Race Coverage

By Michael McConkey

 

RACE REPORT - After a LONG BRUTAL winter in the pool, on the trainer, and the treadmill, many of us are antsy for the start of race season, but early races are always sketchy  due to the uncertain weather here in the land of 10,000 frozen lakes.  For those who don’t like to swim or don’t prefer to swim in freshly thawed lakes, May is perfect for Duathlons.  If you are like me and prefer riding to running, the Central Lakes Cycle DU in Fergus Falls is a perfect way to get an early season race in. CLC has a different twist on the traditional duathlon as it is a 20 mile bike, 4 mile run and then a 7 mile bike!! 

 

This was the 3^rd year of the event and Clark and his crew at CLC know how to put on a fun race. The Du has a time trial start with two rider leaving every 15 seconds. The first 20 mile bike leg is challenging as the first 10 miles are a series of hills with great climbs and fast descents while you head SE to Dalton then you turn back to Fergus on the Central Lakes Bike trail for a screaming fast return before a final series of climbs back to transition.  The run is ... 4 miles of flat road, bike path and trail with a challenging steep climb up a grass ditch and back on the highway at the end.  The final 7 mile bike is more hills and descents as you head east on 210 then loop back to the transition but you can really hammer the final miles.  You finish by dismounting and running your bike across the matt.

 

After the race, we were treated to a wonderful BBQ pork sandwich grilled in the parking lot during the race!

 

The race was won by David Jensen from Fergus Falls in a time of 1:40:11 (this was David’s 3^rd win in a row!)  Finishing a close second was Greg Eslinger from West Fargo, (MN Gopher fans may recognize the name of the former MN Gopher/Denver Broncos center now turned triathlete). Greg finished in 1:42:19 even after riding an extra mile on the first bike leg due to a misdirection kerfuffle.   Angie Johnson from Alexandria was the top woman with a time of 1:49:31, good for 6^th overall.

 

The race raised funds for The House of Hope Orphanage in Guatemala so not only a great race but a very good cause.  Those of you who like to ride more than run should definitely look into this great race, you will be rewarded with a well run event, a challenging course, friendly volunteers, and great eats!!