2025 Ironman Tallinn, Estonia – Race Report 

 

This race carried extra meaning for me: it was my 10th Ironman finish. Standing there in the cold, I reflected on the journey that led to this milestone and felt grateful to be healthy, prepared, and still excited to toe the start line.

Race day in Tallinn started very differently from what I had imagined. The forecasted morning temperature was close to 5°C, unusually cold for an Ironman, and safety concerns led to a 3-hour delay in the race start. Instead of the usual early-morning nerves, we were left waiting—trying to stay warm, calm, and mentally focused as the hours passed.

Swim

The swim was finally flagged off close to 9:00am instead of the planned 6:00am. By then, everyone was eager to get moving.  Once in the water, the waiting was forgotten. The Baltic Sea conditions were manageable though the water was still bit cold.  The swim felt controlled and steady. Exiting the water, I felt relieved and energized—knowing the real work of the day was about to begin.

T1 

Changed out on my wet suit and dried myself completely.  What a relief! I wore a Heattech long-sleeve base layer under my tri-suit, along with a rain jacket in the back pocket just in case. Sun was coming shining bright and it was looking quite promising for the bike leg.

Bike

The bike course was flat and fast on paper, but the weather made it far more demanding than expected. Intermittent rain combined with wind turned the ride into a cold and mentally challenging effort. Holding the very bike made me cramp in areas that I would be never imagined ..which was my shoulder traps and groins :)

The Heattech long-sleeve base layer under my tri-suit, along with a rain jacket, which proved to be the right call. Even so, the cold seeped in. Long exposed stretches amplified the wind chill, and the focus shifted from speed to discipline—steady power, consistent nutrition, and staying composed. Probably had too much fluids on the bike and ended up peeing at least 4 to 5 times on the bike leg.

T2 

I was so glad to get off the bike and hobbled into T2. The hard pedal caused my foot sole to stiffen up and getting out of by pee-soaked cycling shoes was relief.  

Run

The run course was flat and set along the coastal area, offering scenic views and a decent number of supporters lining the route. Seeing familiar faces made a huge difference. Having my wife there, along with a great group of friends from Trimakkal and Team Margherita, lifted my spirits more than they probably realised. Their encouragement helped pull me through the toughest moments.

Despite running, I felt cold throughout both the bike and the run, never quite warming up. I stayed patient, broke the marathon into manageable sections, and kept moving forward step by step.

Finish & Post-Race

Crossing the finish line was deeply emotional. Completing my 10th Ironman under such tough conditions made this one especially memorable. It wasn’t about time or performance—it was about resilience, experience, and gratitude.

Post-race, Tallinn delivered the perfect reward. The race village had a sauna for athletes, and stepping into that warmth after hours of racing in the cold was incredible. Without question, it was the best post-race treat imaginable—a truly fitting Nordic finish to a challenging but unforgettable Ironman.

Having out with my good buddies and having post race breakfast, lunches and dinners are another highlight of race. 

Till the next race ! 

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