Back in May this year we reported on the launch of a unique new two-day event, that will be held on a private island in the Bahamas this November (see the original story here).
Organised by race directors and pro triathletes Luke McKenzie and Beth Gerdes, the race promises a $500,000 prize purse, to be paid 10 deep across both men and women. The start list is invite-only and this week the final list of 10 male and 10 female athletes has been announced.
Male start list
The male field includes GBR’s Tim Don, who most recently raced at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, placing 15th. Also racing in reigning WTS champion Javier Gomez. The final list is:
Barrett Brandon (USA) Tim Don (GBR) Cam Dye (USA) Javier Gomez (ESP) Leon Griffin (AUS) Ben Hoffman (USA) Luke McKenzie (AUS) Richard Murray (RSA) Tim O’Donnell (USA) Trevor Wurtele (CAN)
Women’s start list
In the female race, two GBR athletes are confirmed – Rachel Joyce, who placed second in Kona – and Leanda Cave, who also raced but pulled out on the bike leg. Also competing is WTS world champ Gwen Jorgensen. The final list is:
The race will be held from 6-8 November 2015. The innovative race structure will include individual time trials and races that mix up the traditional order and distances of swim, bike, run. Similar to the cycling model, the Island House Invitational will feature swim, bike, run, and overall classification leader’s jerseys and prizes.
To learn more about the race, visit the website here.
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The three-day event will be filmed for national broadcast in a one hour special to be broadcast January to March 2016. Live timing will be available throughout the event along with frequent twitter updates via @islandhousetri.
This Sunday at 9am Hawaii-time, the Scotland born, San Diego-based Lesley Paterson will take to the Pacific waters of Honokahua Bay as one of the favourites to steal Flora Duffy’s crown as the reigning Queen of all-things off road.
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Yet Paterson’s journey to the 20th anniversary race of the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, has been far from straightforward. Broken bones (x3) and Lymes disease have stood in the way of her race season, but she’s shown the ‘Braveheart brand’ by battling on; tackling Xterra Costa Rica with one arm and coming third in an 100km MTB race in Tahoe just three weeks after surgery.
Here the double Xterra world champ and reigning Xterra England winner talks with our friends at Xterra Maui about her love of the off road, swimming 1.5km with one arm and battling Duffy on Sunday…
ON… BEING BACK IN MAUI
First of all, I am feeling great. Fit and ready to roll. Just beyond grateful that I’m here and healthy – I simply cannot put it in to words. This island has so many amazing memories for me and to be back at “home” with my Xterra family is like a dream come true. This is where I feel the love. This is where the magic happens.
ON… LYME’S DISEASE AND BROKEN BONES
It’s been an incredible but challenging year so far. I have seriously had highs I’ve never experienced before but then I’ve had absolute soul crushing lows as well. I’m a woman of extremes so this suits me well! I spent November and December of 2014 getting treating for Lyme’s disease in Florida and that brought with it many challenges but also many ‘ah ha’ moments. I started off 2015 with the lowest fitness I think I’ve ever had but the highest spirit too! I did a combination of Xterra races and US World Cup mountain bike races and almost the first one out of the gate, I managed to break my shoulder!
ON… ONE ARM RACING
This led to me competing in Xterra Costa Rica with one arm! 1,500m is a long way with a single arm but I kept positive and ended up biking and running through the field to win. I guess the Braveheart brand is very much alive and kicking! I then spent a month sweating it out on my trainer in the garage, swimming masters with one arm and running with a sling. I came out and won Xterra West and East champs, plus won the overall (beat the boys, too) at the Laguna Beach Xterra… that was pretty cool!
ON… BRUSHING TEETH WITH NO HANDS
My focus was then set on mountain biking and picking up valuable UCI points for Olympic qualification [in mountain biking]. I went on to win my first US Pro MTB race and the week later, days before heading out to Europe for my world cup debut, I crashed out and broke my left wrist and right hand. Devastation again! After surgery I spent the month up in the mountains, back on the trainer, learning how to brush my teeth and wipe my own arse with no hands! Only 11 days after surgery I won the June Lake Triathlon in Mammoth and another week later, came 3rd overall in the Leadville qualifier 100km MTB race in Tahoe. Crazy, I know, but hey, that’s me!
ON… SINGLE DISCIPLINE MTB
I then did my first UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race in Windham. I seriously got my ass whooped and struggled to find any form. Determined to give it a good go, I then headed out to Italy for my second World Cup. I managed to go from 65th to 38th and had a blast doing it! This World Cup shit is a helluva journey and one that will take a good few years to master! Finally I finished off the summer with a glorious win at the Xterra European Champs in England (pictured). Joy of all joys!
ON… TACKLING FLORA
After a great block of training in San Diego, my sights have been laser focused on being in the best shape possible for Maui. Flora [Duffy] has been simply unbeatable this year so I hope to at least give her a run for her money. She’s an incredible athlete and has motivated me to train harder and stay committed this last few months.
ON… XTERRA AND SOUL
More importantly, though, I’ve realised with all that I have been through, that all I can control is my attitude. I can’t control how anyone else will go on the day, I can’t control what anyone else thinks, but I can control my attitude towards this race. It will be one of joy and celebration. Xterra is my soul and that will never change.
You can follow the 20th Xterra World Championships online at www.xterramaui.com, on twitter @xterraoffroad and on Facebook.com/xterraplanet starting at 9am Hawaii time (7pm UK time). 220 Tri magazine has a nine page Xterra special in issue 320, out on 8th December.
Josiah Middaugh and Flora Duffy were the winners of the 20th Xterra off-road Triathlon World Championships in Kapalua, Maui yesterday.
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Middaugh won the men’s title at the 15th time of asking, becoming the first American to take top spot since Michael Tobin in 2000. ITU star Duffy capped of a perfect Xterra season with five straight wins on the tour, and won her second championship in successive years. It meant a cool $20,000 for the winners from a total prize purse of $100,000, with prize money going to the top 10 male and female finishers.
Commenting on his victory (and beating favourite Ruben Ruzafa of Spain), Middaugh said:
“I felt really good on the bike. He put a minute into me on the last five miles but there’s nothing you can do, he’s an amazing rider.
On the run I was making back 20-30 seconds a mile on him. I was shocked! Last year he was climbing at the same speed as I was. I was charging as hard as I could, I was lifting my knees and pumping as hard as I could go and I knew I was coming back on him.
“A couple years ago I knew I had to win it now! I had to stop saying “one of these years” and start saying “this year…this year I’m going to win this race. I felt it more than ever this year and knew I could do it, I knew I had to do it.”
In the women’s race, Bermudan Flora Duffy held pole position for the duration, posting the fastest swim split and fending off an inspired Lesley Paterson on the bike course.
Duffy said: “I had the big target on my back, and I came here with a mission. I wanted to defend, and got away with that by the skin of my teeth today. I really struggled on the bike course at times.
“It was so great to come down the finish chute and repeat as world champion. I was pretty glad to put my hands up for the win.”
Incredibly Paterson’s impressive result came despite spending large parts of the season recovering from injury and illness. Posting the fastest women’s bike split of the day, Paterson was catching Duffy on the bike and was in striking distance on the run, but had to settle for second place. She said:
“I was going for it on the bike, that’s where my strength is,” said Paterson. “I came off on the run and went for it and then I blew. It was really hot, it was brutal, and I deal with heat pretty well!”
“I’m just lucky to be here, I’ve spent the last few years getting over injuries and illness and I felt honoured to be in the fight today.”
Jacqui Slack (GBR) came 8th in of the women’s pro field. More than 800 athletes from 43 countries participated in the event, which started in relatively calm waters but included extremely tough 32km bike and 10.5km run sections, with over 1000m of climbing on the course combined.
Always Aim High Events have announced that entries for the Anglesey Sandman Triathlon are now open. The North Wales-set triathlon, which takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016, is expected to sell-out quickly, with athletes advised to secure their place here.
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From the makers of the Slateman, the Anglesey Sandman was first launched in 2011 and offers a challenge for everyone regardless of fitness and experience.
The triathlon sees competitors take on the clear-waters for a 1km open sea swim, some of the most beautiful roads of Anglesey for a challenging 60km bike leg and the Newborough forest for the final 10km trail run.
The Sandman sprint event features much of the same scenery and will again take place on the Saturday. The Sprint race features a 400m (swim), 25km (bike) and 5km (run). Triathletes also have the option of competing over two days at the Sandman Weekender.
British Triathlon’s Olympic Nomination Committee has confirmed the pre-selection of four triathletes, subject to form, fitness and eligibility, for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games next summer. Official selection to Team GB will be announced by the British Olympic Association (BOA) next June.
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Non Stanford and Vicky Holland met the Automatic Qualification criteria of the 2016 BTF Olympic Nomination Policy by winning medals at both the Rio Olympic Triathlon Test Event and the World Triathlon Grand Final in Chicago.
Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee met the British Triathlon Pre Selection criteria based on evidence of their ability to win a medal at the Olympic Games. Both Alistair and Jonathan have won rounds of the ITU World Triathlon Series this year and were memorable medal winners at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
An announcement will be made by the British Olympic Association in June 2016 to confirm the team. It is hoped that British Triathlon will be able to nominate three men and three women based on ITU ranking points.
British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Purcell said: “Non and Vicky achieved the Automatic Qualification criteria with their performances at the Rio Olympic Triathlon Test Event and at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Chicago. The progress made by both of them this season has been really exciting, and now they can focus completely on their Rio preparations.
“Similarly, we wanted to put Alistair and Jonathan in strong positions to focus on medals next summer. They both met the British Triathlon Pre Selection criteria and we’re delighted to have been able to give them this news as they start their winter training.”
Alistair Brownlee said: “There is nothing bigger in triathlon than the Olympic Games, and I’m hugely excited about the year ahead. This news allows me to structure my winter training with Rio at the forefront of my mind. Knowing that Jonny has been pre-selected with me is another big boost.”
Jonathan Brownlee added: “I’ll be doing everything I can to be at my absolute best on 18 August 2016. Performing on the day in Rio is the dream, and it’s great to be another step closer to it now that I have been pre-selected.”
Non Stanford said: “At the start of this year Rio felt a long way off, but with pre-selection confirmed I just can’t wait to get 2016 started.”
Vicky Holland added: “Confirmation of pre selection is another big tick in the box after getting the results I needed in Rio and Chicago. There’s a lot of hard work to do now, but I can’t wait for next summer.”
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The 2016 season will get under way in March with the opening round of the ITU World Triathlon Series in Abu Dhabi.
After three days of racing over various formats, current WTS champs Javier Gomez and Gwen Jorgensen further cemented their position as the top triathletes in the world at the moment, with convincing overall victories at the Island House Invitational Triathlon.
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With prize money awarded for each individual race, the fastest overall swimmers, cyclists, and runners and overall classification winners, it amounted to a huge payday for multiple winners Gomez and Jorgensen. Gomez picked up $1000 for winning two races, $250 premiums for fastest swim and run splits and $60,000 for his overall victory, with Jorgensen picking up almost as much due to finishing 2nd in the final day non-drafting event to Lisa Norden. Gomez was only defeated by bike specialist Cameron Dye in the sprint event.
Short-course specialists dominated the opening day ‘prologue’ event, which consisted of a fast and furious 300 meter swim, 7k bike and 2k run. Surprisingly Tim Don managed to finish in 3rd despite competing in long distance events for large parts of his season.
The second day was a draft-legal Olympic distance race, and was the one most similar to ITU racing. After a mass swim start on the beach, it was again Jorgensen and Gomez who were victorious, with Richard Murray and Tim Don finishing second and third males, and Flora Duffy and Lisa Norden taking the positions in the women’s race.
The third day was a 750m swim/20km bike/5km run race with a non-drafting bike course. Jorgensen started with a 41 second advantage over Duffy in second current leader on general classification, and extended this coming out of the water. Behind the leaders, American athlete and winner of the Roka swim competition, Lauren Brandon, recorded the fastest swim time of the women, 9:56. That time beat all but three of the male competitors. Despite Norden hitting the front on the bike and recording the fastest time of the day, it was Jorgensen who claimed the overall victory, as she ran a blistering 5km and bridged the gap.
On the men’s side, Javier Gomez, leader on general classification, was first in the water, almost one minute ahead of Richard Murray. Britain’s Tim Don was a further 20 seconds behind Murray. As the leader in the swim competition, it was no surprise that Gomez had further extended his lead as he began the bike course. Indeed, Gomez recorded the fastest swim on the day with a time of 9:18, winning the Roka-sponsored fastest swimmer competition. Gomez looked in complete control during the bike portion and maintained the time gap to his chasers, while Murray added a further 10 seconds to his buffer on Don. The fastest bike split of the day belonged to Cameron Dye, promoting the American to winner of the Cervelo fastest biker competition.
The podium placings remained the same on the run and Gomez recorded the fastest run, adding winner of the Coca-Cola-sponsored fastest runner competition to his achievements on the day. Gomez crossed the line to take the Island House Invitational Triathlon overall title, 1:21 ahead of Murray and 2:53 ahead of Don.
The CEP Winter Ballbuster is an event steeped in history and tradition – this was the 26th year for the notoriously challenging duathlon event that pits athletes against Box Hill five times. One of the toughest endurance tests in the UK, the event demands an 8 mile run, followed by 24 miles on the bike, with a final, punishing 8 mile run to finish off.
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This year the event sold out in weeks and 570 participants stood together on the start line, with one common goal – just to get over the finish line in one piece.
Following the relentless rain at 2014’s event, Mother Nature decided that she too wished to play her part in 2015, too, with biblical showers pouring from the sky. Puddles then miniature lakes formed, making every step just a little bit more energy-sapping and each turning of the pedals that extra bit more demanding. It wasn’t just this deluge of water that competitors had to combat; there was wind too. A biting wind, razor sharp and powerfully full.
GREENLEAF DEFENDS
From the moment that the start gun went off, until his final, victorious step over the finish line, the irrepressible reigning champ Andy Greenleaf stood apart from the other competitors. His time of 2:31:54 was a new course record, and was six minutes faster than his 2014 time. After having caught his breath, Andy then announced that he still feels there’s room for improvement on his time; having been forced to slow down a few times on the bike, due to the soaking wet conditions.
Coming in second place was Chris Nicholls (2:43:37), who impressed with two very quick runs and produced the third fastest cycling leg of the day. Chris was chased for most of the day by Dan Bradshaw (2:47:00) who laid down the fastest 24 mile bike leg of the day; and who rather interestingly ran a quicker second run section (49:09) than he did for his first (50:04).
On the female side, Ali Moult (Rugby Triathlon Club) was the class athlete in the field, storming home in a rampant 3:07:59 to win by more than 10mins. Second place went to Ruth Purbrook (Ful-on Tri) in 3:19:08, who just held off an ever-closing Holly Mcguigan (3:20:43).
In the age groups, Nebosja Jovanovic (Greenwich Tritrons) posted a speedy 2:59:37 to be the only male in the 40-49 age category to go under 3hrs. He was followed home by Mark Lloyd (Harwich Runners) who had lead at one point on the bike leg, but finished in 3:00:25. Alan Thurston (Army Triathlon Association) completed a fast 40-49 male top 3 with his 3:01:06.
Louise Dobby took the 40-49 title for the women, flying around the testing course in 3:25:26, Louise’s bike leg time of 1:22:27 was brilliantly quick and no one could catch her after that. Vikki Silversten (3:31:10) and Kim Bainbridge (3:31:47) of Viceroys Triathlon Club, fought long and hard over the second and third places, exchanging the lead a number of times – only for Vikki to pull away over the closing 8 mile run to win by a whisker.
For the 50-59 Men, there was only ever one winner, Gavin Fisher taking the title in 3:11:30. Gavin stayed a consistent 3mins ahead of John Coverdale (3:14:19) virtually the whole way around, a lead that was built up on the first 8 mile. John did catch a rapid Michael Impey (3:16:00) though, breezing past him in T2 and on the final run.
In the 50-59 Women, Jo Gundle (Bicester Tri Club) dominated the elements, the challenging 5 time ascent of Box Hill and her fellow competitors by putting in a great time of 3:36:40, fully more than 20 minutes faster than anyone else in her age category. In the battle for second and third, it was Christine Meek (Ealing Triathletes) who found just enough to cross the finish line in 3:58:28 – a mere one minute ahead of Alison Gordon (Jo’s Tri Team), who finished in 3:59:34.
The 60+ Men were lead home by a stunning performance from Brian White (Team Trisport), who finished in 3:25:49. Brian was the only 60+ athlete to post a run time under the hour mark, blitzing the field with a 55.24 on his first leg. Stephen Roberts (Owestry Olympians) came second, in a time of 3:31:35 it was his supreme cycling section (1:27:41) that saw him finish ahead of Cedric Clemerson (3:46:41).
The full set of results for the event can be found here.
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Up next for Human Race is the OffRoad Series, featuring trail runs and duathlons at: WildMan (21st November), IceMan (5th December) and MudMan (5th March).
Organisers of the Outlaw Triathlon, One Step Beyond, have confirmed a new Outlaw Half event will take place on 3rd July 2016.
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The race, covering a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and half-marathon run, will run as well as the sold-out Half event at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham on 29th May. The new event will be at a different venue, which is yet to be announced.
The 2015 Outlaw Half sold out in ‘minutes’ last year according to organisers, and adding a second event has reportedly been in the pipeline for two years. The move has taken time due to sourcing a suitable venue and working alongside local communities to ensure a well supported event.
Event director Iain Hamilton commented: “We wanted to find a totally new venue that is not already used for triathlon racing, and wanted to ensure that the new event is similar to the exiting ones. What we’ve got is a fantastic family friendly venue and an event that features and out-and-back lake swim, flat one-lap bike course and a multi-lap run course so that spectators can easily follow the action. There’s also camping and family activities on site.”
He added: “There are a lot more middle and long distance races in Britain now than when we launched the Outlaw in 2010, but what the Outlaw offers is a lower cost, very high quality racing experience.
“Every year the positive feedback we get from competitors overwhelms us, particularly relating to our event crew, and we’re very excited about having a new event for 2016 after a long time spent securing a new venue.”
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You can pre register for the new event here. Those signing up will be the first to find out the new venue and gain access to the entry system when the event opens at the end of November.
The triathlon community has been left reeling following the news that Laurent Vidal, the former ITU star and coach to New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt, has died aged just 31.
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Vidal passed away in New Zealand, and it’s thought that Hewitt was with him at the time. Hewitt has now flown to France to be with Vidal’s family.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Vidal’s close friend and former triathlete James Elvery said:
“We are all just shattered, this is just awful news.”
“I have spoken to Andrea and she is in a state of shock right now trying to come to terms with what has happened, we all are. She is with Laurent’s family and they are supporting each other in this time of grief. Laurent was always so positive. A real inspiration to me and to so many people around the world.”
The cause of death is reported to be unknown at this stage; however Vidal suffered a cardiac arrest last year, and recovered only after being placed into an induced coma. This led to to his retirement from professional triathlon, and more recently he coached numerous ITU athletes as well as Andrea Hewitt.
Vidal had a successful and consistent career on the ITU world triathlon circuit before becoming a coach, and placed fifth at the 2012 London Olympic games.
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220’s thoughts are with the family and friends of Laurent Vidal at this difficult time.
The latest issue of 220 Triathlon magazine went on sale today, featuring in-depth interviews with the top athletes from the 2015 Ironman World Championships.
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Other highlights in this month’s issue include:
Women’s guide to tri Essential specialised advice and tips for women thinking of setting off on the great adventure that is triathlon
Gear focus: Bio gear We analyse four of the latest bio tech products for athletes and whether they really deliver a performance edge
Performance Off-season swim tips; bike intensity in the off-season; run frequency and form
Test centre Simply the most comprehensive triathlon review resource available so you can create your tri Christmas wishlist! Men’s bike jackets, women’s run tights and wet weather gear grouptests; BMC Timemachine tri bike review; all the latest tri gear tested
Find 220 Triathlon on sale at newsagents across the UK, and the digital edition can be picked up via the iTunes store, Google Play and Zinio.
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This month’s bonus digital content includes highlights from the 2015 Ironman World Championships