looking forward to training and racing with a strong, fit body, but it just wasn't to be...

For no it's off to grow a beard and do some DIY.

Mike