Riot before the storm

Today the day starts again with a cozy breakfast - it is enjoyed especially because we know that tomorrow we have to get up about 3 hours earlier than this morning.

We are going to Honaunau Bay for snorkeling because the good weather forecasted for the morning should be used. Since we don't know if we will visit there again on Sunday, it could be our last visit - let's wait and see. Unfortunately, we forgot the camera's memory card at home and this time we can't provide corresponding photos - we have stored everything in our minds. It's also nice to enjoy everything without a camera, this time we were treated by particularly many yellow schools of fish. During a snorkel break, we plan a little bit for tomorrow's big day, one has to be well organized for that. Then I go back into the water - just enjoy...

After that, we take a detour to the swimming pool, here I witness a photoshoot of two triathletes (male & female), even though I don't know exactly who was photographed. They were at least English-speaking compatriots, if I uncover the secret of their identity, I will let you know.

And the swimming pool is also well attended, so much for the topic that not much training is done shortly before the race... Among other things, I also meet the Hawaiian athlete whom I have already encountered there once, she has the starting number 2331 and if I see her tomorrow, she will of course receive an extra applause.

Mom, in the meantime, watches the athlete's bike check-in and observes professionals like Andi Böcheler, Anne Haug, etc. Seems like there is a lot going on down in Kona - enough reason to come back in the afternoon, this time I am also right there.

According to the moderator of the check-in, the top men, Kienle, Frodeno, and Lange have not yet shown up, but they only have until 6:00 p.m., so we want to stay here for now. Madness - we witness numerous pro interviews like Maurice Clavel, Lucy Charles, and many more. In addition, there are all the age-groupers, simply unforgettable, you have to experience it yourself. Eventually, the world champion arrives - Patrick Lange, of course, he has to give an interview. However, he seems a little tense (which is understandable) and the applause for him is rather subdued. Jan Frodeno follows shortly after, who approaches the whole thing in a much more relaxed manner. Finally, Sebastian Kienle shows up, but the fans can hardly get close to him, he races almost away after handing in his bike, shielded by his wife - which doesn't really speak for him, we simply prefer our 'Frodo'.

I have a very personal encounter with Daniela Bleymehl, who crosses my path right in the middle of Kona, she is immediately ready for a joint photo - my thumbs are definitely pressed for her tomorrow, we already got to know her in the Kona Daily Reports.

And now we are sitting here at home, on the eve of the World Championship, on the one hand, we don't want tomorrow to come because our vacation will be almost over, but on the other hand, we are really looking forward to everything that awaits us. Most of the athletes are probably slowly going to bed now and we are also going there soon because the alarm clock will ring at 4:00 a.m. so that we are in time for the big race.

P.S. The blog article for tomorrow may be delayed, depending on when we return home after the race. But of course, the article about the vacation highlight will be delivered as soon as possible!