Triathlon: Czech hopes for third time lucky

Czech triathlete Petr Vabrousek (34) had to do some soul-searching to find a reason to return to Wanaka for his third attempt at Challenge Wanaka.

Vabrousek can laugh about his misfortunes now, but in 2007 it took him six months to get over the pain of being disqualified on the finish line in the inaugural race, even though he had already taken a 10min time penalty.

His transgression was to wear webbed gloves in the cold waters of Lake Wanaka.

He had worked himself into first place and was half-way through the marathon run before officials decided to stand him down for 10min and, but for his disqualification, would have finished second behind Canadian Luke Dragstra.

Last year, Vabrousek wanted to redeem himself but got caught up by aircraft delays and a lost luggage disaster, which meant he arrived in Wanaka the day before the race without any gear or clothing.

The jet-lagged athlete competed with borrowed gear, punctured on the bike leg and nearly gave up, but decided to push on, finishing sixth.

Vabrousek was yesterday relishing a warm welcome from competitors and friends and looked relaxed at a media conference where he took some gentle ribbing about his past misfortunes on the chin.

He said he had to return because he did not want the course to beat him and Wanaka people had been so kind to him.

The trip this year was not without a minor hiccup as his first flight was delayed, but from then on everything went smoothly.

"I think this race has made me mentally strong, especially after the first year. It took about half a year to get over it . . .

"This year, everything is perfect. I have my bike and I have my shoes," Vabrousek smiled.

He admitted last year's puncture broke his spirit and it took 5min to talk himself into carrying on. He was pleased he did.

Vabrousek had 23 races last year, the most in his 13-year triathlon career, following 19 races in 2008 and 20 in 2007 (not counting Challenge Wanaka, which he finished).

He accumulated 18 top-10 finishes in last year's programme, including five firsts in a variety of events.

He is the reigning Czech national ironman champion.

Vabrousek's programme is unusual for long-distance triathlon athletes, who usually need long periods of recovery.

This year, Vabrousek has already scheduled nine races, including his 11th Ironman Hawaii race in October.