Ironman 70.3 Ecuador: after leading the Ocean swim and building a 7min+ gap on the field (minus eventual race-winner @cody.beals who had a stellar day) thru the very rolling bike course, I really thought I had 2nd place secured. With 4k to go, the wheels fell off □: I bonked hard and went backwards. I'm usually not harsh on myself, as I'm all about 'the process', but am not stoked on this 5th place after being off/at the front the whole day. □ Man this 70.3 game is such a puzzle for me! Looking forward to figuring the riddle out sooner rather than later... □ ---- "Get up, Stand up, Don't give up the fight!" - Bob Marley ----- #ironmanec #triathlon #ironman #ecuador

A photo posted by Davide Giardini (@davideita878) on Aug 2, 2016 at 11:20am PDT

I haven't been able to do it much in the past years, but I do love some water play time - especially post 70.3! #ironmanec . MUCHAS GRACIAS to all who made this trip unforgettable! #kitesurfing #ecuador #ocean #triathlon

A photo posted by Davide Giardini (@davideita878) on Aug 1, 2016 at 5:49pm PDT

This guy out front the @oroverde_manta having a blast! ?? Good kiting conditions seem to be following me around the races...wish that was the case when I myself was ACTUALLY chasing wind & waves! Racing triathlons professionally around the world has been the ultimate sacrifice. No time, energy, or desire to get in the water. Better make it all worthwhile this Sunday at #im703manta ! ?? #kitesurfing #ecuador #manta #kiteboarding #kitezone #triathlon @ironman70.3ecuador

A video posted by Davide Giardini (@davideita878) on Jul 29, 2016 at 1:01pm PDT

Beach run/swim post big day(s) of travel for @ironman70.3ecuador . □ @oroverde_manta

A photo posted by Davide Giardini (@davideita878) on Jul 28, 2016 at 7:45pm PDT

STOKED on my first professional win at Challenge San Gil, Mexico! Led from the gun with fastest swim (@blueseventy PZ4TX skinsuit), fastest bike for a big gap (@eastoncycling Aero55 tubeless, @teamclifbar nutrition, @iamspecialized_tri Shiv) and at last a decent run. Thanks @itakebioastin @nutrexhawaii @agnesish @samcorace @timmarr for allowing me to go chase my sufferfest dreams halfway across the world while slanging #BioAstin . Thanks @purplepatchfitness for getting me there (and sending that white kit! □). @challengefamily @challengesangil @slowtwitch @daddofcz @triathletemag @triathletemagazine @trstriathlon @gavin_noble @run_watts_run #challengesangil #montezumasrevenge #mexico #triathlon

A video posted by Davide Giardini (@davideita878) on Jul 3, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT