Ironman gears up for final competition
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Duncan Ross has one more Ironman World Championship before he begins a new chapter in his life
Ross, 36, says that this year’s race in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in October will be his last.
“I’m not really sure what I’ll do next,” said Ross, who was guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Probus Club of Brantford at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.
“I know there are a few things around the house that probably should get done and I’m sure my mom (Nancy Ross) could come up with some jobs for me, as well.”
Ross has been busy over the last few years.
In addition to training for triathlon, which includes swimming, biking and running, Ross was part of the team that got the Rotary Bike Park built in Brantford. He works full-time for Cowan Insurance and is president of the Brant Waterways Foundation.
But triathlon has been a big part of his life for the past nine years.
Born and raised in Brantford, Ross spoke about his training regimen, diet, family support and some of the challenges facing Ironman athletes, such as avoiding the elbows and knees of other competitors during the 3.86-kilometre swim. Heat is a major factor during the 42.2-kilometre run and wind plays havoc with riders during the 180.25-kilometre bike race, he said.
“When you’re on the bike you really have to pay attention because the crosswinds are really strong,” Ross said. “They’re blowing at 72 km-h and all it takes is a second of carelessness and your race is over.”
One of his most successful results came last November when Ross finished first for his age group at Ironman Cozumel in Mexico. He was ninth overall out of 1,493 competitors in eight hours, 56 minutes and 14 seconds.
Making it to the podium at Ironman Cozumel was all the more remarkable because he was battling back from a couple of injuries.
He suffered a broken collar bone in March of 2017 and had a plate in his shoulder for six months. Ross was just getting back into his training when he was hit by a car while riding his bike during a training session.
Following the collision, Ross considered shutting down his training for awhile. But he was encouraged to continue by his mom, Nancy, his girlfriend, Katie Mac Donald, and his coach.
Speaking about the bike park, Ross said he’s delighted to see it being used by so many children and their families. He’s also excited about the work of the Brant Waterways Foundation.
The foundation has spent the past 30 years improving access to the Grand River and the community’s trail system. Foundation officials recently announced a $1-million fundraising campaign to complete a number of trail improvement projects.
Ross said he wants to make sure the trail is preserved for future generations.
“The trail system has long been an important part of my life,” said Ross.
“And the community is growing and is set to grow even more. Now is the time to make sure we have the improvements in place so that we can continue to enjoy them.”
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