Swimming, cycling, and running are the most participated sports all over the world. Imagine, a competition set at a backdrop of NASCAR circuit, where all the participants have to indulge in swimming, cycling, and running! Well, welcome to the world of Triathlon.
CHALLENGEMIAMI is the right place for Triathlons to test their limits. The amateur athletes can even participate with the pro-athletes. CHALLENGEMIAMI took place from March 12-14, 2021 on Homestead-Miami Speedway Circuit. It is one of the 36 qualifying race for THECHAMPIONSHIP (In total there are 72 qualifying slots for the 2021-2022 edition of the championship)
SWIM COURSE:
BIKE COURSE:
RUN COURSE:
The triathlon competition had various categories:
Miami Distance Pro Race:
Swim: 2 laps- 1.6 Kilometres
Bike: 17 Laps of the road course- 62.7 Kilometres
Run: 7 Laps of the oval- 16.9 Kilometres
PRO-AM Sprint Relay Triathlon:
The professional athletes will be allowed to complete the swim segment of the sprint triathlon. The age-group athletes have an opportunity to include their favourite professional athlete in the bidding process. The bid monies raised will benefit The NASCAR Foundation.
Swim: 0.5 miles (0.8046 Kilometres)
Bike: 19.96 Kilometres
Run: 5 Kilometres
Sprint Distance Triathlon:
Swim: 0.5 miles (0.8046 Kilometres)
Bike: 19.96 Kilometres
Run: 5 Kilometres
Junior Challenge Triathlon (10 and Under):
Swim: 100 Metres
Bike: 3 miles (4.8 Kilometres)
Run: 0.5 miles (0.805 Kilometres)
Junior Challenge Triathlon (11 and Up):
Swim: 200 meters
Bike: 6 Miles
Run: 1 Mile
RESULT OF THE PROFESSIONAL RACES:
MEN’S RACE
Jan Frodeno, the German World Champion won the Men's race with the timing of 2:37:57 hrs followed by Canadian International, Lionel Sander (+2:30) and the American, Ben Kanute (+3:37) in the second and third place respectively.
Men's Podium (picture courtesy: Challenge Family)
Frodeno was among the first athletes out of the water but had to contend with Andrew Starykowickz and Magnus Ditlev on the bike. However, Jan Frodeno picked up the lead during the run that fetched him the first position. "To be honest, I was really surprised because it was a technical course and the wind was so ever-changing. The pace really keeps it interesting. The race never became boring. Heads off for CHALLENGEFAMILY to pull this off,” said Frodeno after his victory.
Jan Frodeno during the cycle round. (via TriMAG)
Lionel Sanders was behind a lot of athletes when he started the bike round but he managed to overtake one athlete at a time and finished second. “I have my speed, but I don’t have his speed,” Sanders said, laughing and referring to Frodeno. “He is probably the greatest ever in this sport. I executed the best of my ability and that was good for a second. I really loved it to race again.”
Ben Kanute, just like Lionel Sanders put in a lot of effort in the final run to work his way up the field of athletes in front of him and finally claimed the bronze medal.“I’ve been looking for a strong race for a while now and I’ve been really working on my run. I think it's starting to pay off. The bike was brutal today.” Kanute said after finishing his race.
WOMEN’S RACE
Jodie Stimpson from the United Kingdom of Great Britain won the women’s race with the timing of 3:01:04 hrs. Lucy Charles-Barclay, also from the United Kingdom of Great Britain finished in second place (+1:21). Jacky Hering from the United States of America finished in third place (+04:01).
Women's Podium (picture courtesy: Challenge Family)
It was an emotional victory for Jodie Stimpson as she crossed the finish line in tears and dedicated her win to her father, who died last year. It wasn’t an easy victory for her as she had to compete with the most established Ironman athletes. "You've got Lucy Charles, you've got Paula Findlay absolutely dominating CHALLENGEDAYTONA and you've got absolute Ironman superstars. This field was absolutely stacked and of course, I'm so happy to come out on top today," said Jodie Stimpson.
Jodie Stimpson during the final round (picture courtesy: Triathlon News)
Lucy Charles-Barclay was the first athlete out of the water. Even after an impressive performance on the bike, she received a penalty for incorrectly overtaking an athlete and spent 2 minutes in the penalty box. Chances for a podium finish seemed brim but she still managed to push herself during the final run. “It’s a bit bittersweet. I’m just so happy to be back racing, it’s been fifteen months and I’ve made a few mistakes today, but Jodie was world-class during the run and I’m just so happy with the way I run myself. I can’t be really disappointed: it is what it is.” Lucy said during the interviews.
Lucy Charles-Barclay during the cycle round (via Twitter @Challenge Family)
The battle of bronze was exciting too as Jackie Hering finished some seconds in front of the Spaniard, Sara Perez. "It was only a battle at the very end there. I was running my way up the field during the run. At the beginning of the last round, I had a little debate with myself like if I was about to catch Sara or just keep my own pace. I gave the effort and I did it." Jackie said after finishing the race.
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