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This region of Croatia is very beautiful and rugged and the ÖtillÖ folks created a magnificent tough course on it. 142 teams had registered but only 127 teams started the race, and that is a fairly normal no show number in this sport.
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The sky looked ominous and rain was coming down as the teams lined up for the start. But hey, they would be wet sooner than later anyhow.
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There are always different techniques of water entry to be spotted and also different states of readiness.
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With 127 teams in the water it is busy but not really super crowded, especially when compared to an Ironman start
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The views around Hvar are truly stunning but athletes had to take in the scenery before and after the race, while the event was going on the focus was on the task at hand.
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And it does not take very long for teams to spread out nicely.
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The mixed team Jellyfish Terror with Swede Robin Nordgren and Ukrainian Maria Basova high above the town.
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Plenty of raw nature to conquer and lots of time to really learn much about your team mate.
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On the way to the next swimming session and running past watering holes.
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Brits Steven Lord and Andrew Bruce in full swim paddle action
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This bird's eye view gives you an idea of the terrain the athletes had to deal with.
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Racing hard makes athletes hungry and the ÖtillÖ aid stations are usually well stocked.
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The day before during the Sprint race the weather was stunning and the water very blue.
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A true paradise captured by the amazing Pierre Mangez
