Swim, Cycle, Run, Flip

Martin Diessner, Flip CEO, and Andrew Brauteseth, from Flip Media South Africa, took part in the annual Dubai Sprint Triathlon over the weekend. Despite a last minute rush race start, with Andrew heading off to the wrong race venue in Jebel Ali and last minute adjustments to his borrowed bike, the stage was set for an exciting race with almost perfect weather conditions. Martin teamed up with South African swimmer, Tracy Barber in the team category.

Tracy led the 800m swim and was first out of the water with a convincing break from the rest of the pack. As Martin headed off on the very fast, flat 20km bike course, Dubai's baking heat set in to take its toll on the already sweltering athletes. Despite the temperature, Martin and Tracy produced an impressive time of 1:19:40, putting them in 4th overall in the team category. Andrew was 4th out of the water in the men's category, and did a very mild 40 minute 20km cycle, allowing even the hotel security staff to over-take him.

He finished 14th in the men's category with a total time of 1:19:58, a mere 18 seconds slower than Martin and Tracy. The event was held in the Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, near Ghantoot, and organized by Dubai Tri Club. As usual, the race was well planned and supported with a total of 170 athletes taking part. Next years event promises to be even more interesting, with Martin rumoured to take on the swim and Andrew saving at least 18 seconds by not flirting with race officials.