Race 7. Triathlon Laval

For the last two years I had won this race and this year I was hoping to make it 3 in a row. The short version is..... that did not occour. Why??? Read on. I had a good swim quick transition and jumped on my bike first. I spent much of the first lap near the front of the race with Tom Moyes (Cesson) and Adam Fitzakerley (St Jean de Monts). Midway through the second lap about 30km into the race we were caught and quickly passed by Jose jeuland. My team manager had told me about him moments before the start of the race, stating he wasnt a good swimmer but hes got some power on the bike. Can say that again!!!!! He was really flying and as he got smaller and smaller into the distance I started to think "its now or never to win this race". I reluctently increased my speed and kept him and Adam in sight. He entered transition about 20 seconds in the lead with Adam between us. The first lap of the run was horrible due to the hurt in my legs from the bike. I found more rythem on the second lap and actually felt ok on the third, passed Adam and tried to get back the lead. It was not to be my day however and I crossed the line a little dissapointed and alot tired in second. The difference and distance from my elusive hat-trick was 15 seconds.