With no experience in swimming in such water temperatures I struggeld to breath. Swimming style was virtually non-existing - more of an fight to reach the finish.

Need more experience in neo swimming and cold water swimming.

I took me some time to gather up after the long swim leg in such cold water.
Transition zone was somewhat far away from swim-end point - some running between.

Nothing really.

Difficould wind conditions with N-NE winds changing to cross-winds due to turbulences (buildings and so on) 60-75% of course was with either head or cross wind.
Windspeed 24km/h.
I actually used this stage to regenerate after swimming - easy riding.
Lost time due to 8x break -> turn around -> get back to speed.

Forgot to take shoes off again while still on the bike.

Did last 1.5km with faster pace to cath-up some time - good idea :)

No special routing - was completley wasted...


I was overtrained and did not allowed enough time to taper down from normal training routine.
Never before swimmed in such cold water - major mistake.


I really like these races in Cologne - have great support and are very well organised.
I do stuggel to make my mind should I start next year - water was really really cold... But this years weather conditions are not great anyway (floods and etc.) therefore I hope next year will be better.