James Cunnama wants to overcome a bumpy start to 2016 with a solid outing in France on Sunday.
James managed to squeeze a podium result from his first race of the season at Ironman 70.3 South Africa in January. His third place was a minor miracle considering his less-than-perfect race week – a bug buried itself deep in his ear canal, he had to take a course of antibiotics as a result and his prized Cervélo P5 was seriously damaged a few days before the event.
But as James points out, "The race doesn't care, and the gun went anyway. I was content with the result, if not terribly enthusiastic."
"Just getting to the start line was an incredible effort, and my team rallied around me to get me ready, especially Cervélo, who got a new bike halfway around the world in 48 hours!"
"We also debuted the new tubeless ENVE SES 7.8, with Schwalbe Pro One tyres. A revolution indeed, and one I am happy to be part of. The wheel and tyre combo is sublime."
Then it was head down for another big training block preparing for Ironman African Championships in Port Elizabeth in April. But it would be another home advantage race that didn't turn out how James had expected. After a great swim, James knew something wasn't firing properly on the bike but fought the sensations through a tough 180km. Ultimately, he was forced to withdraw with debilitating cramping in the run.
"The less said about that race the better, I think. We'll leave that one in the rearview mirror. One race does not a season make, and the fact is both Jodie (Swallow) and I are now fit, strong and injury-free. As a professional athlete, you really can't hope for more than that, at any point in the season."
So, James's season will start in earnest a little later than planned, with Ironman France in Nice on 5 June. Expect a resurgent performance from a fired-up James Cunnama: "We are looking forward to some great races in the coming months. And I'd far rather start a season badly and end well, than vice versa..."