Daniel Rowland: ÖTILLÖ Engadin - Switzerland - 2024

Last year Engadin was my first World Series race ever and it went really well! I loved the course and the experience and wanted to go back again this year. The race in Engadin was the first ÖTILLÖ race outside Sweden and it brings some different challenges to the races in the archipelago: it is at altitude, there are big climbs and descents, and there is a big contrast between the cold alpine water and the hot temperatures on the runs. I knew that with good preparation and the "home" advantage of racing in Switzerland there was a chance I could do a great race.

This year the race format was slightly different as some of the swims were shortened due to the low water temperatures and the team and solo categories started separately (with solo athletes starting 5' after the teams). In the solo category, the athletes started at a reasonable pace and the first run and swim were quite controlled. I chose to follow the feet of the first swimmer and I felt very comfortable at that pace. So on the second run I picked up the pace and started pushing into the lead of the solo category. With some team athletes already in view ahead of me, I began the process of chasing down as many of the teams as I could.

With the speed I was racing and the different start times making the first teams I caught at the back of the team race, there wasn't any chance for me to draft off other racers or follow in the swims. I was setting my own pace from the second run and kept that up until the end of the race. Fortunately, this meant I could pace myself consistently and also that I was catching and passing friends in the team race. I enjoyed seeing lots of people out on the course and it felt fun to pass other athletes even if they were in a different race. Compared to last year, I was more steady in my pacing and I wasn't pushing myself as hard I did in 2023. This year was also slightly different as Vanessa was able to get out on the course and cheer from quite a few spots so I saw her plenty of times and also heard splits for where I was in the field.

I managed to stay in the lead of the solo category for the whole race and caught all but the first three teams. It was a great day and I had an awesome time in the Engadin mountains and lakes. I love this race and feel that it suits my strengths and that I can perform well here. I think I may return again next year, but maybe in a team. It's a perfect spot to start the summer racing and I always come away from Graubunden feeling positive and happy.