Race Coverage

Two Woohoos, a Cowbell & Talking to My Legs...

Friday, 24 June 2022 00:10

By Cami Eckhoff

Race day~ Part 2: The Bike

My transition wasn’t the quickest but I wanted to be sure I had everything- sunscreen, chamois cream, chapstick, a bathroom stop, then out I went. The gal helping me in the changing tent was fantastic! So thankful for the volunteers!! She also made sure my wet note from Graham got back in my bag as a keepsake!

The first 40 miles were so much fun! A couple downhills I clocked 38 mph and remember hollering “woohoo!!!”

I took my personal needs bag at mile 56. Refilled my fuel and hydration on my bike, stopped in the porta potty and off I went. I took water and Gatorade at a few aid stations throughout the ride with smooth handoffs from the volunteers.

The sun started to come out midway through, with a blast of heat and more hills to climb. I saw Keith, Josh and Mel and heard the cowbell and cheers at mile 70 which gave me an extra boost. An older gentleman at the top of one of the biggest hills sat in his chair and gave each participant a clap. I thanked him and told him he was in the best spot as that hill was a struggle! ...

Top "Billings"...

Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:10

12th TRINONA - It may not have been the worse day for racing, but it certainly wasn't optimal either. Excessive humidity was an issue.The air was heavy and saturated, So, it wasn't a day for record-setting. For many, survival was the goal.

Still, one athlete of the 400-or-so who raced managed to trash a long-standing mark. He didn't just redefine the standards in his Age Group, he won the Sprint race, doing so by a huge margin. Wer'e talking about teen phenom NOAH BILLINGS (photo L). The 16-year-old Rochesterian covered the .25 - 11 - 5K route in 55:49, breaking the Junior CR by 1:18. The runner-up, MIKE KARAU, who like Billings has taken his racing to another level in 2022, by 5:14.

Billings was coming off a win and Junior CR at Tri Clear Lake (IA) two weeks earlier, an effort that complimented his overall Top 5 performances at Apple and Tri By Knight (IA - Jr.CR). He is the clear 2022 Junior of the Year frontrunner...

"I Did My Best to Recommit"...

Friday, 03 June 2022 00:10

By Dani Treise

First race of the year- check!

Chattanooga North American 70.3 Championship - Lots to say and lessons learned, but overall I’m proud of how I managed the adversity of day.

Swim: I was aggressive at the start (something that doesn’t come naturally!) took some risks and came super close to making a better pack than usual! I’ve been getting more consistent in the water and am excited making progress each race.

Bike: I have done a ton of work on pushing strong power the aero position in the past few months and started the ride feeling pretty good. But about 12 miles into the 56-mile ride, I got slapped with my first ever penalty – 5 minutes for drafting.

I was trying SO hard to stay legal distance back, but a lapse of attention must have allowed me drift a bit too close. After the ref gave me the news, I immediately dropped a good amount back and ended up alone with my thoughts for the rest of the ride. But my goal for the ride was to stay super focused and positive, so here was my opportunity I thought! I did my best to recommit to the effort and keep my mind out of the negative – but wow was this tough! But I did way better than I have doing this in the past, so small win here....

Old Bogie's Bar & Bikes Leaning Against Trees....

Wednesday, 25 May 2022 00:10

By Jason Larson

Triple R Triathlon Race Report - Flaters resort in Holcombe, WI put on their 33rd annual Triple-R triathlon on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Due to being an early season event, the Flaters triathlon is formatted as a run-bike-paddle race, with racers starting off right at noon. The course is one large loop with a start/finish, separate T1, and still another T2.

The race starts at Flater's Resort in Holcomb, WI. The weather can be variable and this year it was 74 and sunny at the start. A little warmer than most would like but still manageable. The run is approximately 2.5 miles through both pavement and offroad trail through the woods. It ends at Old Bogie's Bar, where the bikes are mounted. This is a fairly small event, so no racks or transition zones here - bikes are all staged leaning against trees, fence posts, or just right on the ground. There aren't even any timing mats at the transitions, just one timing mat at the start/finish. This year's run took place after a couple of recent rains, so racers were navigating muddy ATV tracks on the way to their bikes. About 100 racers total set off from the start, but that doesn't include the relay racers who were already staged at T1 and T2.

The bike course follows sawdust road for about 11 miles (shortened this year) until racers reach River's Edge Park where the canoes or kayaks are staged. Again, this isn't a large scale event so boats are staged right on the river's edge and bikes are usually left in the grass along the riverbank or along more...

40th Anniversary Apple Du Kicks Off 2022 Multisport Season...

Sunday, 22 May 2022 00:10

ED. SC Times always posts their Apple Duathlon coverage on the afternoon of the race. That is so cool. The photo here is of men's winner Andy Zabel approaching the finish line, and setting PR in the process. Here is their coverage of yesterday's run-bike-run, the oldest du in the US:

Story & Photo By Brian Mozey (SCTimes.com)

A cool and breezy May morning greeted competitors to the 40th Apple Duathlon on Saturday.

Standing near the transition area was Daryl Stevens, reflecting on the history of the race. Stevens co-founded the Apple Duathlon in 1983 with Rich Schwegel as a health promotion for St. Cloud Hospital....

Minnesota Medalists at 2022 Du Nationals...

Monday, 02 May 2022 00:10

The USA TRIATHLON MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, featuring DUATHLON NATIONALS, was staged last weekend in Irving, Texas. At least four Minnesotans--see below--excelled. If we've missed anyone, please accept our apologies, and let us know how you did on MTN's Facebook page.

- ISABELLA BUENTING - 2021, 2019 Minnesota Junior of the Year; 2021 Division II All American (Athletic & Academic)

16th overall woman / 2nd 15-19W - Draft Legal Duathlon Sprint Nationals

- CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN - 3-time nominee for Master of the Year; 10 career multisport wins

49th overall woman / 2nd 55-59W - Draft Legal DuathlonSprint Nationals ...