Ironman 70.3 in Wimbelball, Great Britain-Baldwin wins to qualify for the worlds |23 June 2012

Considered as one of the toughest courses in the world, the event included 1.9km swimming, 90km biking and 21.1km running.

Competing in the 18-24 years age group, Baldwin came out the water seventh after 29 minutes 43 seconds (29:43) after the 1.9km swim. He then took two hours 52 minutes 48 seconds (2h52:48) to complete the 90km biking in second position in the group. In the half-marathon (21.1km), Baldwin clocked a new personal best time of 1h25:04 to finish first in his age-group and 21st overall with a cumulative time of 4h51:53.

Finishing nearly eight minutes behind Baldwin was Britain’s Samuel Hatfield – the group’s runner-up – with a time of 4h59:35 which earned him 33rd spot overall. Hatfield’s compatriot Gregor Thurlow finished third in the group in 5h19:42 to finish 98th overall.

Having already qualified for the Ironman World Championships since last year during the Ironman Western Australia in Busselton, in the south of Perth, Baldwin has now made it to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship race which will be held in Las Vegas, United States, in September.

Despite the win, Baldwin admitted that his preparation was far from ideal following a road accident while training in France three weeks ago.

Other than a shoulder injury, some bruises and stitches, Baldwin said he was lucky not to have suffered any broken bones.

“Unfortunately my shoulder took the impact from landing and I suffered a separated shoulder, which is an injury to the AC joint,” he told Sports Nation through an email.

Baldwin said that he was unable to swim for three weeks prior to the race and was unsure about his performance in the water.

He added that as from this weekend, he will be in the United States to follow altitude training in Boulder, Colorado, to prepare for the upcoming World Championship races, which will be his last events as an amateur athlete. 

As from next year, Baldwin will obtain his professional licence to race in the elite category.
The triathlete expressed his gratitude for his local sponsors Eden Island Marina, Hunt Deltel, Cable & Wireless and Vijay Construction for their continuous support in helping him to achieve his goals.