Weird race preparation pays off for new world 70.3 ironman champion Tim Reed

IT’S possibly the weirdest race preparation ever but it has delivered one of world triathlons biggest upsets and Aussie Tim Reed his greatest ever success.

Tim Reed claims his first world championships title on home soil.

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IT’S possibly the weirdest race preparation ever — bed time stories, eating what he wanted, daily meditation and being a Mr Mum — but it has delivered one of world triathlons biggest upsets and Aussie Tim Reed his greatest ever success.

The Byron Bay father-of-two caused a major boilover as he edged two-time champion Sebastian Kienle from Germany for the world 70.3 half ironman crown in Mooloolaba.

Tim Reed up on his feet as his rival catches his breath.

As Australian Mel Hauschildt won silver in the women’s race, Reed revealed the secrets of his success for the race were the presence of wife Monica and sons Arthur, 16 months. and Oscar, 4.

“In the past I have tended to be so stressed out and putting so much pressure on myself that I don’t sleep for three days and am just exhausted,’’ Reed said.

“This year I decided to bring the children with me and last night I was just busy reading them books, cleaning their teeth, getting them ready for bed, I didn’t have time to stress and just fell asleep.

“I also tried to stay relaxed about it, ate what I wanted and tried to enjoy myself more. It worked.’’

Tim Reed celebrates with his wife and son.

Reed said daily meditation sessions also worked their magic as he outsprinted defending world champion Kienle for a two second win after 1.9km of swimming, 90km of cycling and 21km of running.

“This really has taken me by surprise. I’m in real shock here,’’ he said.

“I’m excited but bloody tired.

“To be honest I just want to go to my room, chill with my family, and have a sleep.’’

The smile says it all. Tim Reid on his way to his fist world championship crown. )

Reed, who now starts to prepare for the Hawaii ironman triathlon in October, claimed his maiden world crown in 3hrs 44min 13 sec. Sam Appleton was the next best Aussie back in fifth 3:46:01 while former winner Craig Alexander was 10th.

In the women’s race Hauschildt made the podium for the third time at the 70.3 world championships after winning the tough half ironman event back in 2011 and then again in 2013.

UK triathlete Holly Lawrence won the 70.3 world title in 4:09:11 with Hauschildt completing the course in 4:11:08 after a poor swim saw he playing catch-up all day.

UK winner Holly Lawrence, centre, after her win.

“I’m a little disappointed actually,’’ said Hauschildt. “I felt I had it in me to win. I need to improve my swim.’’

Hauschildt used the race at Mooloolaba as race preparation for her first tilt on world Hawaii ironman championships on the Big Island on October 8.