Tri star Dixon’s first pro outing is X-tra special
DANIEL DIXON spoke of his pride after a superb performance against some of triathlon’s big boys on his professional debut, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 18-year-old from Morpeth secured eighth place at his first Half Ironman event, Outlaw X, at Nottingham’s Thoresby Park.
He was up against a formidable field including Adam Bowden, the British Half Ironman record holder, and Tim Don, the Ironman world record holder.
Two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee was also due to compete but pulled out the day before the event.
It was the toughest baptism of fire the talented teenager could have expected – but he rose magnificently to the occasion.
Dixon said: “I was really proud of my result in Nottingham.
“Given my age and the fact this was four times my normal race distance, it was a total success.
“It has made me really keen to see what I can achieve in the future in long-distance racing. The course was a proper British course, very challenging but that made it an honest race.
“The swim was pretty chilly but it was shortened to 750m from 1,900m because the air temperature made it unsafe to be in the water for so long.
“I still used this to my advantage by having the fastest swim of the day, which was fantastic.
“The bike course was fairly technical and hilly with a strong wind making it even tougher.
“I did, however, really enjoy it and I worked well above my planned power on the bike so I was pleased with that.
“The run course was a shock. Due to it being in private grounds I could not check it out it beforehand so the race was my first time round the three-lap half marathon.
“It was around 80% off road and rather hilly too but it was nice to have something so challenging – I think my legs would disagree with that though!”
Dixon added: “This was a professional long-distance race so a very different type of racing to what I normally compete in. It is more of a constant ‘steadier’ effort than an intense short effort which I am used to, so in terms of a long-term view it was very useful as I got to race some top guys and legends of the sport.
“However, I will stick to shorter ITU racing for the next 10 years or so before moving over to the distance and Ironman.
“I actually swam faster than Tim and Adam by more than 45 seconds and I had a good period with them on the bike before they pulled away a bit.”
Boosted by his efforts in Nottingham, Dixon hopes to be back in tri action next month.
He said: “If we are allowed to travel I would love to compete in the Quarteira European Cup in Portugal in November.
“However, if not it will be all about getting a good base over the winter.”
Dixon is looking for sponsorship to help his burgeoning triathlon career develop further.
Anyone interested in backing him can contact him on 07570 795 956 or via e-mail at danieldixon.triathlon@gmail.com.