2nd: Clark Ellice
3rd: Eric Lagerstrom
4th: Leon Griffin
5th: Kyle Leto
6th: Ben Kanute
7th: Tyler Butterfield
8th: James Hadley
9th: Manny Huerta
10th: Derek Oskutis
The strong pro field included several Olympians, and sitting at the press conference in B&L bikes, I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated, but definitely excited for the race. The swim course was a rectangular 300 meters out into the surf and back, with a decent amount of running on the sand to get to the transition area. The bike course was a 10 lap, 4 mile ride that went under the freeway twice, through narrow walking tunnels. After T2, the 1.5 mile run course led straight along the seawall and back 5 times.
Once we finished that, we got to run straight back into the water and did it all over again! This style of F1 racing is known as "Enduro" style. I learned this from Matt Reed (Olympian and the only athlete at the race with experience in this format). There are other styles that include multiple races with rest in between, and tournament style, elimination rounds.
I had a decent first swim and came out about 15 seconds behind strong swimmers Tommy Zafares and Dylan Mcniece. Greg Billington, Ben Kanute, and Leon Griffin were among the athletes that came out of the water in my group. I went to the front as quickly as I could and started working to pull myself closer to the leaders. Greg stayed on my wheel, and within a couple of laps we had closed the gap and rode into T2 in a small group. On the run, Greg and Ben got out to a very strong start, and while Greg stayed about 10 seconds ahead, myself and Leon Griffin closed the gap to Ben Kanute, and we all started the second swim together. By the time we came out of the water for the second time, Clark Ellice (New Zealand) had caught a wave, seemingly coming out of nowhere to start the bike in the lead, with Ben. I went back to work and closed the gap once again, and came off the bike right behind Ben, who had a strong last lap. Once on the run, Greg surged once again, and put the time between himself and the rest of us that would ultimately hold till the finish line. Clark Ellice slowly passed me, and I worked my way past Ben into 3rd place. This order stood till the end, and when I crossed the line I was still in amazement that I had made my first pro podium!
MORE PHOTOS HERE http://www.slowtwitch.com/Features/2012_Formula_1_-_Coronado_3115.html
This was such an exciting race format, both for the athletes and for the spectators. Many people who watched came up to us afterwards and told us how much they enjoyed watching the event, especially compared to the traditional triathlon format, where spectators see the athletes for mere seconds in transition. I predict a strong future for this format going forward. The organization was wonderful, and they took care of the pros from start to finish. I personally can't wait to do another F1 race, and I wish the race organizers the absolute best in their quest to provide a full series next year.
I want to take a moment to thank my sponsors for their support, I couldn't have gotten this far alone. Classic Body Restoration keeps my muscles working properly, Kreger Chiropractic does an amazing job making my old-man hips cooperate, Orca outfits me with the best racing suits available, and Athletes Lounge, my title sponsor, sets me up with the best equipment money can buy, and gives me the support that allows me to train the way I need to in order to succeed.
Bryant, I'm ashamed to say I haven't thanked you nearly as much as I should have. I've struggled with how I can ever repay you or give you the credit you deserve. When I heard "how bad do you want it!?" being cheered out of the crowd in Coronado, I struggled to maintain composure as a wave of emotion and visions of our 11 years of training took over me. You started me in the sport, and you stuck by me when any other coach would've walked away. "Thank you" seems unbelievable insufficient.
My parents. You've been there and supported me through everything; and again, thank you doesn't even come close. Through thick and thin, and everything in between. Having your twenty year old son move back in isn't exactly the stamp of parenting success that most people look for. I've been praying for the day that I could tell you that I made money doing what I love.
On to Worlds and the next step :) Things are just getting started.
