Ryan Smiley's consistency was key as the Vancouver resident powered his way to victory at the 14th annual 麻豆社国产Triathlon on Sunday (July 10).
Smiley posted the third-fastest swim time, the second-best bike time and the third swiftest run to pick up the win and the $500 cash prize at the event. Smiley was the only participant to break the two-hour barrier, finishing the race in one hour, 59 minutes, 41 seconds.
"I feel good now that it's over," he joked, moments after crossing the finish line. "The course was amazing, it was really well marked but I think I had a slight advantage because it was my third time out here. I knew all the twists and turns."
Smiley was battling with eventual second-place finisher Mike Adams for most of the race and said he managed to secure the lead partway through the run.
"About halfway through the run I finally caught him," he said. "I slowly reeled him in and kept trying to push on the second lap. Once I finally caught him, I just didn't look back."
He managed to defeat Adams by 59 seconds, with Mark Linesman of Guelph, Ont., in third. Stephen Hastings of Calgary, whom Smiley passed to move into second during the bike portion, placed fourth.
Victoria's Sarah Baker was the top female, posting the 11th-fastest time overall and beating out second-place Tegan Owens of Calgary by 2:20.
"Overall I think I had a pretty good day," she said. "Funnily enough the swim felt really good for me and it's usually my weakest part of triathlons."
The top local male was Volker Schneider, who finished ninth overall and first in his 40 to 44 division. Schneider dominated on the bike, with the third fastest time of any competitor.
"I feel OK now that I've recovered," he said. "I'm really happy especially given last week's race that I was able to maintain and race a good race."
Another local who put together a solid race was Tim Moore, who finished 19th overall. Like Schneider, he made up a lot of ground on the bike, with the 17th fastest time on two wheels.
The top local female was Jenni Chancey, who finished 54th overall. Chancey excelled in the waters at Alice Lake, with the 16th fastest swim time of any competitor.
Race organizer John French, who was at the helm of the event for the first time, was pleased with how his first foray as organizer went.
"The weather was perfect and I think the feedback was overall really positive," he said. "People seemed to be really upbeat about this year's event and I heard a lot of praise for the great work our volunteers did."
French said the numbers were up and noted that the number of 麻豆社国产entrants, in particular, was much higher than 2010.
"There was a pretty significant spike in the number of 麻豆社国产people who took part," he said. "I don't know what to attribute that to but it's an anomaly that I think is exciting."
He also pointed out that the bike course might be tweaked for next year and that the video contest to win a lifetime entry, which was won by Lutz Riemenschmeider of Germany, may also potentially return.
In addition to 175 solo racers, there were a total of 43 teams competing in the three relay divisions. Vancouver's Davis Draft Dodgers picked up the fastest time in the all-male division, with local teams 麻豆社国产Par-T and Dad's Uckin Gass rounding out the top three.
The female division was won by Whistler's No Speed Limit, with Vancouver's Cupcakes and Whistler's Tri Mama's in second and third, respectively. The top local team was Brute Force, who finished 16 seconds out of third place.
In the mixed relay division it was Vancouver domination with Two Girls and That Guy, followed by Daniel's Buying Dinner taking up the top two spots. Pemberton's H and P finished third with local team The Fearsome Threesome 72 seconds off the podium.
For more information and full results from the race, visit www.squamishtriathlon.org.
