Another first-place finish in his age group and three out of three AG wins this season—these are the headlines that grab attention. But the reality behind Dylan Thissen’s performance at the Ironman Czech Republic 70.3 in Hradec Králové tells a different story. Despite a triumphant outcome, this race proved to be one of the most challenging he has faced, with very little going according to plan.
The Swim: A Wetsuit Malfunction
The swim leg began well enough for Dylan, but 750 meters in, disaster struck—his Zone3 wetsuit spontaneously ripped in the armpit area. Suddenly, he was dragging what felt like a parachute through the water for the remaining 1100 meters. This was particularly frustrating because he had purchased the wetsuit new this season and had checked it thoroughly for any signs of wear and tear before the race. Despite this setback, Dylan managed to clock a swim time of 27:00, which was a small victory in an otherwise tough race.
The Bike: Not His Usual Kick
The bike leg, usually Dylan’s strongest discipline, didn’t go as planned either. He couldn’t find his usual power and kick. However, by sitting very aero and pacing himself well on the climbs and descents, he managed a bike split of 2:01 with a Normalized Power (NP) of 313 watts. This effort earned him the 1st AG bike split and the 11th pro bike split, which isn’t bad, but based on his training, he knew he could do better. Improving in this area will be a focus as he prepares for his next race.
The Run: A Slog from Start to Finish
The run was undoubtedly the most difficult part of the race for Dylan. From the moment he hit the pavement, he battled intense diaphragm cramps that made it impossible to run or breathe normally. Every step felt like a struggle, and instead of powering through the course, he found himself just trying to survive. His final run time of 1:29 reflects the sheer effort it took to keep moving forward.
Overall: A Time to Reflect and Learn
Despite all the challenges, Dylan crossed the finish line with a total time of 4:04:18, taking 1st place in the AG 25-29 and 3rd age grouper overall. It’s a result he is proud of, but also one that leaves much to ponder. There’s always room for improvement, and Dylan plans to reflect on what went wrong so he can come back stronger. However, he won’t dwell on it for too long—his next race, the Duisburg 70.3 on September 1st, is just around the corner, and he is ready to put these lessons into practice.
A Positive Note: The Race Itself
On a positive note, Dylan wants to highlight that the Ironman 70.3 in Hradec Králové was a fantastic race overall. The swim and bike courses were fast and fun, and the run course, while challenging, offered some great twists and turns through the city center. It’s a race he would highly recommend to anyone looking for a blend of speed and challenge in a beautiful setting.
In the end, it’s not just about podium finishes—it’s about learning, growing, and coming back stronger. Dylan looks forward to the next race with renewed determination.
After Duisburg, the full focus will be on the main goal for 2024: The IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on October 26, 2024.
For now: good luck in Duisburg Dylan!
