Those that follow age-group distance racing in this country are likely to be aware of Amy Forshaw. A regular podium-botherer at Ironman events across Europe, Amy was oft tipped for titles and as a future PRO should she decide to make the switch. Indeed, 2012 culminated in winning an age-group Ironman European title. In 2013 she took the plunge and is now entering the elite waves, and most recently had success at Ironman 70.3 UK with a very credible 4th. The following is a recent interview by ‘Beyond Going Long’ with Amy that recently took place:
Hey Amy – fantastic result at Ironman 70.3 UK last week, Could you tell us how the race panned out for you?
It was an okay performance but not outstanding. I had a decent swim and was happy to have no cramping issues, which I had experienced in Majorca. I tried a different swim style designed to minimise my kick and this worked but once out on the bike I struggled to get anywhere near the target powers we had set for the bike leg. After a not so great bike the run was unbelievably strong. I enjoyed pushing and seeing what I could achieve. I think I came in off the bike around 10th and finished in 4th place. Hopefully next time out I can pull it all together.
As a former age group champion, presumably 4th at Wimbleball goes some way to justifying your decision to go PRO! What have been the differences for you?
I am pleased with what I have done so far especially as I don’t really feel like I have hooked up a performance yet. The big difference for me racing as a pro this year is that I actually feel under less pressure. Last year as an age grouper I felt like I had to come first or second every race but this year I am just focusing on my performance.
And next up for you is the Vachery Triathlon in Surrey on the 21st July – what is it about this race that has attracted you?
We don’t live too far away so actually being able to do a big race near to home is awesome! I also cycle quite a bit round there too and I plan to utilise the bike course a lot in my training block over the next 6 weeks and being able to learn the route really well can be quite a big advantage. It’s also really pretty round there too.
How do you think you will get on at the Vachery?
My main focus is about delivering performances this year, learning how to constantly hook up an 8/10 for each of the swim, bike and run leg is the goal and looking at who else is racing I will need a big performance to be anywhere near the top girls.
How important is it to have a race such as this for elites and age groupers in the UK and the South-East of England?
The south east has such a high percentage of new and long term triathletes. Living in London I come across people on an almost daily basis who was getting in to the sport so having more local well run, big races, that give people the triathlon buzz is brilliant for the sport.
And after that, what’s next for you this year and what are your big tri-career goals?
After the Vachery, I have Ironman UK. After that I will decide which races to do as I expect I will need a bit of rest after Ironman. Possibly another Ironman or a couple of 70.3′s could be on the cards. This year is all about experiencing racing as a pro, delivering performances and executing the plan my coach sets me.
Next year my goal is to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mont Treblanc. That kind of course suits me better than Las Vegas and, whilst I clearly don’t expect to go and win it, I like to give myself the best possibility to do as well as I can.