Yesterday saw both Lucy Buckingham and Pablo Dapena Gonzalez take on their first race of the season. Both athletes had been side-lined due to injury at the start of the season and had been working incredibly hard on their comeback to race fitness. For Lucy it was also the first race in BMC Pro Tri Team colours. The Mallorca Olympic made for the perfect debut and first race of the season for Buckingham and Gonzalez.
Both BMC athletes put together dominating swim performances. Pablo exited the water with a 40" bonus on the first chaser. After a fast transition the Spaniard set himself up for a solo 40K bike leg through the Mallorcan fields. Despite the windy conditions Pablo Dapena held off a chase pack of five and entered transition with a bonus of 1'40 on the first chasers. The BMC athlete then put in a strong and well controlled run performance maintaining his advantage throughout. After a dominating performance, leading the race from start to finish, Pablo took a well-deserved victory in his first race of the season.
Buckingham had an exceptional swim, starting the bike leg with over a minute advantage on her first chaser. There was no stopping the British athlete on the bike. Lucy put together an outstanding bike performance averaging well over 40km/h in windy conditions and extending her lead substantially. On the run Buckingham kept a strong pace and her victory was never in danger. First race of the season, first race in BMC Tri Team colours and first victory for Lucy Buckingham.
Very pleased
Both Buckingham and Gonzalez reflected with satisfaction on their season opener. Lucy started: "My 2023 race season has officially started! Happy that I put together a performance and that team mate Pablo also took the win today. A couple more training days left on the island. Then back home to prep for Ironman 70.3 Warshaw."
Pablo added: "Very pleased to win back to back in Colonia San Jordi. It is such a joy to be back racing. This race was the perfect step up to Challenge Salou next week. It is great to feel my fitness is building and to able to take the win in my first race back."
