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Action in the Huts
  • September 29

  • fldogwalker Great Floridian Triathlon Here is my thought to ponder and discuss. I just completed Ironman Augusts 70.3 this past weekend. This was my first 70.3 and I was thinking to myself.. "self, what is more challenging, a half ironman of a marathon?" Of course the Ironman takes longer, but is it truly harder?" I am on the fence. I would say the Ironman is more difficult to prepare for.. but on race day it may be easier? What do you think? props to Kevin Grogan for prompting me to register on tirathletesvillage.com for a chance to win a free registration to GFT!!!
    about 2 years ago
    • closerI think that the marathon is harder. I've done several half's most of which under 5hrs and each time I think - "boy running all out for 3hrs would kill me". The pounding on your body a marathon takes on you is much worse IMHO.
      1:30 PM September 29
    • AaronLast year I did 4 marathons and 2 Ironmans and I agree with Closer.... The marathon is way tougher than the Ironman. I hurt way more after a marathon compared to an Ironman. Here is my take. You cam never really get warmed up enough getting ready to run a stand alone marathon. I feel that after I am out bicycling for 6 to 6 .5 hours my legs are all warmed up and it isn't like you are starting with cold legs. Also I think most of us tend to go faster during a marathon knowing we don't have to save up our energy... meaning once we are done running, we are done. Hell what to do i really know.....just my opinion...
      9:18 AM September 30
  • fldogwalker has joined Great Floridian Triathlon and The GFT Tribe
    about 2 years ago
  • MotrinAbuser holding my breath for one of the final spots...
    about 2 years ago
  • briankuritzky An interesting story to my Great Flordiian quest, a colleague of mine and I were bantering back and forth about how baseball players are poor athletes (no offense to anyone here - was trying to push his buttons) and myself being a former soccer player said soccer players are in much better shape. After a good amount of back and forth, he challenged me to do an ironman distance race which I said a soccer player could have no issues with given a good training regiment. course i've been training). Anyway, I had heard great things about the Great Floridian and looking forward to this race. What are some other people's stories out there?
    about 2 years ago
  • Jesse Frost Keeping my fingers crossed for one of the remaining free entries.........
    about 2 years ago
  • September 28

  • ferrum mannus what is the water temp today --- are we already cool enough to be wet suit legal? and assuming it will only get a littlee cooler in the next few weeks
    about 2 years ago
  • Kyle College student with a lot of training miles and not too much spending money. I havent been able to purchase the Ultra entry but I think I am in enough shape to conquer the distance. Does anyone know how they select the last few spots? Would love a chance to climb sugarloaf.
    about 2 years ago
  • Aaron I am new to the Village but looking forward to meeting some new TRI friends throughout the U.S.
    about 2 years ago
  • TriMark To everyone that I have mentioned as a winner of an entry to the 2010 Great Floridian Triathlon. I have been posting the winner's screen names at about the same time I send them a message via the "Send Message" option in the Community Member Directory. To read your message(s) that I or any other Village member has sent you, direct you cursor over the "Community" in the menu bar above (between Home and News). There you will see the Community Center, Huts, Forums, and then below the Village Menu Directory is My Profile. Move your cursor over that and to the right you will see Member Inbox. Click on Member Inbox. You will then see my message(s) to you. Mark
    about 2 years ago
  • KJ TriMark Hi TriMark, What a great surprise to see that I won a GFT Entry! I saw your entry saying you were contacting winners via their message box. How do I access this? Many thanks! KJ
    about 2 years ago
    • TriMarkKJ, since you sent me an email with the info we needed, can I safely assume that you were able to retrieve your message?

      Mark
      8:42 PM September 28
  • briankuritzky Open Triathlon Discussion thinking about doing the full IM here too, other than HMIC has anyone done it and could bless us with his/her insights? thanks everyone
    about 2 years ago
TriathletesVillage Tri News
Video of the day: Watch Lance Armstrong win his first half Ironman race
5/21/2012 8:04:03 AM Everyman Tri
Follow on twitter @everymantri or view latest videos on YouTube.
Video Review: Is the 2012 KIA Sorento the ultimate off-road ride for the XTERRA triathlete?
5/21/2012 8:01:10 AM Everyman Tri
The 2012 KIA Sorento AWD will most likely spend more time in the supermarket parking lot than taking on the the muddy road less traveled. That's a shame because the 2012 KIA Sorento with All-Wheel-Drive is a very capable off-road...
Kara Goucher wins her home state Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon
5/20/2012 6:42:47 PM Everyman Tri
Portland, Ore. – May 20, 2012 – It was an Oregon sweep Sunday as two in-state residents took home titles at the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon. Ryan Bak of Bend and American marathon star Kara Goucher,...
Watch Rapp and Ellis win Ironman Texas as course records fall
5/20/2012 6:23:34 PM Everyman Tri
American Triathletes Jordan Rapp and Mary Beth Ellis won Ironman Texas in record setting style today. Jordan Rapp ran a blazing fast 2:46:55 marathon to help him erase a 12 minute gap from the bike segment of the race while...
Ironman Heads to Los Cabos, Mexico with New Race
5/21/2012 9:14:13 AM tjnickhttp://www.trijuice.com Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site

ironman los cabosIronman and the organizers of Ironman Cozumel and Ironman 70.3 Cozumel, today announced the addition of Ironman Los Cabos, scheduled for March 17, 2013, in beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico.

Los Cabos, the stunning world-wide resort destination located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula in Baja California, Mexico will provide athletes with a 2.4-mile swim in azure blue and turquoise waters in the Sea of Cortes, followed by a 112-mile bike course and a 26.2-mile run course that travels along a 20-mile corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, all while offering views of rugged cliffs, desert vistas and mountains that are bound together by a wash of colors that are unmistakably Cabo's.

"This is truly a spectacular addition to the Ironman circuit," said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations at Ironman. "The vitality of Los Cabos' natural beauty combined with the challenging course that our team has laid out will really set Ironman Los Cabos apart."

Known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, Cabo San Lucas offers visitors a variety of attractions that showcase the heart of Mexico's Western Coast, all while boasting world-class service and amenities. Natural wonders dot the coastline and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy landmarks such as El Arco, a natural rock formation in the shape of an arch that lies adjacent to Playa Del Amor (Lover's Beach), as well as the rich warm waters and its plethora of black corral gardens, unique marine life and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.

Located just 20 miles to the northeast of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo transports visitors to a historic time as ancient buildings, including the Jesuit Mission, known as Parroquia San José, and The Estero, an estuary with an endless variety of colorful birds and wildlife offer a tranquil look back to the 1730's.

Nearly 1,500 participants from more than 50 countries are expected for the inaugural event in 2013. Ironman Los Cabos offers a professional prize purse of $75,000 and 50 coveted age-group slots to the 2013 Ironman World Championship, taking place on Oct. 12, 2013. Online registration will open on May 21, 2012, at 11 a.m. (ET).
 
 
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- WTC Re-brands Challenge Cairns as Ironman Cairns Event
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Stoltz, Paterson Win ITU Cross Tri World Championships
5/21/2012 8:50:08 AM tjnickhttp://www.trijuice.com Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site

Conrad StoltzConrad Stoltz of South Africa made it two-for-two at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships by successfully defending his title on Saturday.

Stoltz won the inaugural event last year in Spain, and won it again this year at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Ala. The event was held in America this year as a partner event with the XTERRA Southeast Championship triathlon.

Stoltz, 39, completed the course in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 11 seconds. It consisted of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 30-kilometer mountain bike and a 10-kilometer trail run.
Craig Evans of Tennessee was an impressive second on what he considers one of his "home courses." Evans, 34, had the lead out of the swim, and rode in front of Stoltz for much of the bike.

However, Stoltz made his winning push in the last 10 kilometers of the bike and held the lead the rest of the way.

Chris Legh of Australia was third in 2:14:11, followed by Josiah Middaugh of Colorado (2:15:47), and Richard Stannard of Great Britain (2:16:10).

2012 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships Results:
Shelby County, Alabama - May 19, 2012

Elite Men Results Time
Place
Elite Women Results Time
Conrad Stoltz (RSA) 2:12:11
1
Lesley Paterson (GBR) 2:24:39
Craig Evans (USA) 2:12:58
2
Melanie McQuaid (CAN) 2:27:15
Chris Legh (AUS) 2:14:11
3
Carla van Huysteen (RSA) 2:28:34
Josiah Middaugh (USA) 2:15:47
4
Suzanne Snyder (USA) 2:29:13
Richard Stannard (GBR) 2:16:09
5
Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) 2:29:15
Will Kelsay (USA) 2:16:17
6
Danelle Kabush (CAN) 2:33:03
Kelly Guest (CAN) 2:16:33
7
Michelle Flipo (MEX) 2:33:14
David Henestrosa (ESP) 2:17:28
8
Shae Vaughan (USA) 2:33:27
Branden Rakita (USA) 2:18:39
9
Brandi Heisterman (CAN) 2:33:50
Cody Waite (USA) 2:20:32
10
Renata Bucher (SUI) 2:34:56
 

Age Group Results // Pro Results // Age Group Photo Gallery

Lesley PatersonLesley Paterson of Great Britain won her first ITU world title in the women's division with a strong trail run. She was as far back as fifth place early in the bike, but eventually passed all the others in front of her.

Canada's Melanie McQuaid, the 2011 ITU women's world champion, was ahead by more than two minutes after the bike, but Paterson chased her down quickly and then ran away.

Paterson, 31, finished with a time of 2:24:39, while McQuaid came in second at 2:27:15.

Carla Van Huyssteen of South Africa had the fastest swim time and finished third overall in 2:28:34.

Suzie Snyder of Virginia was fourth in 2:29:14, and Colorado's Shonny Vanlandingham was fifth in 2:29:15. It was Vanlandingham's first race since undergoing knee surgery last October.

Additional Coverage:
- Conrad Stoltz goes back to back at ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships
- Lesley Paterson crowned 2012 ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion
 

HITS Triathlon Series Debuts in New York State
5/12/2012 8:05:56 AM tjnickhttp://www.trijuice.com Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site

hitstrihmnypromo.jpgThe region known for the eclectic sounds of the famed Woodstock and Mountain Jam music festivals and superb northern skiing may soon garner a new reputation as a triathlon hot-spot. HITS Triathlon Series will make its New York State debut in Hunter Mountain, New York June 9-10 and offer local and national triathletes alike a glimpse at what the northeast has to offer.

HITS Triathlon Series released a set of finalized maps this week for all five distances of the Hunter Mountain event. They feature swims in the pristine waters of North/South Lake, which sits within the boundaries of a spacious state park. The Sprint and Olympic distance bike and run courses experience the hills of New York State while still welcoming triathletes of varying levels. The bike and run courses for the Half and Full distance races boast dynamic routes, which include a 15 mile rolling warm-up, plenty of seated climbs and a sweeping decent into the village of Phoenicia.

Course maps for HITS Hunter Mountain are available online and can be viewed here.

"I have been an avid Triathlete and cyclist for more than 40 years and have had many opportunities to travel the roadways that makeup the HITS race taking place at Hunter Mountain," said Greg Seeley, Greene County Sheriff. "They are some of the most competitive and challenging roadways with the most beautiful views that you will ever experience anywhere in the Country."



Registration is currently open for HITS Hunter Mountain, but will experience a price increase June 2. As an incentive to register early, all athletes who complete their registration by May 15 will receive a free parking pass for the entire weekend.

In an effort to encourage New York City triathletes to experience the swimming, biking and running potential of upstate New York, HITS has developed a ride and race package. The ride and race package offers transportation from New York City to the race site courtesy of Trailways, bike transport and free shuttle service between the race site and various lodging partner locations. For more information on the ride and race package, please e-mail info@HitsTriathlonSeries.com.

"Hunter Mountain is a hometown race for us and we can't wait to show it off to a dynamic group of athletes," said Mark H. Wilson, race director for HITS Triathlon Series. "Our goal is to offer quality, affordable races to triathletes from New York City, the northeast and beyond."

When Hunter Mountain is a wrap, HITS Triathlon Series will be back on the road traveling to Colorado for an event in Fort Collins July 28-29, followed by stops in Cooperstown, New York September 22-23 and Lake Havasu City, Arizona November 10-11. All upcoming events will present qualifying opportunities across all distances for the HITS Athlete of the Year Awards, which will be announced at the HITS Championship in Palms Springs, California December 1-2.

The weekend will also feature a HITS Fitness Festival, which will serve as the gathering place for participants and spectators to interact with local and national sponsors, fitness products, services, as well as event partners. Those interested in participating in the Fitness Festival can visit www.hitstriathlonseries.com/sponsorship, or contact Star Exiner-Walters at Star@HitsTriathlonSeries.com or 845.246.8833.

To register for HITS Triathlon Series - Hunter Mountain or any other upcoming event, please visit www.HitsTriathlonSeries.com.


About HITS, Inc.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing endurance sports events and hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS is dedicated to creating high-quality events in desirable destinations with unmatched, professional operations. For more information about the HITS Triathlon Series, please visit www.HitsTriathlonSeries.com.
 

Triathlon Pioneers Inducted into USA Triathlon Hall of Fame
5/11/2012 5:14:39 PM tjnickhttp://www.trijuice.com Triathlon Juice (TRIJUICE) - triathlon news & resource site

Three of triathlon's Big Four, two key contributors and a top age-grouper were formally inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame on Thursday at the Bahia Resort Hotel.

usathalloffameclassof2011.jpg

A sold-out crowd of nearly 300 friends, family members and multisport dignitaries gathered to honor pre-2000 elite triathletes Mark Allen, Scott Molina, and Scott Tinley; contributors Bob Babbitt and Sally Edwards; and age-grouper Ethel Autorino.

Plenty of the sport's biggest names were in attendance, including Dave Scott, the first member of the Big Four inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, and two-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack. Even Lance Armstrong, who had planned to attend the event, delivered a video message for the inductees. "Truth is, a triathlete won the Tour de France seven times," Armstrong said.

"It was an amazing night," said Chuck Graziano, chair of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame Committee. "This was an incredible experience watching all six of the inductees tell stories that take everyone in the room back and show that these inductees have really shaped where the sport is today."

Sally Edwards
Sally Edwards, who has founded six fitness-related businesses, written 23 books, set a Master's Ironman world record and finished last in every Danskin triathlon so that another woman does not have to, talked about doing your best in all aspects of life.

"I volunteer to finish last, and I went from first to worst. In the USAT rankings, I am the worst triathlete in America," Edwards said. "It's the best place to be, because leading from the back is where we should be leading."

Ethel Autorino
Autorino stands as one of the most decorated age-groupers in U.S. multisport history. She is a 10-time age-group winner at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship and went on to capture six gold medals and one silver as a member of Team USA at the ITU World Championships.

"I've led an absolutely charmed life," Autorino said. "After winning races and finding out that I really enjoyed it, triathlons got more sophisticated. They even added bike racks."

Bob Babbitt
usat hall of fame trophyBabbitt has helped push the sport of triathlon to new heights through a myriad of contributions over the past 25 years. His work in the world of multisport media began when he co-founded Competitor Magazine in 1987 and helped launch Competitor Radio in 1990.

Babbitt spoke of his first Ironman and the nutrition his crew provided during the race, including a Big Mac, fries and a Coke. "I thought this would take me two days. I had no idea I could do it in one day," Babbitt said. "So I thought, 'there's going to be a band. There's going to be all sorts of people cheering for us at the finish. This is a pretty impactful event.' Instead there's chalk on the road and a light bulb. I hear this voice: 'hey you, you in the race? You're done.'"

{Picture of USA Triathlon Hall of Fame Trophy}

Mark Allen
Allen is recognized as one of triathlon's all-time greats, having captured six Ironman World Championship titles between 1989-95.

"This award for me is not so much honoring the accomplishments during my racing career, but the sum of all of [the Big Four's] accomplishments together," Allen said. "If we were all in a race together, there was about a 99 percent chance that one of us would be the champion. And when one of us won, it was a win for all of us."

Scott Molina
Molina stands as one of the most decorated triathletes in the history of the sport. Among his 104 professional triathlon victories are six USA Triathlon Elite National Championships -- including four straight from 1983-86 -- the 1988 Ironman World Championship and a pair of World's Toughest Triathlon titles.

A tearful Molina acknowledged those who had an impact in his career plus his fellow athletes in the Big Four. "To Dave Scott, who set the standard, to Mark Allen, who I chased, to ST [Tinley], who I probably spent a good 10-15,000 hours training with, this wouldn't be worth anything to me if I wasn't being inducted with you guys."

Scott Tinley
With nearly 100 career multisport victories, Scott Tinley ranks as one of the winningest triathletes of all time. After discovering the sport as a student at San Diego State in 1976, Tinley became a two-time Ironman World Championship winner, topping the podium in 1982 and 1985.

Tinley spoke about the first winner of the inaugural modern triathlon, Dr. Bill Phillips, whom he once asked, 'why triathlons?' Phillips told him it's something hard, but it's meaningful. Do what you can. "I never forgot that," Tinley said.

For full bios on all of the inductees, visit the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame page at www.usatriathlon.org/HOF2011

The USA Triathlon Hall of Fame was founded in 2008, and this year's class brings the total number of inductees to 19.

Source: USA Triathlon
Photos: Paul Phillips - Competitive Image
 
 
Related Posts:
- Trio Inducted into USA Triathlon Hall of Fame
 

Run Analysis Part 1 - Body Position
5/17/2012 6:50:40 PM TriFuel

For athletes seeking to make improvements in their running form, Trismarter offers a run analysis service. The basis of our running form philosophy is that all movement while running is focused towards a common goal of forward propulsion.

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Training Through A Triathlon Injury
5/15/2012 2:00:35 PM TriFuel

With race season upon us, the higher intensities of training and competition can make the risk of a triathlon injury become more frequent. But if you've hobbled out of a workout or race lately and complained about "not being able to exercise" in the presence of a shoulder, knee, back, or ankle triathlon injury, then you may want to keep reading.

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CHAMPIONS REBECCA RUSCH, DAVE WIENS JOIN LEADVILLE RACE SERIES TEAM
5/10/2012 11:53:51 AM TriFuel

LEADVILLE, Colo. (May 10, 2012) – Life Time Fitness, Inc.

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Trismarter Athlete, Danielle Kehoe, Places Third in Ironman St. George
5/10/2012 11:47:21 AM TriFuel

Trismarter Triathlon Coaching & Nutrition is proud to announce that sponsored triathlete Danielle Kehoe finished 3rd overall in Ironman St. George, in St. George, Utah on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Kehoe, age 25 from Arvada, CO, competed among more than 1400 athletes who raced the Ironman event.

read more

2012 ITU World Triathlon Series travels to Madrid
12:00:00 AM ITU News
This year marks the 10th anniversary of an ITU race in Madrid, from its start as a European Cup, then World Cup, and then the ITU World Triathlon Series since its start in 2009. This year it’s also special because it’s where the London 2012 Olympic Games qualification period started two years ago and also where it ends. But aside from the Olympic dreams that could be decided this weekend, there are also two elite titles on the line, and the two fields assembled mean both races are going to come down to the wire. Elite Women’s Preview Andrea Hewitt missed only her second series race in series history by sitting out San Diego, but that does nothing to affect her favourtism for Madrid. Hewitt’s incredible run of podium finishes hasn’t been matched over the past six months, in fact the last time she wasn’t on an ITU podium was in London last year, when she finished 6th. She’s also a previous Madrid winner, it’s where she claimed her first series win back in 2009 and could take the lead in the overall series rankings with a win. But Hewitt isn’t the only one in form. Nicola Spirig endured a tough 2011, but is off to a brilliant start to the Olympic year with a silver medal in Mooloolaba, a fifth place in Sydney and a European Championship win. The two women that shared the podium with Spirig in Eilat are also ones to watch, Ainhoa Murua finished sixth in Sydney before going on to silver in Israel while Emmie Charayron has great history in the Spanish capital. She won silver here in 2009, before stamping another classy run last year to claim bronze. But there are even more European athletes who have found their best race form so far this year, France’s Jessica Harrison came just a few seconds short of the San Diego podium when she finished fourth, while Germany’s Anne Haug backed up her best series result of seventh in Sydney by doing it again in San Diego. The Netherlands’ Maaike Caelers also posted a personal best in San Diego, with 11th place, while Great Britain’s Vicky Holland and Liz Blatchford are back near the top, Blatchford finished fourth in Mooloolaba and Holland fifth in San Diego - her best result since the 2010 series. Ireland’s Aileen Morrison has also done well so far this year, with a podium place in Ishigaki. The list of contenders who might not have hit their strides just yet in 2012, but will be aiming to in Madrid, includes the formidable Chilean Barbara Riveros Diaz, who is competing in her second race this year, Australia’s Emma...
Conrad Stoltz goes back to back at ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships
12:00:00 AM ITU News
South Africa’s Conrad Stoltz stormed through the bike and run to win the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in Shelby County, Alabama. Craig Evans of the USA finished a strong race for silver and Christopher Legh of Australia, took home the bronze. This is Stoltz’s second consecutive ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship win after he took the inaugural title in Spain last year, as well as his sixth consecutive XTERRA win on the Shelby County course. “I am really really proud, “ said Stoltz.  “It is something to achieve so I am really proud to do this for my country.” The sun was at full strength as the men entered the water for the 1.5km swim.  Richard Stannard (GBR) took a sharp lead in the first lap and carried through heading into T2 with a strong field of contenders behind him in a tight second pack. Sergio Sarmiento (MEX), Leandro Lobo (VEN), Jean-Phillipe Thibodeau (CAN) and Sean Bechtel (CAN) hung on to their positions heading into T2 with Stoltz coming out of the water at just over a minute behind the leader. After the first bike leg, Stoltz had not only catapulted up the ranks but was in a close battle with Craig Evans (USA) for first place. “I didn’t realize I was making gaps as big as that on the bike,” said Stoltz. “Normally I really wouldn’t consider this my course because I am so tall.  I don’t see myself as the king of corners.” Stoltz continued to gain momentum on the bike and drove more of a time wedge between him and the ensuing pack, consisting of Evans, Stannard, Branden Rakita (USA), Bechtal and Legh.  Heading in to the run, Stoltz remained a minute ahead of the pack. On the first lap of the run, Stoltz remained strong with Evans coming up the rear.  A possible setback arose for Legh as he was called in the penalty box on a helmet violation while Rakita and Josiah Middaugh (USA) moved closer to narrowing the gap to third position. Coming through on the stretch with a 30-second lead, Stoltz powered his way to victory with Evans, in second place, crossing the finish line exuberantly. “There were a lot of things going through my mind in this race. I had goose bumps the entire race,” said Evans.  “What a celebration and second place is beyond a dream….I can’t put this one into words,  it is beyond exciting.” In the men’s junior race earlier in the day, taking a commanding lead in the swim and bike, South Africa’s Bradley Schuit powered through the run to win gold.  Nicholas Alvarez...
Lesley Paterson crowned 2012 ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion
12:00:00 AM ITU News
Great Britain’s Lesley Paterson came from behind with a late surge and passed Melanie McQuaid (CAN) in the final lap of the run to win gold at the Shelby County ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships & XTERRA Southeast Championship.  McQuaid, the defending champion who led for much of the race, took silver and Carla Van Huysteen (RSA), bronze. “I feel great. Training has gone well, prep went well,” said Paterson.  “I was feeling energized and ready to rumble. Everything went to plan really. I had a little mechanical on the bike.  My chain came off.  Everything else went pretty smooth.” As the afternoon heat descended upon the women, they entered the water with McQuaid leading the first pack after lap 1. By the second lap, South Africa’s Van Huyssteen had overtaken the lead heading into T2 with Michelle Flipo (MEX), Suzie Snyder (USA), McQuaid, and Paterson, following close behind. Shortly into the first lap of the bike, McQuaid moved ahead and built a significant lead which put her more than two minutes ahead of her contenders by the third lap of the bike.  Van Huyssteen, Snyder and Paterson remained in the second group behind McQuaid on the bike course heading into the run. The tide began to turn on the run when Paterson got in stride and inched to 23 seconds off leader McQuaid in the first lap, creating a large margin between her and the second pack which included Van Huyssteen, Snyder and Shonny Vanlandingham.  Moving well into the second lap, Paterson shot past McQuaid and never looked back to claim her first ITU World Championship “I knew I had to try to catch Melanie and I had to take a lot of time out of her as quickly as possible,” said Paterson. Paterson crossed the finish line with a 3-minute lead on McQuaid but smiles were all around for the silver medallist. “I was happy with my race.  I had a pretty good day but it just wasn’t quite as good as Leslie’s,” said McQuaid. “I’m happy she got it. It’s well deserved.” Bronze medallist Van Huyssteen, who travels to Sardinia next, realized her vision in the race. “I didn’t know what to expect coming into the race and the podium was my ultimate goal,” said Van Huyssteen. “I am really, really happy with my race.” Earlier today in the junior women’s race, 16-year old Hannah Rae Finchamp (USA) ran to a powerful finish and a gold medal.  Securing silver was compatriot Jocelyn Vides (USA) and Charne Prinsloo (RSA) took the bronze....
Cross Triathlon: Ever evolving MultiSport
12:00:00 AM ITU News
The 2012 Shelby County ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships and XTERRA Southeast Championships goes ahead this weekend as the biggest event on the ITU Cross Triathlon calendar. Now in its second year the race also marks a landmark partnership with XTERRA. As a multidiscipline sport, triathlon has evolved to encompass a number of different forms, each playing an important development role over the course of the sports short history.  Cross triathlon first emerged in 1996 on the island of Maui, when mountain biking and triathlon met in a bold new racing format that consisted of an open-ocean swim, a mountain bike race and a trail run. This fresh take attracted outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, mountain bikers and triathletes. The mountain bikers brought their laid back style and bold self assurance, while the triathletes brought their intense training and avid dedication. ITU acknowledges the key role that XTERRA played in establishing this vibrant and dynamic format and XTERRA’s subsequent growth into the internationally recognised off-road triathlon brand it has become. Today, a typical cross triathlon comprises of 1.5km swim in an ocean, lake or river, 30km mountain bike on off-road trails and a 10km trail run on a variety of surfaces. ITU’s first cross triathlon was the 2007 Panama PATCO Cross Triathlon Pan American Championships beginning a series of annual continental championships. The inaugural ITU Cross Tri World Championships were held in 2011 in Extremadura, Spain with South Africa’s Conrad Stolz and Melanie McQuaid from Canada crowned the very first ITU Cross Triathlon World Champions. Extremadura was deemed a huge success with over 400 athletes competing across the elite, junior, age-group and paratriathlon categories in the swim, mountain bike and cross-country run discipline. This year ITU has partnered with XTERRA to further raise the profile of cross triathlon to host the 2012 Shelby County ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships and XTERRA Southeast Championships. The course in Alabama’s largest park, Oak Mountain provides trails that lead through the almost 10,000 acres of pine-studded ridges and lush green hardwood bottoms and is widely praised by competitors. The ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships are now an established annual event with Den Haag (The Hague), Netherlands already set to host 2013, as ITU continues to work hard in seeking new ways to strengthen cross triathlon as a proud commitment to the each...
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