Trek/K-Swiss Triathlon Team Officially Introduced In Santa Monica, Calif.
Written by: Liz Hichens
The excitement surrounding the development of the Trek/K-Swiss team peaked on Friday as all nine team members were brought together and formally introduced in front of a crowd of media and fans. The athletes are in Southern California for the next few days to try out their new gear, meet their fellow teammates, and get in some fun training time with fellow professionals.
The Trek Speed Concept Prototype bike all of the athletes will be riding in 2010.
Today, the athletes started their day by learning about all of the brands that they will be representing in 2010. Then the team headed over to Santa Monica, Calif. to the K-Swiss Concept Store to meet with the media and speak about the team. Athletes then headed out for a team dinner. Activities will continue tomorrow with an opportunity to swim in the morning, followed by a day of media interviews and professional bike fittings from the crew at Retul.
The nine team members include Fraser Cartmell, Julie Dibens, Joe Gambles, Heather Jackson, Chris Lieto, Matt Lieto, Paul Mathews, Michael Raelert and Andrew Yoder.
Stay tuned to Insidetri.com for complete coverage of the camp including photo galleries, video recaps and news stories.
Athletes answer questions at the press conference in Santa Monica, Calif.
Here are a few key quotes from this evening’s press conference -
Reigning Ironman 70.3 World Champion and Xterra World Champion Julie Dibens:
“I come from a swim background. I grew up in the U.K. where swimming is pretty much an individual sport. I came over to the United States to swim in college where there is a lot more of a team aspect. Once I got back into triathlon it went back to being individual, so to be able to be on a team like this is super exciting. I think were really going to feed off of each other. Chris (Lieto) here and having done so well in Kona, we can learn a lot from him. I’m very excited about helping the younger guys on the team.”
Reigning Ironman 70.3 World Champion Michael Raelert:
“I’m very honored to be on this team. We’ve already had a strong start to the year with Fraser (Cartmell) winning Ironman 70.3 South Africa. It’s fun to watch the others on the team and cheer them on. It gives you great motivation. I got to run with Chris (Lieto) yesterday and in just an hour and a half of running I’ve learned more than I did over the last two years.”
Ironman World Championship Runner-Up Chris Lieto:
“I wanted to be part of this team because I really want to leave something behind. I’ve been in the sport for 11 years and my goal was to become a world champion and I want to leave a mark on the sport beyond winning. I know when you retire you’re forgotten within a year. To be able to have the opportunity to pass along the stuff that I’ve learned and to see a team succeed will be huge. For me, when any of these guys win a race it’s going to feel good and it’s going to feel like I’m a part of it.
Athletes play ping pong during a little down time at the K-Swiss headquarters.
Leipheimer on different start to season in 2010
Levi Leipheimer isn’t used to racing in Europe so early in the season, at least not since the inception of the Tour of California in 2006.
Leipheimer is spending February in Europe for the first time in years.
Since then, Leipheimer has been Mr. February, winning three consecutive Tours of California to open each season with a major victory.
With the California tour now set in May, Leipheimer is adjusting this racing and training schedule accordingly.
Leipheimer is making his 2010 season debut this week at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal. VeloNews caught up with Leipheimer before the start of Friday’s third stage.
VeloNews: This is quite a different start for you compared to the past few years?
Levi Leipheimer: Yes, it is. I am not in the same shape I normally am at this part of the year, but that’s the plan. I am suffering a little more than I normally am in February, but I am still pretty good.
VN: Will it help you later in the season not having peak so early?
LL: It is easier. I have enjoyed training really hard in the winter for the Tour of California. It was very intense training. I just had it dialed and I really enjoyed it. I am not complaining that it was hard, I actually kind of miss it.
VN: What was your reaction when the race organizers moved the event from February to May?
LL: I can totally understand, especially with the weather we’ve had the last couple of years. That’s not the California that everyone knows. It makes sense. I think it’s a good spot. It goes up against the Giro; I think it’s a good place on the calendar.
VN: How has your schedule changed to make the adjustment?
LL: I’ll do Algarve, Paris-Nice, using these races to build the form and build the base, then at some point I will go back to the States and I will train really hard for the Tour of California and do what I’ve been doing these past three years.
VN: Now that you’ve won three straight, how much pressure is there to four-peat?
LL: There’s more and more pressure each time. You build a longer streak and the expectations are higher and higher. Eventually someone is going to come along, right? I think Dave (Zabriskie) is the number-one favorite this year. He’s focused on it and he’s shown that he’s improved. He’s come out and said he wants to win. I’d say he’s the big favorite. At this point, it’s his race to lose.
VN: When will you return to Europe?
LL: Maybe the Tour de Swiss makes more sense, but we haven’t decided yet. After the Tour of California, I will need a rest. Especially considering that the Tour is another six weeks away, you got to make sure you build up again for July.
VN: How are things coming together with the new project at RadioShack?
Leipheimer chats with cycling great Sean Kelly ahead of Friday's stage.
LL: I wouldn’t call it a new project. It’s a team that’s always been here. We certainly have the big American sponsor again in RadioShack, so it feels more like the days of U.S. Postal and Discovery Channel. RadioShack has been superb so far, they’ve really been behind the team. As riders, we’re in contact with them. They’re big cycling fans, and as riders, we can feel their support. That’s really nice.
VN: The team will be very strong in the Tour, what are your personal goals?
LL: We don’t have the favorite on our team, that’s Alberto, so we’re going to have to devise a different strategy than what we’re used to. It’s going to be fun and exciting. I think people will get their money’s worth.
VN: RadioShack will have three favorites for the podium, how will the team manage that?
LL: We don’t have the biggest favorite, so we have to play all of our cards. There might be moments when we have to sacrifice one or the other, but the ideal situation is that we keep all those cards in play as long as possible and somewhere, somehow, we look for the opportunity to win.
VN: How much do you think Contador will miss of the support the team gave him during four grand tour victories?
LL: I cannot speak for Alberto, but I am proud of the support that we gave him in those races. I was with him in all four of those grand tour wins. That’s something I am proud of. In that Vuelta victory, I was a key part of that and I made some sacrifices, and I know that’s part of the sport. I share the victory that he had there. I know that we supported him the best as possible.
VN: What kind of things did he do to thank you?
LL: For example, I have a jersey signed by him from all four grand tours. That’s a nice piece of memorabilia. There are some other personal things that I’d rather not say.
VN: How difficult was it for you to crash out last year?
LL: It’s tough, it’s really tough. I’ve had to do it before. It’s not easy to be in the race, and the next day you’re watching it on TV. You don’t think about that happening beforehand, so when it does, it’s a shock.
VN: So overall, how are you feeling coming into the season?
LL: Physically I am OK. Well, I lost one of my dogs a few nights ago. We think an owl took him, so I am kind of distracted. It was Trooper, the little short-haired Chihuahua, he was kind of my dog. Odessa let the dogs out before bed and the owl tried to take one of our other dogs, and we think Trooper tried to step in and the owl took him. He basically just disappeared with no trace. Other than that, I am fine.
GU Signs Ironman Powerhouse Mirinda Carfrae
February 19, 2010 Berkeley, CA- GU Energy Labs is proud to announce that Mirinda Carfrae, one of the most exciting new talents in triathlon today, has selected GU as her exclusive supplier for energy gel and chews. Carfrae joins an elite team of GU athletes – including Melanie McQuaid, Craig Alexander and Michellie Jones – who not only utilize GU products but help craft their development.
Carfrae posted the fastest bike and run splits at Ironman 70.3 Calgary. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
A native of Logan City, Australia, Carfrae has thrived in the Ironman 70.3 series since the inception of the race in 2006. Following her breakout season in 2007 when she won the Clearwater Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Carfrae has routinely dominated the field, winning eight events over the past two seasons.
Her talent is blossoming at the full Ironman distance as well. The 2009 Ironman World Championship in Kona saw Carfrae finish second overall, while posting a marathon course record at 2:56:51.
Currently training on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Carfrae is taking advantage of the bountiful sun, surf, and rainforest that the coast has to offer.
Following a recent workout, the 28-year-old Carfrae said, “GU products are an essential part of the triathletes’ fueling regimen. I’ve been a longtime fan of the GU brand and consumer of its gels and chomps and am looking forward to becoming an integral member of the GU team.”
Carfrae plans to use of GU products as she embarks on her vigorous 2010 campaign, kicking off March 27 at the Rohto Ironman 70.3 California. Her race schedule for the rest of the year includes returning to defend her 2009 wins at the St. Croix, Eagleman, Calgary, and Muskoka 70.3s, and the World Championships at Kona and Clearwater.
Brooke Kennedy, GU’s Marketing Manager, said Carfare’s signing “reaffirms the company’s history of commitment to the world’s top female athletes. Carfrae consistently shines in her pursuit of excellence on and off the course and we look forward to fueling her success.”
Personal Bests Abound At Stacked RAK Half Marathon
Sensational half marathon debut for Abeylegesse.
Written By: David Monti
(c) 2010 Race Results Weekly
Her frame is so slight, one might think that Turkey’s Elvan Abeylegesse would be blown off course by the slightest wind.
But today, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, neither desert winds nor strong rivals could defeat the two-time Olympic silver medallist as she scorched a 67:07 course record at the 4th RAK Half-Marathon, the fastest-ever half-marathon debut on a record-standard course*.
Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse turns in impressive debut at RAK. Photo: PhotoRun.net
“If the pace had been faster and steadier, my time could have been a lot quicker,” Abeylegesse told the reporters after the event. “I felt easy at 15 km (48:03) and it was only then I decided to start pushing the pace.”
With the temperature at 18°C (64°F) at the start, conditions were very good for racing. The opening 5 km was slightly conservative for this notoriously fast race (16:02), but the pace quickened in the second 5 km segment, passing through 10-K in 31:54. Through 15-K five women remained with Abeylegesse, all Ethiopians: Teyba Erkesso, Aselefech Mergia, Koren Jelela, Aselefech Mergia and Mare Dibaba**.
Abeylegesse was ready to pounce. She reacted to a move by Erkesso, then blew through the 20-K mark with a 15:44 5 km segment behind her. Holding her pace, she broke the tape first, with Dibaba following in a national record 67:13, Mergia in a personal best 67:22, and Tune –who is in heavy training for the Boston Marathon — in fourth.
The men’s contest was won by Kenya’s Geoffrey Mutai in 59:43. He defeated Ethiopia’s Deriba Merga, the defending Boston Marathon champion, who dropped out at 18-K, and Merga’s compatriot, Tadese Tola, the reigning New York City Half-Marathon champion, who broke the one hour mark for the first time in 59:49. Third place went to Kenyan Titus Masai in 59:51, a personal best. Patrick Makau’s course record of 58:52 was never under threat.
Both Abeylegesse and Mutai earned USD 20,000 in prize money, but Abeylegesse also earned a USD 5,000 course record bonus.
Organizers reported a record field of about 2000 entrants; the number of official finishers was not immediately available.
________________
*The USA’s Kara Goucher ran 66:57 in her debut at the slightly aided Great North Run, from Newcastle to South Shields, England, in 2007
**This athlete, born “Hurssa Mare Dibaba” in Ethiopia, became a citizen of Azerbaijan June, 2009, but has reverted back to Ethiopian citizenship, according to Pierre Weiss of the IAAF.
Bree Wee Shares Her Perspective Of The “Twitter Time Trial” From Kona
One advantage of living and training in Kona is that on any given day you might see one of several professional triathletes and cyclists that travel to the Big Island for some heat training. Professional triathlete Bree Wee resides in Kona and often gets the experience to rub shoulders with some of the sport’s top athletes. Wee was on hand for yesterday’s showdown between Lance Armstrong and Chris Lieto. She shares her perspective of the “Twitter Time Trial”.
Written by: Bree Wee
All because of a little TWEET TWEET Queen K endured a little rumble on the rock. I’m talking they passed cars, sounded like a train, and scared even the whales further out to sea. It was pretty cool. Before I begin, I like both the guys, not that I’m “friends” with either of them, but I respect both for various reasons and admire them both for various reasons, I’m a Kalani Robb fan if we are being honest.
About 9:35 this morning the rock shook like an earthquake. I had a long ride that turned too fast, and some local crowd support showed up to cheer. Our island is a full of Lance fan. He supports one of our local canoe clubs so we love him, he keeps the boys in the water. Most the town showed up in Lance shirts and so did the canoe boys, on Trek bikes of course. Then a handful of triathletes showed up hoping a triathlete could take down a cyclist…it was kind of funny to see the “sides”. I was mutual and just up for a good show.
Amateur Triathlon Team Accepting Applications For 2010 Season
While many amateur triathlon teams have already picked their members for the 2010 season, Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team has an extended deadline. The team is one of few triathlon teams that only includes age-group triathletes.
See press release below for more.
Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods, creator of the Official Granola of Ironman, is now accepting applications for its 2010 Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team. The team will be comprised of U.S. amateur athletes.
Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team will be supported by major sponsors, including Kestrel Bicycles and Playtri Coaching Services. Kestrel will offer Erin Baker’s athletes an exclusive sponsorship deal on its 2010 triathlon or road bikes. Playtri will be offering free individualized coaching for each athlete with discounts on other services. Erin Baker’s will be providing athletes with a monthly supply of cookies and granola, a complimentary custom team uniform and exposure on their website and marketing materials. Other sponsors will be announced as details are finalized.
Team members will fundraise for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in conjunction with the Janus Charity Challenge. “Hundreds of Ironman athletes have found more meaning in their Ironman experience by joining the Janus Charity Challenge; by harnessing their passion for the sport and using it to make a difference in the lives of others, the impact of their race becomes that much greater,” Says Casey Cortese, President of the Janus Foundation.
“Supporting programs like the Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team is really important to Kestrel,” said Steven Harad, Kestrel Brand Manager. “It provides athletes an opportunity to develop their talents and compete on a team at a national level. I can personally vouch that Erin’s products are delicious, perfect to train with and an excellent benefit to being involved with the team.”
All team members will be required to have at least one North American Ironman on their 2010 race schedule to be eligible. Erin Baker’s is looking for dedicated athletes who are active in their local triathlon community and will strive to be effective brand ambassadors for Erin Baker’s and team sponsors.
Representing Erin Baker’s dedication and commitment to the sport of triathlon, Bryan Geschwill, President of Sales and Marketing, will be rejoining the Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team as Team Captain.
To apply for the 2010 Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team please visit the Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods website at Bbcookies.com. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2010.
Wanjiru And Kibet To Battle In New Orleans
Field features four men who have run 2:05:30 or faster in the marathon.
Written By: Sean McKeon
The inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon will play host to one of the greatest half marathon fields ever assembled on American soil. The February 28th men’s race will include a dynamic Kenyan trio consisting of Sammy Wanjiru, Duncan Kibet and Martin Lel. Looking to spoil the Kenyan parade will be Moroccan great Abderrahim Goumri. To add to the excitement, the women’s field will feature a duel between Ethiopian Berhane Adere and Kenyan Salina Kosgei.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the international talent headlining this inaugural event:
2008 Olympic Champion Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Men
Sammy Wanjiru, 22, Kenya: The Japan-trained Wanjiru has lit the running world ablaze over the past two years. In 2008 he captured his first Olympic gold medal, battling the Beijing heat to an Olympic marathon record of 2:06:32. He followed up his Olympic victory by setting course records in 2009 at the London (2:05:10, PR) and Chicago (2:05:41) marathons. The three victories helped Wanjiru run away with the 2008-2009 World Marathon Majors championship. Wanjiru set the standing half marathon world record of 58:33 in 2007 in the City-Pier-City Loop in The Hague, The Netherlands. That record marked the third time he set the world record at the distance, having set his first world record at the age of 18.
Duncan Kibet, 31, Kenya: A bit of a late bloomer compared to Wanjiru, Kibet didn’t make a significant mark on the international racing scene until he set his still-standing personal best of 1:00:22 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon in 2006. Kibet ranks as the second-fastest marathoner in history, having set his personal best of 2:04:27 at the 2009 Rotterdam Marathon. A showdown was set up at the 2009 Berlin Marathon, between Kibet and world record holder Haile Gebrselassie, but the expected duel did not pan out. Geb won easily in 2:06:08 as Kibet failed to finish. Mardi Gras will mark Kibet’s return to the international stage.
Martin Lel, 31, Kenya: The 2003 world half marathon champion is considered one of the greatest road racers in history. Lel’s storied career includes three London Marathon titles, two New York City Marathon titles, and one London runner-up. Lel finished a disappointing fifth at the 2008 Beijing Games, having set a personal best of 2:05:15 in winning the London Marathon that spring. In 2009, Lel rebounded to set a personal best 59:56 in winning his third Lisbon Half Marathon.
Abderrahim Goumri, 33, Morocco: The Moroccan record holder for the marathon, Goumri has posted four runner-up performances at World Marathon Majors competitions. Goumri set his personal best of 2:05:30 at the 2008 London Marathon, where he took third. A well-tenured track runner, Goumri has run 12:50.25 for 5000m and 27:02.62 for 10,000m. His half marathon personal best of 1:01:19 came in 2001 at the Safi Half Marathon.
Salina Kosgei won the 2009 Boston Marathon. Photo: PhotoRun.et
Women
Berhane Adere, 37, Ethiopia: A former world record holder over 3000m and 5000m indoors, Adere is one of the most accomplished female distance runners of all time. She has won world championships at 3000m, 10,000m and the half marathon, showing her vast range and ability. Her half-marathon personal best of 1:08:17 was set in 2001 at the world championships. In 2006 Adere won her first of two Chicago Marathons in a still personal best 2:20:42. She was fifth at the Chicago and London marathons in 2009. To kick off 2010, Adere had a dismal showing at the Zayed Half Marathon in January, placing 14th in 1:12:50, a mark she certainly hopes to improve upon in New Orleans.
Salina Kosgei, 33, Kenya: The heptathlete turned distance phenom is best known for her three-way duel at the 2009 Boston Marathon, a race she won by one second. The 2002 Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion has found more recent success at the longer distances on the road. She is the two-time Lisbon Half Marathon champion, setting her personal best of 1:07:52 there in 2006. Most recently, Kosgei recorded a fifth-place finish at the 2009 ING New York City Marathon.
RunNow.com will provide wall-to-wall coverage of the 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon beginning Monday of race week.
[sig:SeanMcKeon]
World Records Eyed At Friday’s RAK Half Marathon
Race will offer live race day footage.
Written By: David Monti
(c) 2010 Race Results weekly, all rights reserved
If performances in recent years were any indication, tomorrow’s RAK Half-Marathon in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, will be fast.
Although the event has only been previously contested three times, it has already produced two of the top-3 fastest men’s half-marathon times ever, and three of the top-10. The course records are 58:52 by Patrick Makau of Kenya, and 67:18 by Dire Tune of Ethiopia, both set last year.
Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse will make her long awaited half marathon debut at RAK. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Today, organizers confirmed that they will have eight sub-60:00 men and ten sub-70:00 women hitting the pancake-flat course. Not counted amongst those starters is perhaps the race’s most intriguing entrant: double Olympic silver medallist Elvan Abeylegesse. The 27 year-old, Ethiopian-born Turk will be making her debut at the distance, and organizers reported that her Croatian coach, Nicola Boric, possibly has her in shape to challenge Lornah Kiplagat’s world record of 66:25. To achieve Kiplagat’s mark (assuming a level pace), Abeylegesse would need to reach 10 km in 31:29, 15 km in 47:13 (a mark only eight women have achieved either at a race finish line or en route to a longer distance), and 20 km in 62:58 (a time only achieved en route in half-marathons by Kiplagat and Paula Radcliffe). It’s a tall order, but with a 29:56.34 10,000m personal best, Abeylegesse could be up to the challenge.
There is little doubt that Ethiopia’s Tune will join Abeylegesse at the front of the race, no matter what the pace. Her coach, Haji Adilo, told organizers last week that he also wanted a world record pace for his athlete. Tune, who won the Boston Marathon in 2008, is the world record holder for one hour on the track.
Besides pacemaking, part of what keeps the RAK Half-Marathon moving is a “tough love” prize money structure. The first five places generously pay USD 20,000-10,000-7,000-5,000-4,000 for both men and women. However, failure to break 60 minutes for men and 70 minutes for women within that top-5 will result in the prize money being reduced to 25% of its original value, according to the event’s web site.
There is also an additional USD 5,000 bonus for course records.
Elite Athlete Line-ups are courtesy of RAK Half Marathon.
RAK Half Marathon Elite Line-ups:
Men / Nat / PR
Deriba Merga (ETH) 59:15
John Kiprotich (KEN) 59:23
Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) 59:30
Stephen Kibiwott (KEN) 59:37
Jairus Chanchima (KEN) 59:43
Moses Arusei (KEN) 59:44
Fabiano Joseph (TAN) 59:56
Lelisa Desisa (ETH) 59:59
Tadesse Tola (ETH) 60:45
Women / Nat / PR
Dire Tune (ETH) 1:07:18
Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 1:07:48
Caroline Cheptanui (KEN) 1:08:16
Atsede Habtamu (ETH) 1:08:29
Mare Ibrahimova (AZE) 1:08:45
Magdalene Mukunzi (KEN) 1:08:52
Rosaria Console (ITA) 1:09:34
Hilda Kibet (NED) 1:09:43
Meseret Mengistu (ETH) 1:09:45
Agnes Kiprop (KEN) 1:09:54
Elvan Abeylegesse (TUR) Debut
To check out the finish line camera and for more information on the race visit: www.RAKMarathon.org
Courtesy of RAK Half Marathon.
Auction Supporting Steve Larsen Memorial Fund Starts Today
Thanks to the support of several individual and companies, items are being auctioned away to support the Steve Larsen Memorial Fund starting today at 1 p.m. PST.
Steve Larsen competed as a mountain biker, road biker and triathlete. Photo: Nils Nilsen
To learn more about Steve Larsen’s life, career and tragic death read this article.
To bid on one of the items listed below, simply go to Ebay.com and search for the item.
Craig Alexander Autographed Jersey
Chrissie Wellington Autographed Jersey and Hat
Cervelo Women’s Test Team Autographed Jersey
Fi’zi:k Arione CX saddle Autographed by Chrissie Wellington
K-Swiss Jersey Autographed by Belinda Granger
Tour of California Yellow Jersey Autographed by Levi Leipheimer
Specialized Jersey Autographed by Conrad Stoltz
2XU Women’s Tri Singlet/Shorts
2XU Men’s Tri Singlet/Shorts
2XU Men’s MicroClimate Jacket
Rudy Project Ekynox sunglasses including case signed by Andy Potts
Smith Optics Factor Max sunglasses
Oakley Racing Jackets sunglasses
Timex Ironman iControl for iPod
Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggle Autographed by Terenzo Bozzone
Newton Neutral Race Shoes
Tour de Life book signed by Saul Raisin
Zoot Race Running Shoes
Zoot Visors and Hats Autographed by Luke Bell
Louis Garneau Helmet and Gatorade Bottle Autographed by Chris Legh
Steve Larsen’s Mongoose Mountain Bike
USA Women Take Gold In Winter Triathlon Team Championships
One day after capturing the United States’ first individual winter triathlon world championship, Rebecca Dussault capped a historic weekend by anchoring Team USA to relay gold at the 2010 ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships.
After the excitement of the previous day’s individual races, it was time for the Winter Triathlon Team Championships. Overall 15 teams, representing five nations took to the start line in Norway, to stake their claim on the World Championship title. In the team relay there are three people on each team and each team member completes a two kilometre run, three kilometre mountain bike and three kilometre cross-country ski before handing off to their teammate. The first team across the line wins.
Norway, Russia, Italy, Austria and USA all lined out in the men’s race. However it was the home nation of Norway who dominated from the very beginning. Arne Post, the first member of the Norwegian team took the lead early on in the run . Post increases the gap between himself and the chasing Russian duo Maxim Kuzmin and Dmitry Bregada on the bike. It was a surprise as Post suffered badly on the bike in the individual race but seemed much more focused during the team event. With a traditionally strong cross country ski he had a 45 second gap on the Russian teams at the first changeover.
It didn’t take the second Norwegian Tor-Atle Fuglerrud long to increase the gap even further on the run and bike legs, with a powerful performance. By the end of his bike leg, Fuglerrud had a 1 min 30 sec lead and it was looking like nobody would be able to challenge the reigning team champions, Norway for their world title. Fuglerrud handed off to the strongest member of the Norwegian team; Tor Halvor Bjornstad the silver medallist from the individual race, and Bjornstad made sure he held onto the lead to ensure the gold medal for Norway. By the time the Russian Team One anchor Pavel Andreev crossed the line, he was over 2 minutes 14 seconds behind.
However the real battle in the men’s race was for the bronze medal. Pavel Khanzhin of Russia Team Two and Gabrielle Caretta of Italy battled it out on the final leg to try and claim the third position. The pair came into the final transition from bike to ski side by side, and it was clear it would all come down to the final cross country ski to determine the victor. The pair battled fiercely on the final three kilometre ski and it came down to a sprint finish down the home straight. The Russian had just too much for the Italian and took the third sport by a mere second. Russian Team Two took the third position overall with the prize money, but Italy claimed the bronze medal, since only one medal per nation is allowed at the Team World Championships.
USA, Norway, Russia and Austria all lined out for the women’s race. The s race was dominated from start to finish by the US team who were simply too strong for all the other nations in today’s race. USA lead off with Emma Garrand, looking to make up after her disappointing flat tire in the individual race. Garrand took the lead early on and maintained her lead from the chasing Myhre from Norway, Wasle from Austria and the Russian pair.
Garrand handed off to Heather Best, who further extended the American’s lead with a solid run, bike and ski combination. Norway’s Hanne Tronnes maintained second place for Norway followed by Russia and Austria. By the time best entered the final changeover it was clear that gold was assured for the US. World Champion Rebecca Dussault looked fresh after her win yesterday and increased the gap over Norway’s Tuva Toftdahl. By the time she crossed the finish line to claim the gold medal for the US, Dussault had a 4 minute 26 second gap on second place Norway. Russian finished a further three minutes back to claim the bronze medal.
Elite Men
1. Norway (Arne Post, Tor-Atle Fuglerrud, Tor Halvor Bjornstad) 1:11:26
2. Russia 1(Maxim Kuzmin, Konstantin Lavrentyev, Pavel Andreev) 1:13:40 + 2:14
3. Russia 2 (Dmitry Bregada, Eugeniy Bayguzov, Pavel Khanzhin) 1:16:26 +5:00
4. Italy (Thomas Niederegger, Daniel Antonioli, Gabrielle Caretta) 1: 16:27 +5:01
5. Russia 3 (Pavel Yakimov, Evgeniy Baygunzov, Pavel Khanzhin) 1:18:31 +7:05
6. Austria (Markus Rothberger, Florian Moser, Sigi Bauer) 1:18:58 + 7:32
7. USA (Jay Henry, Neal Henderson, Brian Smith) 1:22:54 + 11:28
Elite Women
1. USA (Emma Garrand, Heather Best, Rebecca Dussault) 1:23:58
2. Norway (Marthe K. Myhre, Hanne Tronnes, Tuva Toftdahl) 1:28:24 +4:26
3. Russia 1 (Anna Euseeva, Tatiana Charockina, Yulia Surikova) 1: 31:23 +7:25
4. Austria ( Carina Wasle, Klaudia Mesterhofer, Romana Slavinec) 1:31:55 +7:57
5. Russia 2 (Anna Euseeva, Tatiana Charockina, Yulia Surikova) 1:34:43 +10:45
Click here for complete results.
Press release provided by Triathlon.org.
