Race Coverage

Ashleigh & Preston Prevail...

Sunday, 22 June 2025 00:10

2025 Fairmont Triathlon Coverage - We love the stories that unfold during races, especially those that highlight good sportsmanship and breakout performances, and last Saturday's Fairmont Tri featured both of those inspiring things.

Let's start with the good sportsmanship example.

NOAH BILLINGS and SEAN PICKLE came into the race as podium hopefuls, the question was who would outrace who (whom? We've never been clear about  whos and whoms). For the last three years, these young men have battled for Junior of the Year honors, with Billings taking the prize twice. Sean finished 2nd in the voting each time.

The racing conditions on Saturday in Fairmont were brutal: Scorching heat, tropical dew points and gale-force winds. Through most of the race it appeared that Sean was going to win the head-to-head. If he did, he would finish 2nd overall behind the seemingly unbeatable PRESTON YOUNGDAHL, a three-time Minnesota Triathlete of the Year.

Ultimately, though, Sean had to settle for 3rd. Here's what Joanna, Noah's mom had to say about her big-hearted son:

"Noah STRONGLY feels Sean would have had him in better conditions. When Noah passed Sean on the Run, Noah thought Sean was experiencing some GI upset."

To some this may not seem like a big deal. To those like Noah, who's into fairness and has empathy out the wahzoo, it is. Caring about others is a good thing.

And so you know, Sean was able to hold on for 3rd place.

As for the breakout of the day, that honor goes to the woman who prevented STEPHANIE PETERSON from collecting her 8th career victory at Fairmont Sprint. Her name is ASHLEIGH WHITTON. She's a 44-year-old dog loving (photo), world traveling Marketing Manager/Fitness Instructor from Eden Prairie. Her previous triathlon results were few and did not appear to portend a victory in the near future, but her run and bike splits last Saturday explained why she did. Very cool.

And yes, Stephanie, a 2023 Minnesota Master of the Year nominee, finished 2nd.

We love to see new talent emerge and the season thus far has introduced us to several up-and-comers.

In our race preview we said that TEVIN NEEGAARD's course record (54:32) was not safe. We were wrong. The conditions wouldn't allow it. RESULTS