Atlantic Speed

Want to be a coach?

2012-03-15T07:16:00.002-07:00

Have you ever considered being a certified coach? Would you like to learn more about the coaching aspect of triathlon? Then the place to start for you is the Atlantic Coaches seminar being hosted in Sackville New Brunswick May 17-May21st. Below is some information and links where you can start your coaching dream:

The 2012 Atlantic Coaches Seminar (ACS) will take place at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB from Thursday, May 17th to Monday, May 21st. The list of courses currently being held are:

Soccer, B License Part 1
Adult Community Triathlon
Rugby – Community Initiation/IRB Level 1 Coaching
Competition Development Modules – Managing Conflict, Developing Athletic Abilities, Coaching & Leading Effectively & Leading a Drug Free Sport

Brochure & Registration

Please note that the registration deadline is May 4th, 2012 – anyone wishing to attend any course at the ACS must be registered and paid in full by end of day on May 4th.
Brochure – March 13
Soccer B1 Registration Form

Accommodations

To book a room on campus at Mt. Allison, click the following link – https://regstg.com/Registration/Registration.aspx?rid=d2e9ccef-12d2-4bff-8609-5c97254a89af. Please note that on campus dining will not be available.

More information is available here as well:

http://cscatlantic.ca/atlantic-coaches-seminar/

Ready to hit the Road?

2012-03-11T19:24:00.003-07:00

Getting back outside on the bike

February 9, 2012By LifeSport Coach Jessica Adam

www.lifesportcoaching.com

Spring is almost here! (At least it feels like it in some parts of Canada, fingers crossed for March!) You can now get the trainer out of the spare room and get your bike prepped for the road. Here are 5 things you may want to consider before getting back out there.

1. Get a spring tune up. Many of you may have taken your bike off the road and put it right onto the trainer. If you didn’t use a specific trainer tire, you will want to get a new one for outside. Indoor trainers can eat up your back tire. It becomes very thin leading to poor performance and many flats. Even though you have been inside for most of your rides over the winter months, you have still put a lot of miles on your bike and it won’t hurt to get your gears adjusted and your cables tightened. Nothing feels better than getting your bike in 100% working order to feel both physically and mentally ready for the season.

2. Changing bikes? If you are switching up your bikes, potentially going from your road bike to your tri bike, you should ease into your aero tri position in small increments. It is completely different from road geometry and can put a lot of strain on your back and neck until you have the strength in your core again. After a good warm up, get into your aero bars in 10 minute intervals and work your way up each week by slowly reducing the amount of time that you are not in your aero position.

3. Nothing beats them, hills are your friend! Get out there for some repeats or find an undulating route that you like. Put to the test all that strength work you did on the trainer.

4. Keep focusing on your drills. You did them all winter to improve your cycling performance on the road. Cadence and single leg drills can still be done outside and are every bit as beneficial to your cycling as when performed on the trainer. Keep reminding yourself of a proper pedal rotation. Push forward at the top, pull backward at the bottom and lift the weight of your leg back through to the top all in a smooth motion.

5. Consider a bike fit. If you haven’t already, you may want to consider getting properly bike fitted by a reputable fitter. Getting this done at the beginning of the season can prevent future problems. A good bike fitter will adjust the bike to your specific proportions and condition of your body. They will set you up to be as comfortable as possible while optimizing your aerodynamic position. This is something you want to get done early in the season. You don’t want to make detrimental adjustments in the middle of your race season as it could lead to injury and/or poor performance.

Being proactive this spring with your bike maintenance and prep can only help your performance this season. Get these things done so that you can concentrate on your training instead of fussing with details. Have a great time getting back out on the road!

LifeSport triathlon coach Jessica Adam has been a coach in Victoria, Vancouver and now resides in the Toronto area. She loves to share her years of experience with beginner triathletes and also experienced triathletes that are trying new distances like ½ IM or IM for the first time. She coaches athletes online all across the country

Toronto - The new triathlon hotspot?

2012-02-24T08:31:00.003-08:00

Toronto might not have an official Formula One high-speed race, but there will be about 1,000 participants in the inaugural Toronto Triathlon Festival who beg to differ, as they whip down the Don Valley Parkway on their bicycles.
“Athletes will be flying through here. It’ll be their Formula One,” said Simon Whitfield, the Victoria triathlete who launched the July 22 race Wednesday. “We want to show off our sport.”
The 2000 Olympic champion will race a half-triathlon in Toronto – half the Olympic distance in each of the swimming, cycling and running segments – as his final competitive warm-up for the 2012 Olympics in London.
“For me, it’s not about the competition that day but about staying in a good head space,” said Whitfield, 36, who raced in Toronto 10 years ago.
The Sunday morning race shouldn’t cause the day-long traffic snarls of Toronto’s marathon runs, says organizer Jeff Chong, president of Sports Focused Consulting. “We’ll start this thing at 7 a.m. and we’ll be off the course before people know that it’s happened,” he said.
The path of the full triathlon race will be a 1.5-kilometre lakefront swim, a 40-kilometre bike ride up and down the Don Valley Parkway, then a 10-kilometre run along Toronto’s lake shore stretch of the Gardiner Expressway. Roads we have, and glaciers made the lake. Fortunately, triathlon doesn’t depend heavily on new man-made infrastructures in facility-poor Southern Ontario.
“Triathlon’s not a sport you can just drop into an arena,” said Alan Trivett, executive director of Triathlon Canada. The Toronto Triathlon Festival follows the trend of urban races in Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Melbourne, Australia.
“The city deserves a race of this stature,” Chong said. “It will showcase the financial district and the waterfront. It will be a qualifier for London 2013 [the world championship] and integrate the Pan American Games program.”
The 2015 Pan Ams, to be held in Toronto and area, require a test event. The 2012 race will offer world championship qualifying spots for 2013. Triathlon Canada has bestowed the Canadian championship for 2013 and 2014 on Toronto. The International Triathlon Union likely will declare the 2014 Toronto race a World Cup event with ranking points in world standings, Chong said.
The 2012 race, in support of the humanitarian group Right to Play and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s Team Up Foundation, is expected to have a $1.6-million economic impact in Toronto and $2.3-million in Ontario. Whitfield, a Kingston native, is expected to be the lone Canadian Olympian in the field.
“This is a training race for Simon,” Trivett said. Whitfield said he would spend five weeks conditioning in New Zealand and take on perhaps two triathlons before the Olympics. Most of his pre-Olympic preparation will be at home around Victoria.
The only other Canadian preselected for the London Games is Paula Findlay of Edmonton. The balance of the team will be selected in May and announced in June.
Whitfield sprinted past German Stephen Vukovic to win the first Olympic triathlon in Sydney. In 2002 he won Commonwealth gold in Manchester, England. In 2004, he was 11th at the Athens Olympics and in 2008 he won silver behind German Jan Frodeno in Beijing. He’s won 14 World Cup races since 1996 and been a top-10 finisher at the triathlon world championship six times.

Kicking it Old School - Lance!

2012-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

New TriNB Membership Registration Process

2012-02-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

TriNB are pleased to announce a brand new registration system for Membership in 2012, and it remains Free.

First of all We want to apologize to everyone who has already registered with TriNB for this year as we are now asking you to re-register through Atlantic Chip.

The new process which takes immediate effect is as follows:
1) log-on to Atlantic Chip website.
2) select Registration / Event List
3) select Memberships
4) select Triathlon New Brunswick
5) click on Register Now
6) tick the disclaimers and fill the on-line form in
7) there is now a field for clubs
8) print off the final page with your membership number.

The beauty of the new system is that once you sign up for a TriNB number, Atlantic Chip will remember all your personal details each time you enter a race making the registration process easier and faster.

TriNB will be making a charge to all competitors who arrive at race registration without proof of a TriNB membership number.

Thank you for your help with this and I again apologize for asking you to register again.

Junior Development

2012-02-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

           Calling all Junior Aged Athletes!!!
Triathlon New Brunswick is looking for athletes age 14-20.
I am the NB Team Manager for the Junior Triathlon Team. To kick off the year, for this team, we will be hosting a one day training clinic in Gagetown, NB. The date will be Feb 25, from 9 am until 6 pm. This will be a great day to meet other juniors who love triathlon or would be interested in knowing more about it. We will be doing some skill level testing, some classroom work and learning some training techniques. This day is mainly to get to know each other and gage the interest level of our athletes.
We would love to have you participate in this kick off to our team. Please email me by Feb 13, if you would like to attend this clinic. I will require a contact phone number for each athlete. Please spread the word, we have lots of room for enthusiastic athletes. All skill levels are needed. Contact me at my email below. A full Agenda and list of what to bring will be provided to you a week prior to the clinic.
Triathlon New Brunswick will have two teams. All athletes will enter at the Development Team Level. However, there is also the High Performance Team for any athletes that achieve qualifying standards.   As a team, we will represent our province, in cool provincial uniforms. We will be supported by:
Jon Tracy, MSc Exercise Physiologist
Triathlon New Brunswick - Provincial Coach
tricoach@live.com
- NCCP(3) Certified Triathlon & Canada Games Coach
- Junior Development Coordinator & KOS

We will be hosting 5 clinics this year. These clinic will be slotted for February, April, May and 2 in the fall. We will also be planning to have a great race season this year including several in province races and a few out of province races.
Feb 25 – A great day to Swim, Spin and Run!!!!
Jeannie MacDonald, Triathlon New Brunswick – Team Manager                                jeannie.macdonald@compass-canada.com                                            http://www.trinb.ca

Health Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

2012-02-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Health Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

By Denise Lodge

If you are looking to shed some holiday weight, want to maintain the fitness you enjoy during the summer, or prefer being in the winter wonderland instead of watching it from your window, cross-country skiing is a fun, easy-to-learn option.
Cross-country skiing has been a method of traveling over snow-covered terrain for hunting, working, military, and transportation purposes. Depictions of skiers in cave paintings from at least 10,000 years ago have been discovered in China, rock carvings of skiers in Norway date back 5-6,000 years, and primitive skis and ski fragments from 4,500 and 8,000 years ago have been found in Sweden and Russia. In the late 1800s, cross-country skiing became a competitive activity, and has been contested at the Winter Olympic since 1924.

Varieties and Versions

Cross-country skiing is so versatile that there are multiple versions to suit each individual, season, and experience level.
Classic Cross-Country Skiing

Photo by Kneale Quayle.

Cross-country skiers tread forwards with the skis moving parallel to one another, striding with a kick motion. Unlike downhill skiing, the heel of the boot is not attached to the ski, so it is free to be raised with each stride, as in walking. The poles are pushed into the snowy surface with each stride for extra forward movement and for balance.
Skate Skiing
Unlike classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing entails shorter skis and poles; skiers propel themselves forwards with exaggerated pole plants, pushing out and backwards with the inside edge of each ski, as in skating. Skate skiing allows the skier to go faster than classic cross-country skiing does. Of the two types, classic cross-country skiing is generally the easiest for novice skiers to pick up. Skate skiing tends to put more emphasis on the upper body and quadriceps regions than classic cross-country skiing, so if your goal is to create more muscular development in these zones, skate skiing may be the better option for you.
Nordic Walking

Photo by FaceMePLS.

It is possible to carry over the activity and benefits of cross-country skiing from the winter to the summer. Nordic walking, also known as pole walking, originated in Europe, and has become so popular that last year, more than twenty per cent of Finns, and about ten-to-fifteen million Germans regularly Nordic walked, according to the Globe and Mail.
One of the greatest draws to Nordic walking is the nominal effort required; participants perceive that Nordic walking requires a level of exertion similar to that of walking. Despite the lack of labour, Nordic walking not only works the muscles of the lower body, as walking does, but also strengthens the core and upper body. Other health benefits include increased oxygen consumption, caloric expenditure, and heart rate, as well as improved posture. According to the Canadian Nordic Walking Association, walking burns 280 calories per hour, running burns 600, while Nordic walking burns 400.
The poles, made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, adjust to fit the walker’s height. The handgrip of each pole is designed to help work upper-body muscles, and the rubber tips on the pole absorb shock.
Nordic walking also serves as an excellent rehabilitation tool for those recovering from knee or hip surgery, as the poles take weight off the knee and hip joints. Muscle strengthening and conditioning are not the only benefits of this new trend; the poles also add stability to a person’s walk. If Nordic walking intrigues you, or you want to extend the enjoyment and benefits of cross-country skiing into the warmer months, consider enrolling in a day course to hone the technique.

Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

Photo by James Byrum.

Winter can be a time when we go into hibernation mode and rarely get outside, but cross-country skiing has many benefits to motivate us to venture outdoors.
Cross-country skiers simultaneously engage every major muscle group to propel forwards, which burns a lot of energy. Cross-country skiing is one of the best winter calorie-burning activities, and increases aerobic fitness, so it is a great pursuit for those looking to shed weight. Moreover, no one muscle group is overstressed, which means that movement can be sustained for hours. Some activities can strengthen one part of the body while damaging another; however, cross-country skiing does not shock the knees, and entails a low risk of pulling a muscle or tearing ligaments or cartilage. Cross-country skiing is also good preparation for summer sports; after cross-country skiing, muscles will be better prepared to manage the lactic acid they produce when they are used.

Photo by Kneale Quayle.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology used three-dimensional imaging techniques to evaluate which muscles are engaged in the double-poling movement of cross-country skiing. The muscles that span the shoulder and elbow joints, the abdominal muscles, and hip flexors displayed the greatest engagement. Data gathered during the study show that arm muscles are the primary muscles at work when double-poling; data also indicate that as the intensity of the activity increases, the muscles that span the lumbar spine, hip, and knee joints contribute increasingly.
One study from Mid Sweden University examined the oxygen-capacity uptake of older adults who ski. The findings demonstrated that maximum oxygen uptake is twice as great among active older adults compared with those who do not exercise. Both the oxygen uptake and the muscles of the active older adults studied were comparable to values for people forty-to-fifty years younger who do not exercise to improve their stamina. Per Tesch, professor of sports science at the university, stated that maintaining a high level of physical work capacity improves quality of life, regardless of age.
Another study, published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health, examined over five-hundred people aged eighty-five and over to determine the relationship between different types of physical exercise and the risk of subsequent fall-related injury. Results of the study show that the risk of injury-causing falls was reduced by participating in exercise other than walking for at least one hour per week. Moreover, the study showed that the risk of injury-causing falls was not increased by any kind or amount of exercise taken.

Cross-Country Skiing Gear

Photo by Kneale Quayle.

While cross-country skiing is not as inexpensive as walking, if you invest in high-quality equipment, it will last. Cross-country skiing requires long, narrow skis with bindings that permit foot-flexibility, lightweight boots, ski poles, and clothing appropriate to the conditions. Cross-country skiing can take place in conditions where the air temperature is above freezing, to those where the wind-chill factor may approach -40˚C.
Poles
Poles, made of either the cheaper fibreglass or the slightly more durable metal, are not just for balance. Using poles strengthens the torso, back, shoulder and arm muscles, and helps to build upper-body bone density. Poles also reduce the impact on the legs, placing less stress on knees. For a comfortable pole length, stand the pole on the floor so that it fits snugly in the arm pit.
Classic Skis
Skis are designed to support the weight of the skier; their length, which should be taller than the skier, facilitates movement over snowy surfaces. Skis should typically measure the distance between your wrists to the ground, when your hands are raised above your head. Modern cross-country skis are made of lightweight, composite carbon fibre and fibreglass materials to have a degree of flex, which permits the skier to push with the foot and receive bounce-back energy from the ski.
Specialized waxes applied to skis provide traction and more efficient movement across the surface. By contrast, waxless skis have grooves in the bottom of each ski that prevent skiers from slipping backwards on an incline.

Prevent By Preparing

To avoid the day-after aches and pains that can come from an intense workout, prepare your body before you hit the snow. Muscle soreness is not only uncomfortable, it can prevent those in pain from attempting the new activity again. Take part in a strength-training programme twice a week for a minimum of four weeks before your skiing season, and warm up by skipping or running on the spot for five to ten minutes to increase blood flow and body temperature. Warm muscle is better able to handle the stress of activity.
Pre-Ski Strengthening
Chair Stands

Chair Stand.

To prepare your muscles for the exhilarating workout of cross-country skiing, do one-to-two sets of twelve chair stands daily during the month leading up to your snowy adventure. Chair stands strengthen the hips, thighs, and buttocks, use the core muscles, and improve balance.

Standing in front of a chair, with feet shoulder-width apart, stretch your arms out straight in front of you.
Slowly, to a count of four, lower yourself to a seated position. Make sure that your knees do not come forwards past your toes; keep your hips, knees, and ankles in line.
Slowly, to a count of two, rise back up to a standing position. Keep your knees over your ankles and your back straight.

Seated Leg Extensions
Leg extensions target the muscles of the front thigh, helping to strengthen the knee joint. Do one-to-two sets of twelve seated leg extensions to make the skiing workout more enjoyable and pain-free.

Sit tall on a sturdy chair so that your feet barely touch the ground. Place your hips, knees, and ankles in line, with the kneecaps facing up.
Slowly, to a count of two, extend your leg until it is straight out in front of the chair, but not locked.
Pause, and then lower the leg to a count of four. Alternate legs.
To increase the resistance of the leg extensions, add ankle weights, and hold the leg for four seconds when it is extended.

The previous stretches have been adapted from exercise guide It’s Never Too Late to Be Fit by personal trainer Susan Manning, and founder of Impowerage Magazine, Dr. Carolyn Anderson. The guide also covers strength training, cardiovascular endurance, balance exercises, and other aspects of fitness that can help to improve your cross-country skiing experience.
After skiing, your muscles will be tight and rigid, so stretching is the best way to restore elasticity to the muscles and prevent muscle soreness. Remember to stay hydrated, as you will lose perspiration during the course of the ski, even in very cold conditions.

Getting Started

Photo by Kneale Quayle.

Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in every province and territory in Canada. Choose from a list of Cross Country Canada club members to find the club nearest you; daily user fees typically range from $10 to $40. If you are not sure whether you want to purchase equipment, most equipment packages can be rented for $20 to $40 per day.
Cross-country skiing may turn you from a sport-avoider to an avid outdoorsperson; it serves as a fun way to stay fit during the summer sport off-season, encompasses a plethora of health benefits, and is an opportunity to soak up the beauty of the outdoors. Whatever yours is, there are so many reasons to try cross-country skiing this new year.

Original post: http://impowerage.com/fitness/activities/health-benefits-of-cross-country-skiing

What are they riding now?

2012-01-31T17:38:00.001-08:00

We borrowed this from slowtwitch but a good read none the less:

Clayton Fettell, Dirk Bockel, Greg and Laura Bennett, Mathias Hecht, Maik Twelsiek, Tim Berkel, Martin Jensen, Chris McDonald, Melissa Rollison, Jodie Swallow, Heather Jackson, Linsey Corbin and a few other Pros all have new bike sponsors as this 2012 season begins and we are trying to figure out what they are all on.

4th place Kona finisher Dirk Bockel had the opportunity to join Team Leopard-Trek and with this great opportunity knocking walked away from his Blue Competition Cycles Triad SL and will now be riding a Trek Speed Concept instead.

BMC has now added Greg and Laura Bennett to their fast growing triathlon roster. It appears we will see Greg Bennett aboard a BMC TM-01 at the Ironman Melbourne in a few weeks. We are not sure which BMC bike model Laura will be racing on, but it is quite possible that BMC got themselves an Olympic spot with this sponsorship.

Mathias Hecht found a new home with Team TBB after the successful Commerzbank Team folded at the end of 2011, and Mathias will now compete on a Cervelo P5. His former team mate Maik Twelsiek from Germany is now rumored to be part of Team Abu Dhabi, and that would mean we will see him on a Storck Aero 2 this year.

Along those lines there is also the rumor that Jodie Swallow will be joining Team Abu Dhabi and that would mean that the 2010 70.3 World Champion would leave Team TBB and her Cervelo behind to compete aboard a Storck.

Clayton Fettell had been on Teschner bikes, but the rising Aussie talent will now race on a Giant Trinity Advanced SL instead. Fellow Aussie Pro Tim Berkel also will race on a Giant Trinity Advanced SL after competing on a Cannondale Slice before.

Aussies seem to be hot commodities this year, as Leon Griffin got picked up by Orbea. He was previously on a bike from MalvernStar.

Martin Jensen moved from Blue Competition to Ceepo and should be riding a Climax. With the departure of Bockel and Jensen, that now opened a couple spots on the Blue side and word has it that the Atlanta, Georgia based brand just reeled in Paul Amey.

Aussie Chris McDonald left Wilier for Team Trakkers in early 2011, and now has just returned to his old sponsor. He already posted pics of his Wilier Twin Blade.

2011 70.3 World Champion Melissa Rollison will be competing for Specialized moving forward and speedy American Heather Jackson was courted by Cannondale and she will no longer ride on a Trek Speed Concept.

Trek though managed to snag Linsey Corbin and the super friendly Montana Pro will now be aboard a Trek Speed Concept.

Late in the 2011 season Craig Alexander and Rachel Joyce were on the move and while Craig Alexander quite openly switched from Orbea first to a Cervelo P4 before signing on with Specialized and riding that new Shiv to victory at the Ford Ironman World Championships, Rachel Joyce's switch to a Cervelo from team sponsor Storck was a bit more undercover. But what Rachel will actually ride in 2012 is still not clear.

We updated our feature with all he athletes we are currently aware of and we link back to the slowtwitch profiles of those Pros who have added their bike fit numbers and a few pictures and you will see a hyperlink in those cases.

	Previous ride	New ride	Date of change
Greg Bennett (USA)	Orbea	BMC TM-01	January 12
Clayton Fettell (AUS)	Teschner	Giant Trinity Advanced SL	January 12
Dirk Bockel (LUX)	Blue Triad SL	Trek Speed Concept	January 12
Mathias Hecht (SUI)	Scott Plasma 3	Cervelo P5	January 12
Maik Twelsiek (GER)	Scott Plasma 3	Storck Aero 2	January 12
Martin Jensen (DEN)	Blue Triad SL	Ceepo Climax	January 12
Tim Berkel (AUS)	Cannondale Slice	Giant Trinity Advanced SL	January 12
Chris McDonald (AUS)	Kestrel	Wilier Twin Blade	January 12
Leon Griffin (AUS)	MalvernStar	Orbea	January 12
Craig Alexander (AUS)	Orbea Ordu	Specialized Shiv	September 11
Andreas Boecherer (GER)	Storck Aero 2	Felt DA	March 11
Raynard Tissink (RSA)	Cervelo P4	Trek Speed Concept	March 11
Michael Raelert (GER)	Trek Speed Concept	BMC	February 11
Andreas Raelert (GER)	Blue Triad SL	BMC	February 11
Pete Jacobs (AUS)	Storck Aero 2	Boardman Air TT	February 11
Josh Amberger (AUS)	Kuota KOM	Cervelo S2	February 11
Andy Potts (USA)	Kuota Kueen K	Kestrel 4000	January 11
Sebastian Kienle (GER)	Cucuma	Scott Plasma 3	January 11
Jan Frodeno (GER)	Felt	Specialized	January 11
Tim Don (GBR)	Trek	Specialized	January 11
Kris Gemmell (NZL)	Avanti	Blue	January 11
Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI)	Cannondale Slice	BMC TT01	January 11
Bert Jammaer (BEL)	Pro Race	Ridley Dean	January 11
Bart Aernouts (BEL)	Argon 18	Ridley Dean	January 11
Axel Zeebroek (BEL)	BH GC	Ridley Dean	January 11
Paul Ambrose (AUS)	n/a	Storck Aero 2	January 11
Pedro Gomes (POR)	Token	Wilier Crono	January 11
James Cotter (NZL)	Cervelo P3C	QR CD0.1	January 11
Keegan Williams (NZL)	Cervelo P4C	Orbea Ordu	February 11
Thomas Hellriegel (GER)	Planet X	Cervelo P3C	January 11
Melissa Rollison (AUS)	Avanti	Specialized	January 12
Jodie Swallow (GBR)	Cervelo	Storck?	January 12
Laura Bennett (USA)	Jamis	BMC	January 12
Linsey Corbin (USA)	Scott Plasma 3	Trek Speed Concept	January 12
Heather Jackson (USA)	Trek Speed Concept	Cannondale Slice	January 12
Rachel Joyce (GBR)	Storck Aero	Cervelo P3	September 11
Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)	Cannondale Slice	Felt DA	January 11
Sofie Goos (BEL)	Scott Plasma 2	Ridley Dean	January 11
Kirstin Moeller GER)	n/a	Storck Aero 2	January 11
Paula Findlay (CAN)	Trek	Specialized	January 11
Jodie Swallow (GBR)	Specialized	Cervelo P4	January 11
Lesley Paterson (GBR)	Jamis	Trek Speed Concept	January 11
Mary Beth Ellis (USA)	Kestrel Airfoil	Cervelo P3	January 11
Angela Naeth (CAN)	Cervelo P3	BH GC Aero	January 11
Bree Wee (USA)	Argon 18 E-112	Swift Carbon Strike	January 11
Virginia Berasategui (ESP)	Wave	Giant Trinity Composite W	January 11

Is this correct?

2012-01-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

Do you or anyone you know talk like this?

2012 Race Season

2012-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

With the mild/rainy weather we are experiencing today, and the above normal temperatures for this time of year it is only natural for any triathlete to start to think about the upcoming season and start to get that itch. As most are aware there is only method to solve an itch, and that is scratch it of course. Why not consider one or multiple of Triathlon New Brunswick's great races to be that scratch. Whether you are experienced, just beginning, intermediate, or training for an Iron Distance race TriNB provides race opportunities for all levels. Below is a provisional schedule for the upcoming season so that you can plan your race/Vacation calendar accordingly.

The season Kicks off with the always popular and exciting Moncton Duathlonon June 3rd, and continues throughout the summer with multiple sprint/Olympic distance events. So mark it on your calendar now if you need to motivation and get training because :
"When you put a date on your dream, it becomes a goal. When you aim for the goal, it becomes a challenge. When you beat the challenge, the reward is success. To have success... you need a dream..."

Raja Akhtar

Jun 3	Moncton Duathlon
Jun 10	Hampton Ladies Triathlon
Jun 24	Gagetown Triathlon - provisional
Jul 1	Woodstock KOS
Jul 8	Triathlon By The Bay
Jul 15	Duncan Hadley Triathlon
Jul 21	Chaleur Tri - Kids of Steel
Jul 22	Chaleur Triathlon / Duathlon - Sunday
Aug 12	Parlee Beach Triathlon
Aug 25	Sackville Triathlon & KOS

Are you guilty?

2012-01-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Quest for Olympic Gold

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Canadian Triathletes Celebrate Medal Hat Trick at PATCO Pan AmericanChampionships

—Sarah-Anne Brault wins first-ever international race, Brent McMahon claims silver, Kyle Jones runs to bronze—

LA PAZ, Arg.—Canada’s elite triathletes kicked off the 2012 season in medal-winning fashion celebrating a podium hat trick with a gold, silver and bronze in women’s and men’s racing at the ITU PATCO Pan American Championships on Sunday in La Paz, Argentina.

Winnipeg’s Sarah-Anne Brault shocked the world to win her first-ever international triathlon race after shattering the women’s field by more than one minute. The 22-year-old West Virginia University student, who is a 10 kilometre running specialist with the Mountaineers track squad, clocked a golden time of two hours, seven minutes, 10 seconds (2:07:10).

Brault, who first shocked the nation last year by knocking off Edmonton’s Paula Findlay to win the Canadian Championships, was joined on the podium by two Americans. Jillian Petersen won the silver with a time of 2:08.22, while Margaret Shapiro grabbed the bronze at 2:08.26.

Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay ran just shy of the medals, finishing fourth with a time of 2:08:43. Two other Canadian women also hit the start line. Edmonton’s Chantell Widney finished 10th (2:12:21), and

Vancouver’s Lauren Campbell was 11th (2:12:46).

The Canadian trail to the podium continued in the men’s race as Brent McMahon and Kyle Jones continued their quest to qualify themselves, and three Canadian men, for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

Victoria’s Brent McMahon perfected his race strategy with a solid 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike and 10-kilometre run in the hot southern sun to claim the silver medal with a time of 1:54:07.

“Obviously getting the win would have been better, but we are in a chess game right now and I think I played it all right so I’m very happy with today,” said the 31-year-old McMahon, who won a bronze medal for Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games. “I had to watch the Americans and I didn’t want to burn any matches chasing <Tyler> Butterfield down. I knew if I stayed with the other contenders on the run, I could have a strong run and beat them and I did.”

Canada’s Kyle Jones came into the race hungry to ring the New Year off with a win. The 27-year-old Oakville, Ont. native clung to the heels of his Canadian comrade, McMahon, for the most of the race, finishing just 23 seconds off the pace while clocking a bronze-medal time of 1:54:30. “I have mixed feelings about the race. Similar to the Pan Am Games, I came into it with the expectation of winning so I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to do that,” said Jones, who had three ITU victories last year, and was fourth at the Pan Am Games. “Overall I’m happy with it. This was an important race for Olympic points so I’m very happy we were able to do that.”

“It’s not often we race so early in the season, but I felt really fit coming into the event. This was a good reminder that it’s tough to come from our Canadian winter and perform well in a hot race, but overall I’m happy and the season is off to a good start.”

Bermuda’s Tyler Butterfield finished on top of the two Canucks on the podium, clocking a golden time of 1:53.36. Jones and McMahon have been working relentlessly with Simon Whitfield to earn enough points to secure three spots for Canada in the men’s race at the London Games.

“It was another good day for the Canadian men and Olympic qualifying,” added McMahon. “We are staying on track and Kyle and I are doing what's needed to be done. We are still on path.”

Canada’s triathletes will now dial back their training a notch while getting ready to put themselves in podium contention once again for the next series of races at the end of March in Australia.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as anOlympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete Results: www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Women’s Results:

1. Sarah-Anne Brault, Winnipeg, CAN, 2:07:10;
2. Jillian Petersen, USA, 2:08:22;
3. Margaret Shapiro, USA, 2:08:26;
4. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal, CAN, 2:08:43;
5. Elizabeth Bravo, ECU, 2:09:19.

Other Canadian Results:

10. Chantell Widney, Edmonton, 2:12:21;
11. Lauren Campbell, Vancouver, 2:12:46

Top-Five Men’s Results:

1. Tyler Butterfield, BER, 1:53:36;
2. Brent McMahon, Victoria, CAN, 1:54:07;
3. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont., CAN, 1:54:30;
4. Crisanto Grajales, MEX, 1:54:48;
5. Gonzalo Raul Tellechea, ARG, 1:54:52.

How come Triathletes are always viewed as geeks?

2012-01-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings!

2011-12-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

From all of us at Tri NB, THANK YOU for a fantastic 2011 and we wish each and everyone all the best for the Holidays and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2012 for another awesome year!

Warm regards,

Paul, Marilynn, Gina, Earle, Reid, Mark, Richard, Garth, Jon, Philip and Scott

Friday Afternoon Videos

2011-12-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

A few classics from the year that was 2011...

Projection on the Bridge - Immersive Surfaces - As Above, So Below from Light Harvest Studio - Ryan Uzi on Vimeo.

how to lose $2400 in 24 seconds from Kurtis Hough on Vimeo.

I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies). Trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.

Dalua Downhill - Episode 4 Teutonia (English Version) from Zeppelin Filmes on Vimeo.

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

Breakfast Drink of Choice?

2011-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thursday Night Mayhem

2011-12-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

I dunno. I do think though that it would not hurt the dude calling this to be a touch more energetic.

Official Ironman World Championship airing NBC

2011-12-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

Official Ironman World Championship airing NBC

Celebrating the Sporting Life of Dawn Muzzerall: 1959 - 2011

2011-12-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

The NB sporting community has lost a good friend. Dawn left us much too soon on December 1st, 2011 at the age of 52 as a result of a brain tumor. She had many more races to run. Here are just a few that she did run over the last decade with the last being in September, 2011. Amazing!

2003 Not the Honolulu ½ Marathon
2005 St. George Triathlon
Sackville Triathlon
Fredericton ½ Marathon
Fredericton Triathlon
2006 Fredericton ½ Marathon
Fredericton Triathlon
Saint John Triathlon
2007 Fredericton ½ Marathon
Fredericton Triathlon
St. George Tri Fest
Saint John Triathlon
2008 Fredericton ½ Marathon
Fredericton Triathlon
St. George Tri Fest
2009 Cross Canada Bike Tour
2010 Fredericton ½ Marathon
2011 Fundy H20 Team Tri

Dawn was an athlete who loved to compete and did not hesitate to take on a challenge either on a swim, on a bike or on a run. She frequently put them all together as noted by the triathlons that she completed. She had such a positive and determined spirit. One year at the Saint John Triathlon, while using her old bike, the pedal broke off and she could not complete the event. She just smiled and took it in stride. The next year at the same event she had a brand new yellow Cervelo. She got a flat, fixed it and finished the race. Dawn will be missed by all her friends and our thoughts are with the Muzzerall family and those she touched with her spirit and energy. LIVE FOR TODAY. Donations in her memory can be made on-line or by cheque to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada.

Spot on Rapha Parody?

2011-11-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

http://internationale.teamjva.com/

Crappy bike handling 101: Class is in Session !

2011-11-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Oh boy...and you wonder why triathletes sometimes get a bad rap for their handling skills...

Tri NB 2011 Awards Banquet Recap !

2011-11-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

What a great night in Rothesay. A solid turnout, killer food, laughs, awards, great prizes, catching up with friends after the race season, Olympian Colin Jenkins, Daryl Steeves and his his usual brand of crazy humor and awesome awards presentation, a Race Director meeting, Annual General Meeting, $3600 in give aways courtesy of Steve Morris and the crew at Bikes & Beans in Quispam...sheesh, a busy day to say the least! The venue at the Riverside Country Club was gorgeous...called "Riverside" for a reason, it was the perfect spot for us to wrap up the 2011 race season in style and come together for a fun filled evening of celebration. The Tri NB Subaru Forester was on hand outside and special thanks to our friends at Subaru for their continued support of our sport.

The day started off with a Race Director meeting, covering off numerous topics such as sanctioning, the race calendar for 2012, suggestions for additional support from Tri NB for our races and more. Thanks to Marc, Dan, Philip, Garth, Marilynn, Dave, Paul, Rob (see pic below) for taking time out of their schedules to join us for a great discussion and action planning as we look towards next year.

Next up was our Annual General Meeting. Just a reminder to all for next year: the AGM is open to all to attend and we encourage you to do so. Some AGM's may be a bit dull, but we like to keep ours light, interactive, positive and engaging ( food and drink always helps as well!). While the agenda may be set in advance, there is always the opportunity to discuss new business and get involved in the discussion. It's input from our members that have helped drive Tri NB forward over the years so don't sit on the sidelines next time...come on out and join in! A thank you on behalf of all of us to our departing Board members for all their hard work and support over the past years. AND, a HUGE welcome to our newest Board member, Philip McGee from Miramichi. Philip will be a great addition as we move into next year and keep the momentum going from 2011.

Moving on from the AGM, we had a chance to unwind and network over drinks prior to dinner. Jon Tracy, our Provincial Coach and Junior Coordinator, brought out the computrainer Tri NB purchased earlier this year to show off. Look for it to be used in upcoming training clinics and camps, as well as for athlete testing. Very cool! Would love to have one of these bad boys in my basement for the coming winter!

Next up was a delish dinner...salmon with lobster cream, roasted chicken, a ton of salads and side dishes and more. Dessert? Yup...it rocked. Cakes, tarts, pies...you know, "low fat" and "low calorie" ? Yah right. The heck with it, it was super tasty and everything was devoured pretty quickly.

Raffle prizes were given out and continued throughout the night. A special thank you again to Lead sponsor Bikes & Beans for all of the amazing give aways. They truly outdid themselves with their generous contributions and all the gifts were sincerely appreciated. A brief overview of the 2011 season was provided (and a new promo KOS video from Gina & Earle Burrows shown to the audience, and being posted to youtube / website in the near future) and then the awards presentation began. Congratulations to all award winners and athletes that came out to race in 2011. Detailed below are all of the winners, and a few pics of our Guest of Honor, Colin Jenkins, handing some of them out!

Female Triathlete of the Year
Sue Watson

Male Triathlete of the Year
John Simson

Female Total Points Winner
Caroline Labrecque

Male Total Points Winner
Terry Edgett

Overall Female Sprint Triathlon Points Winner
Sue Watson

Overall Male Sprint Triathlon Points Winner
John Simson

Overall Female Olympic Triathlon Points Winner
Tara Ross

Overall Male Olympic Triathlon Points Winner
Peter Peacock

Overall Female Duathlon Points Winner
Melanie Bordage & Ellen Watters

Overall Male Duathlon Points Winner
Allen Bard

Age-Group Winners

16-19 Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - Kim Bishop
Sprint Triathlon Male - Reid Burrows
Olympic Triathlon Female - No Winner
Olympic Triathlon Male - Patrick Gauthier
Duathlon Female - No Winner
Duathlon Male - Eric Gauthier

20-29 Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - Andrea Hachey
Sprint Triathlon Male - Shane Dickie
Olympic Triathlon Female - Sarah Westfield
Olympic Triathlon Male - No Winner
Duathlon Female - Ellen Watters & Melanie Bordage
Duathlon Male - Bruno Richard

30-39 Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - Caroline Labrecque
Sprint Triathlon Male - Remi Parent
Olympic Triathlon Female - Tara Ross
Olympic Triathlon Male - Steve Flynn
Duathlon Female - Tabatha Teraa
Duathlon Male - Claude Mazerolle

40-49 Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - Donna Trites
Sprint Triathlon Male - Michel Babineau
Olympic Triathlon Female - No Winner
Olympic Triathlon Male - Steve Forgeron
Duathlon Female - Lisa McCutcheon
Duathlon Male - Allen Bard

50-59 Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - Sue Watson
Sprint Triathlon Male - Peter Peacock
Olympic Triathlon Female - Sue Watson
Olympic Triathlon Male - Peter Peacock
Duathlon Female - Beth Sears
Duathlon Male - Paul Wright

60+ Age-Group
Sprint Triathlon Female - No winner
Sprint Triathlon Male - John Simson
Olympic Triathlon Female - No Winner
Olympic Triathlon Male - No Winner
Duathlon Female - No Winner
Duathlon Male - Brian Kane

A BIG shout out to Evan Pemberton who went 10 for 10 this season racing both in NB and out of Province on the East Coast. Dang...slightly impressive to say the least!

Steve Morris from B&B took the stage to make an announcement about a great new junior / Canada Games support program offered through his shop, which includes bursaries and loaner wheels...a fantastic program. Check out the B&B website for all the details. The HED wheelset was up for grabs, and I was extremely upset that they were 700's, not 650's that would fit on my ancient QR Tequilo!! Oh well, I digress. The wheels went to a very worthy winner as per the pic below:

Beijing Olympic triathlete Colin Jenkins took to the podium and gave us all a run down of his Olympic journey, qualifying criteria for the National team, training regimen and also answered numerous questions from the audience. Quite funny to hear him describe himself as a "slow" runner off the bike with a 32 minute 10km! He also went through his trials and the feedback the Canadian team received when Colin was selected to help get Simon on the podium. A great presentation and we were honored to have Colin make the trip to NB from Hamilton, Ontario where he is a new, proud poppa and a fireman for the City of Toronto. A class act all the way and based on the pictures taken with him and autographs he signed, VERY popular with the gang in attendance in Rothesay. Colin rounded out the evening by awarding the authentic, autographed race singlets from Beijing and posing for even more pics with our members in attendance. Colin, thanks very much on behalf of all of us for joining us for this great evening.

All in all, an amazing night and we are looking forward to doing it again in 2012. Thank you once again to everyone for making it a special night to remember: sponsors, athletes, supporters and family, Race Directors, Board members and those who worked behind the scenes to make it happen. One individual who deserves a specific mention is John Russell. John has been a long time member of the Tri NB Board (including Past President) and is currently the Atlantic Regional Director for Triathlon Canada, AND is in training for the Mont Tremblant IM in 2012. A busy guy! John took the lead in organizing the event, working with sponsors, the venue, coordinating speakers and prizes, menus and more. Without his tireless work, the night would not have happened. Chapeau John!

Until next time, we hope you had a great night and for those who could not make it, we can't wait to see you next year. Have a good "off season" (is there such a thing?), train safe, have fun and see you in 2012 as we do it all again and continue to raise the bar. Cheers!

Peter Reid: Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

2011-11-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

HUGE congrats to 10 x IM Champ and 3 x World Champ Peter Reid for his induction into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame! A well deserved and long overdue honor for sure...

2011 Tri NB AGM & Banquet Schedule of Events

2011-11-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

It's ALMOST go time! We are looking forward to seeing you this Saturday. Check out the full overview of the evening as per below. This will be another great event...how can it not be with so many prizes ( Steve from Bikes & Beans says close to $3500), awards, food, drinks, Olympian Colin Jenkins, running guru Daryl Steeves etc. etc (all this for $35!!)... SIGN UP NOW over at atlanticchip.ca if you have not already. Please note that I intend to win the HED carbon wheels...just saying :)

Please join us at 4pm for the AGM as well. While some AGM's are a bit,ahem, "dry"...we promise to keep it light, have some fun and make it worth your while! Cheers!

2011 Tri NB AGM Schedule of Events

The Wintering Triathlete : LAVA Magazine

2011-11-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

The Wintering Triathlete : LAVA Magazine

Olympic autographed race singlets up for grabs at our Banquet !

2011-11-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Yup, you heard that correctly. Simply sign up and join us on November 12 in Rothesay and you are automatically entered to win one of these (previously enjoyed in the Beijing Oylmpics)race singlets signed by Paul Tichelaar, Simon Whitfield and our keynote speaker Colin Jenkins! A sweeeeeet piece of triathlon memorabilia and sporting history to hang onto for years to come!

And of course, over $3000 in prizes (including HED carbon wheels) will be raffled off courtesy of our Lead Sponsor extraordinaire and good friends, Bikes & Beans in Quispamsis, NB!

No excuses, sign up now and come on out for a killer night of food, drinks, awards, prizes, Colin Jenkins, and our AGM! We promise that the AGM will be worth your while so please make every effort to attend, and while you're at it....join our Team on the Tri NB Board of Directors. We would love to have your support and input as we move into 2012. See you next Saturday!!

2012 Triathlon Canada Olympic Team Updates

2011-11-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Triathlon Canada Nominates Paula Findlay and Simon Whitfield for Selection to 2012 Canadian Olympic Team

—Findlay anxious to make Olympic debut, Whitfield prepares for fourth trip to Games—

TORONTO—Paula Findlay and Simon Whitfield took a major step forward towards representing Canada at the 2012 Olympic Summer Games, thanks to a discretionary selection made by Triathlon Canada during the organization’s recent Annual General Meeting.

The national body for triathlon in Canada nominated the nation’s top-two ranked triathletes to the Canadian Olympic Committee for consideration to be named to the 2012 Olympic squad. Triathlon Canada made the discretionary selections following the first qualifying period based on both of the athlete’s ability to demonstrate medal potential.

“Paula emerged into one of the top-ranked triathletes in the world prior to getting injured this season. We believe early selection will allow her to focus on maintaining her health while properly preparing to compete at her best in London without chasing standards over the next seven months,” said Alan Trivett, executive director, Triathlon Canada. “Simon is a proven performer and another medal-potential athlete in our system who we want to have focusing solely on peaking in London. Our journey is simple – to land on the podium in London. We believe these two athletes will help us achieve this goal.”

The 22-year-old Findlay’s quick surge to the top of the international triathlon rankings over the last two years has been nothing short of incredible. The Edmontonians historic golden run began in 2010 when she shocked the world to win on the 2012 Olympic course in London in just her second-ever World Championship Series race. She followed that performance up with a victory two weeks later in Kitzbuhel, Austria before a fifth-place result at the Grand Final in Budapest, Hungary in September. Findlay crushed any doubts she may be a one-season wonder by winning the first three races this year: on the iconic course in Sydney, Australia; in Madrid, Spain; and she successfully defended her title in Kitzbuhel.

Battling through a hip injury, while chasing her Olympic qualification during the second half of the season, Findlay can now focus on being healthy with the goal of competing at her best during her Olympic debut.

“Two years ago I didn’t think that it was even possible to compete in London, but when it became a realistic possibility, my whole focus has been on getting on the team,” said Findlay. “This has come very quick, but I have worked really hard for this. I am thrilled and excited. My focus is obviously towards peaking in London, but it will be a fine balance next year. I stillwant to prove my fitness and continue to chase the podium before the Olympics.”

One of Canada’s most accomplished Olympians, Simon Whitfield, is positioned to make his fourth trip to the Games. The Victoria resident captured the hearts of the nation with his thrilling gold-medal victory in triathlon’s debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney, and his silver-medal charge in Beijing in 2008.

Whitfield, 36, proved he still has the potential to take a shot at winning his third Olympic medal for Canada after wrapping up the season with a fourth-place finish at the WorldChampionship Series in Yokohama, Japan, and a 13th-place finish at the Grand Final in his return to Beijing.

“The first step was to get on the team, and the second step now is to get a full squad of three men qualified for London,” said Whitfield, who will continue working with close friends and teammates Brent McMahon and Kyle Jones to accomplish this goal. “I have great camaraderie with these guys. Having three athletes on the start line will give Canada a better chance to achieving our goal in 2012.”

The Canadian men’s squad has enjoyed steady progress internationally in 2011. Victoria’s Brent McMahon has made a remarkable return to elite racing after missing 18 months of competition with a career-threatening knee injury. McMahon won his first-ever World Cuprace this summer and finished third at the Pan Am Games two weeks ago. Jones, of Oakville, Ont., has made huge progress in his development into an elite racer. The 26-year-old won three Continental Cup races this year, and finished fourth at the Edmonton World Cup and Pan Am Games.

The final opportunity for Canadian triathletes to qualify to be eligible to be named on the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team will be at the World Championship Series race in Madrid, Spain, May 26-27, 2012.

Tri NB Board of Directors: Come join our Team !

2011-11-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

TRIATHLON NEW BRUNSWICK
Board of Directors: Roles and Election - 2011-2012

Are you interested in joining the Triathlon New Brunswick Team as a member of the Board of Directors? We are currently seeking committed and passionate individuals, accepting applications to join our Board!

Elections will take place at the Tri NB AGM to be held on November 12, at 4pm in Rothesay, NB. Those elected to the Board will be voted into specific roles by the Board itself in November / December 2011. Please review our website calendar for further details on the evening, highlighted by a gourmet dinner and our Guest Speaker, Olympian Colin Jenkins.

If you are looking for a chance to contribute and make a difference to our sport in the Province and beyond (and have a heck of a lot of fun at the same time), please fill out the Board of Directors Nomination Form in full (can be found as a Word document on our website under the Governance tab) and email it to us at comments@trinb.ca no later than November 8, 2011. By completing this form, it will help us prepare for our AGM and ensure that all interested candidate nominations have been reviewed in advance by the existing Board, making for an efficient and enjoyable election process.

For your reference, we have provided an overview of the job descriptions of Board positions coming available in November, 2011. Tri NB bylaws are also available for viewing on our website should you require further information on Board proceedings and structure. We look forward to hearing from you!

All Board members are expected to:

• Attend monthly (as required) board meetings (some conducted via conference calls).
• Assist in establishing objectives and a budget for the Association and measure against them throughout the year.
• Contribute to the overall fiscal and professional development of Tri NB.
• Be advocates for Tri NB, healthy lifestyles, and the sport of triathlon and multi sport activities in our Province.
• Support the Mission and Values of Tri NB.

The ideal Board member is someone who is:

• Strategic: you’re a big thinker on behalf of the Association.
• Flexible: able to “go with the flow” and stay focused on the task at hand.
• Problem solver: you welcome meaningful and constructive discussion and can work with others diplomatically to resolve issues and potential conflict.
• A team player: decisions made are in the best interests of Tri NB.
• Social: you like to meet new people, help others meet new people, engage, and have fun.

Job Descriptions

Vice President:

• Presides at meetings in the President's absence. If the Vice-President is absent, the Directors elect a Chairperson for the meeting.
• Replaces the President at various functions when asked to do so by the President or the Board;
• Is a member of the Executive Committee.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the Board.
• Under normal circumstances the Vice President shall succeed the President.

Sanctioning Coordinator:

• Works on behalf of the Board with Race Directors and the Tri NB Executive Director, ensuring safe, professional and successful races / events.
• Reviews sanctioning packages, makes suggestions for improvement and is responsible for the overall race sanctioning process in compliance with Tri NB standards.
• Actively works with interested parties to promote and enhance our race series, capitalizing on opportunities to grow racing and triathlon participation at all levels both in New Brunswick and out (as required).
• Acts as an educated and professional resource for our members, partners, sponsors and the public as it relates to racing and multisport activities on behalf of the Association.

Treasurer:

• Makes sure all monies paid to the Association are deposited in a chartered bank, treasury branch or trust company chosen by the Board.
• Makes sure a detailed account of revenues and expenditures is presented to the Board as requested.
• Makes sure an audited statement of the financial position of the Association is prepared and presented to the Annual General Meeting.
• Is a member of the Executive Committee.
Carries out other duties assigned by the Board.

Directors at Large:

• Acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for effective governance of the Association.
• Demonstrates commitment to the work of the Association through participation on committees as required, attendance at meetings and involvement in our sport in the Province of New Brunswick.
• Is fully informed on organizational matters and participates in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel and advocacy.
• Reviews the Board’s structure, approve changes, and prepare necessary bylaw amendments.
• Assists in developing and maintaining positive relations among the Board and community to enhance Tri NB’s mission.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the Board.

Secretary:

• Attends all meetings of the Association, the Board and the Executive Committee.
• Is a member of the Executive Committee.
• Keeps accurate minutes of these meetings.
• Makes sure all notices of various meetings are sent.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the Board.

President:

• Supervises the affairs of the Board.
• When present, chairs all meetings of the Association, the Board and the Executive Committee.
• Is an ex officio member of all committees.
• Acts as the spokesperson for the Association
• Chairs the Executive Committee.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the Board.

We want YOU as our new Tri NB Team Manager !!

2011-10-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Tri NB is proud to announce a new volunteer position which will help support our Provincial race team and also our Canada Games triathlon team for 2013! We are looking for a passionate, committed and energetic female Team Manager to join us beginning January 2012 and coordinate training camps, team administration, and more on the Provincial and National race circuits. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and make a difference in our sport through participation and hands on leadership with triathlon in NB and beyond.

We know you're out there! Don't be shy, put your name forward and take the first step towards both personal growth as well as being a valued and contributing member of the Tri NB Team. Full details on the position and responsibilities can be found below. Please don't hesitate to drop us a line if you have any questions at comments@trinb.ca. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your interest. Cheers!

Triathlon NB Team Manager (Female)

Triathlon New Brunswick is looking for a Team Manager to work alongside the Provincial Coach and in conjunction with the Board of Directors to help manage, promote and organize Team New Brunswick and plan for its success on a Provincial as well as a National stage. The Team Manager role is critical to the overall success of this program. The Team Manager will also have the opportunity to participate in the largest and most competitive athletic sporting event in Canada – the 2013 Canada Games. Throughout each competitive season, there are Provincial, inter-Provincial and National level races and training camps. Tri NB is working on building the team to compete at a high performing level on the National stage, and is looking for an individual who is interested in helping us get there.

The Manager works closely with the Provincial Coach to plan and implement a series of activities leading to a successful Games performance. Are you hard working, self motivated, a true multi-tasker, committed to sporting excellence, work well with others, and are a strong communicator and project / task manager? If so, we’d like to hear from you! This volunteer position reports to the Tri NB President with a “dotted line” reporting relationship to the Provincial Team Coach. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with our junior athletes in the Province, working with them with the ultimate goal of podium positions and helping our Team reach its potential year after year.

Liaison with the Tri NB Board of Directors will be required and an active interest in the sport, preferably with a working knowledge of triathlon and event management are preferred, although not essential prerequisites for the successful candidate. Fluency in both English and French is also preferred, although not a prerequisite.

Tri NB welcomes applications for this role from interested Female applicants. A Police screening check will be required to ensure a safe and secure environment for our athletes is maintained at all times. Start date for the role will be January 2012. The candidate will be expected to commit to a minimum number of hours per week, with more time invested closer to 2013, and must be able to travel, covered by TRI NB, to various national events and the Canada Games during August 2013. A detailed overview of accountability and expectations is outlined below.

Interested applicants are asked to forward a letter of intent, outlining their interest, background and strengths related to this role, via email to comments@trinb.ca no later than November 30, 2011. Tri NB thanks all applicants in advance for their interest and participation in the process. 

Position Expectations: Tri NB Team Manager (Female)

Liaison with Tri NB

• Work with the Provincial Coach in providing regular reports on the progress of the team to Tri NB and participate in Tri NB discussions / meetings related to Team NB and the Canada Games.

Team

• Communicate athlete race schedules, costs, team commitments, etc. to athletes / parents.
• Make arrangements for travel and accommodations when traveling out of town.
• Ensure the team qualifying Selection Criteria is widely distributed and if necessary coordinate a parent information session to convey the details.

Finances

• Work with the Coach to prepare a budget.
• (Revenues) coordinating fund raising activities (TBD), collecting fees,
• (Expenditures) authorizing expenditures
• (Accounting) maintaining financial records in conjunction with the Treasurer, reporting on the financial situation to both the Coach, the Board, and when required to the Provincial Sporting Board.

Practices / Training Camps

• Provide support to the Coach as needed. This could include anything from ensuring that arrangements are made to secure a facility to providing marketing and promotion. The Coach and Board would determine the extent of the Manager’s involvement in team preparations.

Team NB and Canada Games Administration

• Work with the Provincial Coach in the participant registration process.
• Work with the Provincial Coach in the participant reading, understanding and signing of the Team Agreement that includes the code of conduct.
• Work with the Canada Games Transportation Coordinator to manage team travel arrangements to and from the Games.
• Work with the Provincial Coach in coordinating team uniform sizing and distribution for both the competitive and walk-out uniforms.
• Work with the Provincial Coach in supporting team media personnel through provision of information, setting up interviews, etc.
• Coordinates team participation at the Team NB Rally.
• Attends Coach/Manager Seminar/Workshops.
• Identify a parent to serve on the parent’s committee.
• Work with the Provincial Coach to ensure all team members complete the Doping Education session(s) as required.
• Correspond with the Mission Staff assigned to your team regarding the status, needs and progress of the team.

At Games or any away event

• Adhere to the Team NB Code of Conduct.
• Work with the Provincial Coach in monitoring conduct of team.
• Deal with issues as they arise.
• Work with Mission Liaison to coordinate team travel, player interviews, special awards, pin distribution, etc. and correspond with the Mission Staff assigned to your team regarding the status, needs and progress of the team.
• Ensure the team is effectively managed at their appointed venue sites.

Bronze for McMahon!

2011-10-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Brent McMahon Wins Bronze Medal in Triathlon at Pan American Games

—Kyle Jones misses men’s podium in fourth, Kathy Tremblay places fifth in women’s race—

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mex.—Canada’s Brent McMahon completed a stellar comeback season after missing more than one year of competition with an injury by capturing the bronze medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Sunday.

The 30-year-old McMahon, who returned to elite race this action this spring after taking 18 months off with a career-threatening knee injury, locked up the second Pan American Games medal of his career

by finishing third with a time of one hour, 48 minutes, 23 seconds (1:48:23). The Victoria resident won the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio Di Janeiro.

“I did everything I could to come out of here with the gold but I just came up a little short,” said McMahon. “I put everything out there today and I’m super happy to win a medal for Canada.”

Ranked number two heading into the race, McMahon came out of the water after the 1.5-kilometre swim in the lead group with teammate Kyle Jones, of Oakville, Ont. The two Canucks pushed the pace on the 40-kilometre bike, opening a one-minute gap on the chase group after the opening lap. While the chase group closed the gap to 30 seconds on the leaders, McMahon led the field through the intense heat into the second transition and was the first athlete onto the 10-kilometre run course.

With an Olympic berth for the gold medallist’s nation on the line, McMahon and Jones were amongst five athletes on the run with a shot at the title. It was a bit of a chess match for the Olympic and gold medal prize amongst the top-three athletes, but in the end, it was Brasil’s Reinaldo Colucci finished first with a time of 1:48:02. Manuel Huerter, of the United States, was second at 1:48:16.

“I took it out hard on the run and I believe that got me into medal contention today,” said McMahon. “I put a couple of early surges on to see if I could crack those guys, but they keptresponding. The final kilometre I raced about 10-metres back and just gave it everything I had to keep going and finish on the podium.”

Kyle Jones, who won three consecutive Continental Cup races this year and was the top-ranked athlete heading into the race, narrowly missed the podium in fourth spot after clocking-in at 1:48:45.

“I am pretty disappointed because I expected to win today and I wasn’t able to deliver,” said Jones. “It wasn’t a bad race. I just felt like I was in fourth gear all day and couldn’t find that next gear on the run. It is a little frustrating.”

It has been nothing short of a remarkable comeback season for McMahon. With a goal of qualifying three Canadian athletes for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games, the determined McMahon has posted solid results around the world. The 2004 Olympian won three straight bronze medals at Continental Cup races in Asia earlier this summer before capturing his first ever World Cup victory when he won the gold in Tiszaujvaros, Hungary. McMahon headed into the Pan American Games coming off his best-ever finish on the World Championship Series where he placed ninth in Yokohama, Japan.

“This medal means a lot more than the silver in Rio,” said McMahon. “It has been a long, hard and tough road back to get to my top fitness. I believe I am faster now than I have ever been. Things have come together so well and I’m just so glad as Canadians we came out of here with a medal. We are still one of the top-ranked countries and still have a shot at qualifying three athletes for the Olympics.”

Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay also enjoyed her best finish of the season in the women’s Pan American Games race on Sunday morning. The 29-year-old closed nearly a four-minute gap on the leaders during the bike after battling through a difficult swim. Competing side-by-side with one of the world’s best triathletes in Barbara Riveros throughout the race until the eight-kilometre mark of the run, Tremblay celebrated a fifth-place finish at 2:01:13.

“That was my best run since the beginning of the season,” said Tremblay. “I had a difficult year, but I’m looking at this as the first race of the new season. It was a good sign for me that I’m back on track and tells me I can do it. That was a really good, hard effort and I’m really pleased.”

Sarah Haskins, of the United States, won the women’s gold medal with a time of 1:57:37. Chile’s Riveros ran to the silver step on the podium at 2:00:23, while Brasil’s Pamella Nascimento rounded out the women’s medal winners, placing third at 2:00:32.

Complete Pan Am Results: www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Men’s Results:

1. Reinaldo Colucci, BRA, 1:48:02; 2. Manuel Huerter, USA, 1:48:16; 3. Brent McMahon, Victoria, CAN, 1:48:23; 4. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont., CAN, 1:48:45; 5. Diogo Martins, BRA, 1:49:49.

Top-Five Women’s Results:

1. Sarah Haskins, USA, 1:57:37; 2. Barbara Riveros, CHI, 2:00:23; 3. Pamella Nascimento, BRA, 2:00:32; 4. Gwen Jorgensen, USA, 2:00:54; 5. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal, CAN, 2:01:13.

Caption Contest

2011-10-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Alright, time for a little Sunday fun. Leave a comment with your caption for this pic...the best one as selected by atlantic speed will take home a Tri NB coffee mug / umbrella / sticker / key chain gift pack. Get your entries in by 10/27 for a chance to win...cheers and best of luck to all!

Autumn Breath

2011-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Kozmic - Autumn Breath / flipEvil / Bluck from Box Of Toys Audio on Vimeo.

Why We Race

2011-10-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

Why We Race

Better late than never! Crowie, Simon and Tim...boo yaa.

2011-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Legs of a Champion

2011-10-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Guess who?

(source: ironman_rs)

Catching up with Simon Whitfield

2011-10-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

cycling confessions

2011-10-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

( source: http://cyclingconfessions.tumblr.com/ )

Think twice before cycling in Africa !

2011-10-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Gina in Kona!

2011-10-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Spear-Burrows runs, pedals, swims onto world stage
Published Friday October 7th, 2011
Competition: Grand Bay-Westfield woman will compete in Saturday's Ironman event in Hawaii

Gina Spear-Burrows was 12 years old when she resolved to be an iron woman.

Spear-Burrows is now in Hawaii preparing for the World Ironman Championship on Saturday. "I remember her saying I want to run in an ironman competition, and then she said when I run I don't want anyone in front of me," said Betty Spear, Spear-Burrows' mother.

She became a star track and field athlete and triathlete. But it would be just about three decades before the 46-year-old Grand Bay-Westfield resident would fulfill her own prophecy, capturing gold at the 2005 Ironman Canada 40-45 age group in her first attempt in a time of 11 hours and one minute.

"I was so proud of that, my head was in the clouds for about a month after that," Spear-Burrows said with a laugh.

Now she's about to embark on her fourth ironman competition. This time she'll be up against the best at the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on Saturday. She qualified for the 2011 World Ironman by finishing second in the 45-49 age class at Ironman Florida last November.

The mother of two has difficulty explaining why she's drawn to such an unfathomably grueling ordeal where participants must run 42.2 kilometres, swim 3.8 km and cycle 180.2 km.

"It's the pinnacle, to make to the world championships,'' she said. "I'm an endurance person; I enjoy the longer distance. It's my hobby and passion like anybody else's; just something I love to do."

Joining 1,700 participants, Spear-Burrows isn't putting any undue pressure on herself. Having to contend with scorching heat and relentless wind, she says she'll "run her own race."

"It's going to be brutal but I just want to enjoy it. I'll give it everything I have Saturday. This is the cream of the crop. But I'm trying not to get caught up in all of that."

As great a shape as she's in - she trains every day and maintains a strict diet - she insists the key to her success is her mental fortitude. Like in most sports, she says, the best are the head strong.

"If you're not having a good day, there's a lot of self talk. My last year's race I was just putting one foot in front of another but I managed to finish. This sport involves so much mental strength and stamina."

She also finds inspiration and motivation from her fellow community members, who urge her on in her preparation. Spear-Burrows, who's employed as a nurse, and her husband Earle, a physiotherapist and a fine ironman athlete himself, have led several recreational activities for residents in past years, like running and children swimming clubs.

Grace Losier, Grand Bay-Westfield mayor, said she's a huge fan of Spear-Burrows, adding the community role model has been an inspiration to her and countless other residents.

"She's obviously an amazing athlete," said Losier. "But look, they're always trying to find ways to make our residents healthier. They've done so much. What could be more admirable than that?"

Monday night random awesomeness

2011-10-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is just plain nuts...

2011 WHBPC - Highlights - Short Version from Ken Regehr on Vimeo.

A triple backflip? I thought I was cool back in the days when I could pull off a can-can, tabletop or 360...

Where to begin with this guy, Sun Yang. Killer speed and form and destroys the competition, even Canada's Ryan Cochrane. Dang.

Are you bi?

Pffft..my "training" makes this look like childs play. Then again, perhaps not.

48 Hours with Tim Don from Gary Perkin on Vimeo.

Check out these HED JET's up for grabs at the Tri NB Banquet!

2011-10-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

HED JETs, 60mm deep front wheel, rear disc, 700c, Clincher, includes Schwalbe Durano tires. Retail value of $2400.

Dang...are these killer or what? Courtesy of our Lead Sponsor for the evening, Bikes & Beans, these gorgeous wheels could be yours for the price of a $35 ticket to join us on November 12. What the heck are you waiting for? Register know on www.atlanticchip.ca ! Great food, prizes, Olympian Colin Jenkins, AGM, cash bar...it will be awesome. Nuff said.

Dangle the Carrot ... A Triathlon Blog: Things that Bother Me: The Triathlete Edition

2011-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Dangle the Carrot ... A Triathlon Blog: Things that Bother Me: The Triathlete Edition: We wear lycra in public. Normal conversations for us involve poop, puke and snot. We think it is awesome if you pee on your overpriced carbo...

Summer 2011...where did you go?

2011-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Say it ain't so...summer barely arrived in NB and now it's gone. The harsh reality hit home this past week. Cool temperatures in the morning (5 degrees..seriously?), and the sun setting so bloody early there's barely time after work to sneak in a ride before you're pedaling home in the dark looking to dodge potholes in the fading light. Leaves changing color and falling rapidly prompting breaking out the rake from the shed and a less enjoyable type of "workout" than a swim, bike or run.

True, fall is a great time to recharge the batteries, reflect back on your season, and get mentally prepared for even colder temps, darkness and possibly sticking the tri bike in the basement on the trainer. It can also be the time to focus on maintaining your fitness gains from the past months and get psyched up for the changing season.

" Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower" - Albert Camus

Regardless of how you choose to embrace it, the lazy days of summer look to be behind us for another year. Onwards and upwards...all the best for the Fall season from all of us at Tri NB.

The Dog Days are Over - California Cycling from markus|neuert ★ cyclefilm|com on Vimeo.

DC Rainmaker: An inside look at TrainerRoad, a way to make your ...

2011-09-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Check this out...pretty cool. For the record, Tri NB picked up a snazzy Computrainer this year :) Stay tuned for updates on it (pardon the pun) down the road for how our athletes can take advantage of it.

DC Rainmaker: An inside look at TrainerRoad, a way to make your ...: Last week I had the chance to sit down (well, actually, stand around) and talk with the guys behind the up and coming TrainerRoad applicati...

NW Gentlemen's Race

2011-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Say what you want about Rapha but they sure make some great videos and host some very cool races and events (although that "climbing leash" at 3:05 just seems downright weird).

2011 Rapha NW Gentlemen's Race from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Bikes & Beans: Lead Sponsor for the Tri NB AGM and Banquet !

2011-09-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

That's right! We are proud to announce that Bikes & Beans not only continues to support our sport in NB, but has also graciously committed to sponsoring our Gala event on November 12 in Rothesay NB. Steve Morris and the B&B gang in conjunction with Tri NB will have over $3000 (yes you read that correctly) of prizes up for grabs including a Grand Prize set of Hed Aero Wheels! Sweeeeeeeeeet !

Canadian Olympic triathlete Colin Jenkins will be our Guest of Honor and the evening will also feature our AGM, year end awards presented by Darryl Steves, a killer gourmet dinner, cash bar and more. Sign up now on www.atlanticchip.ca and join us for a great evening to close out the year. Cheers!

4th for Whitfield in Japan

2011-09-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Simon Whitfield Narrowly Misses Podium at

ITU Triathlon World ChampionshipSeries in Japan

—Whitfield places fourth, Brent McMahon finishes ninth for Canada—

YOKOHAMA, JPN—Canada’s Simon Whitfield took a major step forward in punching his ticket to his fourth Olympic Summer Games on Monday with a fourth-place finish at the ITU’s World Championship Series in Yokohama, Japan.

The 36-year-old, along with his 30-year-old teammate Brent McMahon, completed a stellar day with both Canadians having their best races of the season en route to finishing in the top-10 for the first time this year. Whitfield narrowly missed the podium in fourth spot at one hour, 50 minutes, 14 seconds (1:50:14), while McMahon locked up his best World Championship Series finish in ninth place at 1:50:28.

“I would have liked a podium, but it is fun to be back,” said Whitfield. “I followed my buddy Brent McMahon on the bike for a couple of laps as he is the captain of the lines, and in the run I just paced myself properly and came through in the end.”

Both Victoria residents came out of the water of the 1.5-kilometre swim in the chase pack, but with McMahon leading the chase pack through the first loop on the 40-kilometre bike, onelarge group of 50 riders worked their way through the streets of Yokohama to set the race up for a battle of the run to decide the winners.

“I am pretty excited with my finish today. I have worked pretty hard over the last 19 months, and I havebeen through a lot of ups and downs,” said McMahon after battling through the heat with temperatures rising to the mid-30’s. “I’ve struggled with the heat in the past, but as an athlete you challenge yourself to overcome your barriers. Earlier this year in China I passed out at the finish line in the heat, andtoday I felt strong right to the end.”

Portugal’s Joao Silva won the men’s race with a time of 1:49:21. Two Russian athletes rounded out the men’s podium. Alexander Bryukhankov grabbed the silver at 1:49:35, while Dmitry Polyansky ran to the bronze medal with a time of 1:50:04.

The last two years have been anything but a sweet ride for both Whitfield and McMahon. It appears the two time Olympic medallist, Whitfield, is close to finding his top stride after a difficult start to the season. Whitfield fed off his 13th-place finish at the Grand Final last week in Beijing for his fourth-place finish on Monday.

“It (the season) ended up the way we planned it, but I had to bite my tongue at the beginning of the year and show patience,” said Whitfield. “We built towards London, and had to make some adjustments after that race. We stuck to the plan and I am proud of that.”

With the goal of qualifying three Canadian men for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games, McMahon’s road back into the top-10 is nothing short of remarkable. After taking 19 months off with a knee injury, the 2004 Olympian racked up three bronze medal finishes on theContinental Cup and his first ITU World Cup victory last month in Hungary.

“I’ve had to play a lot of catch up, but Triathlon Canada has gotten behind me and helped me get to these races so we can see three Canadians at the Olympics. It so great to have the support of your nation behind you,” said McMahon. “It has been really, really hard with lots of good and bad training and races. But we have kept our eyes on the goal and we are hitting the right things at the right time.”

Victoria’s Andrew Russell finished 25th at 1:50:28, while Kyle Jones, of Oakville, Ont., did not finish.

Quebec’s Manon Letourneau was the lone Canadian to finish the women’s race, placing 46th with a time of 2:09:34. Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay did not finish.

Andrea Hewitt, of New Zealand, won the women’s race for the second straight week. After grabbing her first Grand Final title last week in Beijing, Hewitt ran to the gold medal in Japan with a time of 1:59:17. Australia’s Emma Moffat was second at 1:59:30, while Kate Mcllroy, also of New Zealand, secured the final spot on the podium with a time of 1:59:44.

The Yokohama, Japan race was rescheduled for September 19 after the Japan earthquake forced its cancellation earlier this year. The points won during the race will count towards the 2012 World Championship Series season.

Complete World Championship Series Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Men’s Results and Canadian Results;

1. Joao Silva, POR, 1:49:21; 2. Alexander Bryukhankov, RUS, 1:49:35; 3. Dmitry Polyansky, RUS, 1:50:04; 4. Simon Whitfield, Victoria, CAN, 1:50:14; 5. Matt Chrabot, USA, 1:50:15.

Other Canadian Results:

9. Brent McMahon, Victoria, 1:50:28; 25. Andrew Russell, Victoria, 1:52:34; DNF. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont.

Top-Five Women’s Results and Canadian Results;

1. Andrea Hewitt, NZL, 1:59:17; 2. Emma Moffatt, AUS, 1:59:30; 3. Kate Mcllroy, NZL, 1:59:44; 4. Aileen Morrison, IRL, 1:59:48; 5. Emma Jackson, AUS, 1:59:57.

Canadian Results:

46. Manon Letourneau, Quebec, 2:09:34; DNF. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal.

Sunday Videos

2011-09-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Experience Zero Gravity from Betty Wants In on Vimeo.

2011 CrossVegas from Lost Manifesto on Vimeo.

Tour de Vin: Awesome day in Fredericton!

2011-09-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Tour de Vin took place Saturday in Fredericton and what a gorgeous day it was for a charity ride. Sunshine, a few clouds (and a nasty headwind on the ride home!), 140 cyclists coming together for a great cause ( Heart & Stroke Foundation) and a ton of fun was had by all. And of course, with a name like "Tour de Vin", to say that participants were spoiled rotten with 8 wines from 4 different countries (loved the Cava from Spain), charcuterie, local cheeses, breads, pulled pork, cheese tarts and more would be an understatement.

The day was capped off back at The Garrison with a "heart healthy" meal, cold beers, a silent auction and some great raffle prizes. Kudos to Eric M. and The Radical Edge for sponsoring the event. If you missed out this year make sure you add it to your "hit list" for 2012 and join us for an awesome day of cycling, socializing and indulgence in support of a great cause. Cheers!

Alexander Hinton: Cool tri vid for a Sunday night

2011-09-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

Canadian U23 Champ Alexander Hinton in training...cool.

Sunday Updates From ITU Beijing

2011-09-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Kathy Tremblay Finishes 31st in Triathlon Grand Final

—Tyler Mislawchuk leads junior men with 19th-place finish—

BEIJING, China—Kathy Tremblay was the lone Canadian woman to finish the Grand Final of the ITU World Championship Series where she finished 31st on Sunday in Beijing.

The 29-year-old Montreal resident took advantage of a solid swim and bike on a difficult course in Beijing where she made her Olympic debut in 2008 to post her best result of the year, and a time of two hours, two minutes, 48 seconds (2:02:48).

“I was in the second chase pack on the bike and we tried to bridge the gap but those girls are so strong and were to hard to catch,” said Tremblay. “This is the first time all year that I have been able to come off a hard bike and have an aggressive run. I feel that it was a good kick in the butt for me.”

Andrea Hewitt, of New Zealand, and Britain’s Helen Jenkins pulled away from the field in the second of four laps on the 10-kilometre run. Hewitt dropped Jenkins coming into the stadium on the bell lap to win the Grand Final with a time of 1:58:26. Jenkins captured the silver medal at 1:58:40, which was good enough to secure her the Overall ITU World Championship Series title. Switzerland’s Melanie Annaheim rounded out the women’s podium in third at 1:58:58.

Edmonton’s Paula Findlay started the race, but pulled out early in the bike. Findlay has been battling the grind of endurance sport over the last two months while recovering from a hip injury. The five-time World Championship Series race winner will skip next week’s Yokohama, Japan event to head home for a rest period.

Meanwhile, Canada’s top junior men plunged into the water in the Changping District of Beijing for the final event of the Grand Final. Three Canadians – Winnipeg’s Tyler Mislawchuk; Quebec’s Francis Lefebvre and Marc-Antoine Christin, of Vaudreuil-Dorion Que. – came out of the 750-metre swim in the middle of the field, and worked well together in the chase pack of the 20-kilometre bike course. Tristan Woodfine, of Cobden, Ont., worked in the second chase group until the five-kilometre run where he advanced through the pack.

The 17-year-old Mislawchuk finished as the top Canadian with a 19th-place result at 57:55.

“The bike was much harder than I thought,” said Mislawchuk. “The hill doesn’t look like it would take that much out of you but by the end of that bike course my legs were just fried. I was just trashed.”

Lefebvre finished on histeammates heels in 20th (57:58); while Woodfine was 22nd (58:08). Christin rounded out the young Canadians in 26th (58:34).

Lukas Verzbicas of the United States shattered the field to win the junior men’s World Championship crown. Verzbicas clocked a time of 56:21. Germany’s Justus Nieschlag was second at 56:54, while Tony Smoragiewicz locked up the bronze with a time of 56:59.

Top-Five Women’s and Canadian Results;

1. Andrea Hewitt, NZL, 1:58:26; 2. Helen Jenkins, GBR, 1:58:40; 3. Melanie Annaheim, SUI, 1:58:58; 4. Lisa Norden, SWE, 1:59:00; 5. Laura Bennett, USA, 1:59:02.

Canadian Results:

31. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal, 2:02:48; DNF. Paula Findlay, Edmonton.

Top-Five Junior Men’s and Canadian Results:

1. Lukas Verzbicas, USA, 56:21; 2. Justus Nieschlag, GER, 56:54; 3. Tony Smoragiewicz, USA, 56:59; 4. Ron Darmon, ISR, 57:06; 5. Matt Brown, AUS, 57:11.

Canadian Results:

19. Tyler Mislawchuk, Winnipeg, 57:55; 20. Francis Lefebvre, Quebec, 57:58; 22. Tristan Woodfine, Cobden, Ont., 58:08; 26. Marc-Antoine Christin, Vaudreuil-Dorion Que., 58:34

Canadian Women Swarm Top-10 at Under-23 and Junior ITU Triathlon World Championships in Beijing

—Four Canadian women grab spots in top-10, all six place in top-15—

BEIJING, China—Canada’s future stars in women’s triathlon made a statement to the world they will be a force to reckon with well into the future after four stormed into the top-10 of the Junior and Under-23 ITU World Championship races in Beijing, China on Saturday.

Joanna Brown, of Carp, Ont., led a Canadian foursome in the junior women’s race that saw three athletes in the top-10, and all four Canucks cracking the top-15. The 18-year-old Brown finished sixth at 1:04:16, while Victoria’s Alison Hooper, 19, was eighth (1:04:27); and 19-year-old Christine Ridenour, of Cowichan Bay, B.C., finished ninth at 1:04:38. Calgary’s Ellen Pennock cracked the top-15 at 1:05:53.

A race filled with crashes on the slick and punishing 20-kilometre bike course with rain pelting down over the Changping district of Beijing, one-by-one the Canadian contingent crossed the finish line bearing a resemblance to an ultimate fighter in a cage match: bloodied, bruised and scratched.

“That was definitely one of the most difficult bike courses we have done and by the third loop you just wished it was over,” said Brown, who was sporting a banged up wrist, scraped arms and a bruised and bloodied cheekbone after crashing in each of her first two laps on the bike. “It has been a tough year for me mentally and physically with injuries and weird circumstances. I wanted to finish off really well with this race and I think given the circumstances, I did a great job."

After completing the 750-metre swim in the Shisanling Reservoir in the front half of the pack, Brown, Hooper and Ridenour executed their tactics perfectly to bridge the gap on the lead group of four athletes by the second of three loops despite Brown’s mishaps on the bike.

Hooper, who finished sixth at the 2009 World Juniors, led the field out of the second transition onto the five-kilometre run. The fearless pint-sized Canuck took on the world’s heavyweights to post another solid international result.

“To have three in the top-10 is so awesome,” said Hooper. “We all communicated so well on the bike and I think that made a big difference today.”

Ridenour, who represented Canada at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010, also took advantage of a solid swim and great bike to run her way into the top-10.

“This is definitely great to have three Canadians in the top-10,” said Ridenour. “Hopefully this will show the world that Canada has a strong development program and that we have a bright future ahead of us.”

While there was no maple leaf hanging above the podium, the story of the day in the junior women’s race may have come from Canada’s 18-year-old World Junior rookie, Ellen Pennock, who showed the world she is one of the fastest runners on the planet for her age group.

Competing in triathlon for just the last two years, Pennock battled through two intense crashes on the bike. With both sides of her body covered in road rash, the enthusiastic Canuck posted the fastest run time of the day by nearly 30 seconds after clocking a five-kilometre split of 17:12. Exiting the second transition in 32nd spot, Pennock blew past many of the top juniors in the world to finish strong in 15th place.

New Zealand’s Mikayla Nielsen, who won the gold medal with a time of 1:03:40, was the next fastest runner at 17:38. Only four athletes in the field of 54 broke the 18-minute mark.

Australia’s Ashlee Bailie finished second at 1:03:42, while Germany’s Hanna Philippin rounded out the junior women’s podium in third with a time of 1:03:47.

Meanwhile, Calgary’s 21-year-old twin sisters, Kyla and Alex Coates, both took on the challenging Beijing course and the world’s top triathletes under the age of 23 to finish 10th (2:08:08) and 12th (2:08:16) respectively over the 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike and 10-kilometre run.

Both Canadians were in the lead group of 10 until the final lap of the run. Kyla Coates was forced to serve a 15 second penalty before the completion of her race when her helmet landed outside of the bucket in the second transition.

Poland’s Agnieszka Jerzyk took the gold medal in the women’s under-23 division with a time of 2:07:07. Hungary’s Zsofia Kovacs captured the silver at 2:07:08, while Germany’s Rebecca Robisch was third (2:07:14).

The Grand Final of the ITU World Championship Series wraps up Sunday in Beijing with elite women and junior men’s races.

Top-Five Junior Women’s and Canadian Results:

1. Mikayla Nielsen, NZL, 1:03:40; 2. Ashlee Bailie, AUS, 1:03:42; 3. Hanna Phiippin, GER, 1:03:47; 4. Eszter Pap, HUN, 1:04:42; 5. Kelly Whitley, USA, 1:04:12.

Canadian Results:

6. Joanna Brown, Carp, Ont., 1:04:16; 8. Alison Hooper, Victoria, 1:04:27; 9. Christine Ridenour, Cowichan Bay, B.C., 1:04:38; 15. Ellen Pennock, Calgary, 1:05:53.

Top-Five Under-23 Women’s and Canadian Results:

1.Agnieszka Jerzyk, POL, 2:07:07; 2. Zsofia Kovacs, HUN, 2:07:08; 3. Rebecca Robisch, GER, 2:07:14; 4. Kaitlin Shiver, USA, 2:07:18; 5. Yuliya Yelistratova, UKR, 2:07:32

Canadian Results:

10. Alex Coates, Calgary, 2:08:08; 12. Kyla Coates, Victoria, 2:08:16

ITU World Championships

2011-09-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Simon Whitfield Puts Down Season-Best Result in Return to Beijing at

ITU Triathlon World ChampionshipSeries Grand Final

—Top Canadian reclaims some Olympic magic to post 13th-place finish—

BEIJING, China—Canada’s Simon Whitfield put together the best race of his season when it counted most, posting a 13th-place finish in Saturday’s Grand Final of the ITU World Championship Series in Beijing, China.

The 36-year-old Victoria native battled through cool, rainy and slippery conditions on the 2008 Olympic course to clock a time of one hour, 49 minutes, 18 seconds (1:49:18).

“I raced really well,” said Whitfield at the finish area. “I swam really well, positioned myself on the bike, and the running level is just a notch ahead of me, but it is not a big gap.”

Whitfield and his Canadian mates, Victoria’s Brent McMahon and Kyle Jones of Oakville, Ont., all came out of the Shisanling reservoir with the lead pack of 20 after a quick 1.5-kilometre swim. Sitting at the back of the lead group of riders for thefirst four of six loops on the challenging 40-kilometre bike course that features one of the longest and toughest climbs on the elite circuit, Whitfield worked his way near the front of the pack to set himself up for the 10-kilometre run.

“I felt really good going up that hill every time. I think everybody struggled at one point on the bike but I got it back together. I felt much more comfortable on the run today,” said Whitfield, who admitted to reliving some of the Olympic magic he had in 2008 when he electrified the nation with his silver-medal run.

“I clicked my hand where I dropped my hat (in 2008). I didn’t have a visor on so I clicked my hand. I would have like to have caught Bryukhankov, but there was no way I was going to let anyone pass me. It was my carpet.”

The 30-year-old McMahon dropped to 38th spot at 1:51:38 after a strong swim and bike, while Jones, 26, suffered a flat rear wheel at the base of the hill on his fifth lap, and was forced to pull out of the race.

Struggling to find his top stride in 2011 that has twice catapulted Whitfield onto the Olympic podium,Saturday’s performance proved the relentless warrior has the confidence he can pull one more Olympic punch on the world’s best triathletes.

“I think we are ‘lying in wait’ right now,” said Whitfield. “The consistency through this winter and next summer is going to come from ‘lying in wait’ to getting back in the game again.”

Great Britain’s Allistair Brownlee made sure there was nobody between him and the finishing tape on Saturday. Brownlee wasted no time after the second transition to break away from the field for his third World Championship crown with a time of 1:48:07. The victory also secured Brownlee the Overall World Championship Series title for 2011.

Allistair’s younger brother Jonathan ran stride-for-stride with him over the first two loops on the run before being falling back where he eventually was caught by the chase group of four athletes. Switzerland’s Sven Riederer overtook the younger Brownlee to win the silver medal with a time of 1:48:14. Jonathan Brownlee hung on for third place after stopping the clock at 1:48:17.

The Grand Final of the ITU World Championship Series wraps up Sunday in Beijing with elite women and junior men’s races.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete World Championship Series Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Men’s Results and Canadian Results;

1. Allistair Brownlee, GBR, 1:48:07; 2. Sven Riederer, SUI, 1:48:14; 3. Jonathan Brownlee, GBR, 1:48:17; 4. Dmitry Polyansky, RUS, 1:48:20; 5. Laurent Vidal, FRA, 1:48:24.

Canadian Results:

13. Simon Whitfield, Victoria, 1:49:18; 38. Brent McMahon, Victoria, 1:51:38; DNF. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont.

ITU Under 23 Beijing Update

2011-09-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Andrew Yorke Fights for Career-Best Thirteenth Place Finish at

ITU Under-23 Triathlon World Championships on Beijing Olympic Course

—Jennifer Hopkins wins Canada’s first gold medal in paratriathlon, Kim Wedgerfield claims bronze—

BEIJING, China—Andrew Yorke grinded out the race-of-his-life tolead the Canadian charge at the ITU’s Under-23 Triathlon World Championships on the gruelling 2008 Olympic course in Beijing, China on Friday afternoon.

The 22-year-old from Caledon, Ont. finished as the top Canuck after fighting for a 13th-place finish, and the best international result of his young career. Yorke punched the clock at 1:54:13 under sunny, windy and warm conditions.

“I am extremely happy. That was the best performance I have ever had. I gave it everything I had today,” said Yorke, who won a Pan American Cup race earlier this summer in Quebec, and was the top Canadian at the Sprint World Championships in August where he placed 21st.

Battling through a difficult 1.5-kilometre swim where he came out of the water of Shisanling reservoir in the middle of the field of 67 athletes, Yorke emptied the tank to bridge the gap with the lead pack of riders after the first of six loops on the 6.5-kilometre bike course which features a punishing, never-ending climb behind the stadium. With a group of three riders breaking away on the third loop, the young McMaster University student stayed out of trouble in the back of the chase group throughout the 40-kilometre ride before transitioning onto the run.

“That hill is very hard and is deceivingly challenging,” said Yorke, while sporting a shiner on his right eye at the finish line after taking an elbow in the swim. “I have watched this course on television and it is much more difficult than it looks. There is one good hill on the run course, but it was still a quick run. I went out hard and really wanted to get in that top-16 today.”

Starting the run outside of the top-20 where it looked like he’d finish after the first half of the 10-kilometre trek, Yorke dug deep over his final five kilometres to climb his way into the top-15.

Great Britain swept the men’s podium with Matthew Sharpe capturing his first World Championship title after posting a time of 1:52:12. David McNamee ran to the silver medal after clocking-in at 1:52:17, while Thomas Bishop finished two seconds back of McNamee at 1:52:19 to complete the British sweep.

Two other Canadians competed in their first Under-23 World Championship race. Alexander Hinton, of Kingston, Ont., finished 34th (1:58:36), while Victoria’s Matt Sharpe was 36th (1:59:06).

Meanwhile, the world’s best paratriathletes took centre stage in the late afternoon at the World Championships for the first time since they received news this year that paratriathlon would be included in the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games.

Seven Canadians competed in one of six ITU sprint distance categories for physically-challenged athletes on Friday afternoon in Beijing. Jennifer Hopkins won the nation’s first gold medal of the week in Beijing after posting the fastest time in the women’s Les Autre race division. The following is a complete list of Canadian results on the 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and five-kilometre run course:

Women’s

1. Jennifer Hopkins, 1:24:13 (Les Autre)

3. Kim Wedgerfield, Calgary, 1:58:29 (Les Autre)

4. Lorene Hatelt, Brampton, Ont., 2:01:43 (Les Autre)

Kimberly Fawcett, Orleans, Ont. (leg impairment above the knee) – result not available

Men’s

4. Charles Moreau, Trois-Rivieres, Que., 1:21:43 (Handcycle)

6. Pierre Ouellet, Quebec, 1:26:54 (Handcycle)

6. Grant Darby, Hamilton, 1:37:14 (leg impairment above the knee)

Canada’s paratriathletes completed a weeklong training camp in Beijing to properly prepare for the largest paratriathlon race in the world. The team was accompanied by coaches Carly Priebe and Vincent Gauthier.

The Grand Final of the ITU World Championship Series continues Saturday in Beijing with the junior and under-23 women’s events, along with the men’s elite race where Simon Whitfield, Kyle Jones and Brent McMahon will hit the start line for Canada.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete World Championship Series Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Men’s Under-23 Results and Canadian Results;

1. Matthew Sharp, GBR, 1:52:12; 2. David McNamee, GBR, 1:52:17; 3. Thomas Bishop, GBR, 1:52:19; 4. Gregory Billington, USA, 1:52:38; 5. Franz Loeschke, GER, 1:53:01.

Canadian Results:

13. Andrew Yorke, Caledon, Ont., 1:54:13; 34. Alexander Hinton, Kingston, Ont., 1:58:36; 36. Matt Sharpe, Victoria, 1:59:06.

Beijing ITU on CBC

2011-09-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Best Triathletes Set to Toe the Line in Beijing for World Championships

—Elite races to be televised on CBC TV Sports Weekend, and live on CBC.ca—

BEIJING—Canada’s best triathletes have arrived in Beijing focused on completing a mission for medals in all race categories on the 2008 Olympic course, September 9-12, 2011.

Triathlon Canada has sent 19 athletes that will compete in the elite, under-23 and junior races. The governing body for triathlon in Canada will also register 111 athletes that will compete in the paratriathlon and age group races against the world’s best.

Coverage of the elite races can be viewed live on www.cbc.ca. The men’s race will also be broadcast on CBC TV Sports Weekend, September 10, from 2-3 p.m. EST, while the women’s race will be taped to hit the air on CBC TV Sport Weekend, September 17, from 12:30-1-30 p.m. EST as part of 2011 Sports Day in Canada.

WHO:

Elite Men Elite Women

Bren McMahon – Victoria Kathy Tremblay - Montreal

Kyle Jones – Oakville, Ont. Paula Findlay – Edmonton

Simon Whitfield – Victoria

Under-23 Men Under-23 Women

Alexander Hinton – Kingston, Ont. Alex Coates – Calgary

Andrew Yorke – Caledon, Ont. Kyla Coates – Calgary

Matt Sharpe – Victoria

Junior Men Junior Women

Francis Lefebvre – Quebec Christine Ridenour – Cowichan Bay, B.C.

Tyler Mislawchuk – Winnipeg Ellen Pennock – Calgary

Tristan Woodfine – Cobden, Ont. Joanna Brown – Carp, Ont.

SCHEDULE: (ALL TIMES LOCAL TO BEIJING)

Wednesday, September 7

Aquathlon Elite - 3:45 p.m.

Friday, September 9

Under-23 Men – 12:30 p.m.

Paratriathlon – 2:45 p.m.

Saturday, September 10

Junior Women – 10:45 a.m.

Elite Men – 12:30 p.m.

Under-23 Women – 3:15 p.m.

Sunday, September 11

Elite Women – 1:30 p.m.

Junior Men – 4:15 p.m.

Canada Games and Tri NB: Getting Ready For 2013

2011-09-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

We know, we know...you’re saying “2013 is a long time from now Gents, it’s only September 2011...isn’t it a bit early to be gearing up for the Canada Games?” Simple answer: NO! It is never too early to start planning and efforts are already underway to train, select and field another great team of triathletes in Sherbrooke PQ, August 2-17 2013.

Let’s take a quick step back with an overview of the Games themselves before we get too far ahead shall we?

“February 1967, in Québec City, the dream was finally realized. For the first time in Canada’s history, 1,800 athletes from 10 provinces and two territories gathered to compete in 15 sports. Under the Games motto ‘Unity through Sport’, these first Canada Winter Games paved the way to what is now Canada’s largest multi-sport competition for young athletes.

Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, the Canada Games are a key event in the development of Canada’s young athletes. As the best in their age group, these young competitors come to the Games having trained long and hard to be among those chosen to represent their respective province or territory and compete for the Canada Games Flag and Centennial Cup. With the Canada Games poised as a key step in the development of Canada’s future stars, Canada Games athletes are Canada’s next generation national, international and Olympic champions.

The Canada Games and their lasting legacies continue to be the catalyst for the growth of sport and recreation across the country.

Since 1967, over 100,000 athletes have participated in the Games with hundreds of thousands having engaged in try-outs and qualifying events. Over 100,000 coaches, officials and volunteers have been directly involved in the planning and staging of the Games. Cumulatively, $300 million has been invested in the Canada Games; about half of it in capital projects in the various host communities. From the Saint John Canada Games Aquatic Centre (1985) to the Hillside Stadium and Aquatic Centre in Kamloops, B.C. (1993); from the Corner Brook Canada Games Centre and Annex (1999) to the TD Waterhouse Stadium in London, Ontario (2001), a legacy of sports facilities has been built in over 21 communities across Canada.

Over 300 new and existing sports venues have benefited from capital improvements because of the opportunity to host a Canada Games. From arenas to pools, fields to courts, close to 500 venues in total have been upgraded to national standards through the Canada Games resulting in the availability of quality venues to host other provincial, national or international events.

The Canada Games, a celebration of youth, sport, culture and community, are the product of ongoing collaboration between the Government of Canada, provincial/territorial governments, host municipalities, the private sector and the Canada Games Council.”

Here are a few pics for you highlighting the teamwork, training, fun and success experienced by Team NB in the 2009 Games, supported by Coach Jon Tracy and Team Manager Paul Lavoie:

Let’s chat briefly now about Tri NB’s push towards 2013, share a few details about some of our upcoming plans, and how YOU can get involved.

As all are aware, a key aspect of Tri NB’s Mission is “promoting youth participation for longevity of the sport and identifying high performance athletes.” This plays directly into our focus on CG as the development of youth, and enhancing the skills of our athletes, are critical to long term success for our sport and ultimately for our CG initiatives and programs.

As mentioned recently in a blog post by Provincial Coach Jon Tracy, 2011 has seen some fantastic progress from our NB juniors and we are looking forward to growing our training programs to support them further as they look towards PQ. Enhancing our junior races / series and providing additional opportunities for youth to develop is also a top priority. In the coming weeks and months, our website will be updated to provide further details on “everything junior / KOS / Canada Games”. The structure has already been built, now it’s time to add in the appropriate information, roadmaps, training tools / resources and more to assist YOU in getting involved with us and supporting our athletes.

The Canada Games are a major milestone for us as an organization and as a Province, something not to be taken lightly. Tri NB has earmarked substantial funding to grow our youth and CG Team. The planning and time spent taking a team to PQ will require many hours of prep, admin, and more to be successful. As time marches on, we will be actively seeking out individuals to join our CG Team in the way of volunteers, high performance athletes, committee members, recruiting key staff to manage the Team and more. Stay tuned for further updates in the near future.

Along with this we will be hosting team selection clinics, training / testing sessions and workshops and other events aimed at supporting our Team and providing them with the tools they need to be successful at the CG level of competition. Full details will be shared with each of you and we are committed to keeping you “in the loop” via our website, newsletters, blog, Facebook, twitter and more. Constant communication will be crucial in order for all of us to work together and execute our game plans to perfection!

We have a lot of work to do but with a dedicated Board and the support of our membership, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish working as ONE TEAM. All of us at Tri NB are excited and encouraged with the level of talent we have in our Province and are looking forward to watching our athletes step up onto the podium in PQ come 2013! Stay tuned for more announcements and updates on our progress with CG preparation.

Friday Night Fun

2011-09-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

Tour of Utah - Queen Stage - Wacky Food Hand Ups from Roots Culture Connect on Vimeo.

Tri NB 2011 Junior Updates!

2011-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

We are coming to the end of another exciting race year with only 1 race left in 2011, the awesome new (in 2010) H20 race in Fundy National Park! Looking back on the season, I saw some great racing in the junior ranks (14-15 & 16-19) representing communities throughout the Province. This was the second year having a dedicated, entry level junior race series (14-15 age group) showing modest growth with young athletes (14-19) demonstrating some hard work in their training and race results.

Every year we do our best to interest youth in coming out to try triathlon and be part of Team NB. This year we have 24 youth interested in being part of Team NB. We are trying to build a strong team to race hard next year (in and out of Province) and to have strong representation at the Canada Games in 2013.

Team NB is open to anyone who is 14 yrs or older. There are two divisions of Team NB, Developmental & High Performance. To be on the High Performance Team, you are required to pass specific performance standards, attend training clinics and compete at certain races throughout the summer (elite level races - draft legal). Starting in late September (early October), the new season will start (in terms of training and conditioning), where training clinics will take place (over the year), performance testing will be done, and training programs will be designed for each athlete. The goal of Team NB is to help youth achieve excellence in their training and conditioning to represent their Communities at local races, their Province at away races and to have a very strong showing at the 2013 Canada Games in Sherbrooke Quebec.

I see a lot of interested and talented youth in the Province at various races that show dedication to the sport as well as a desire to excel. With dedication and desire and the right training program, you can learn to race at the elite level. These races are very fast and very exciting to compete in, and are also very rewarding to know that you can race against some of the best in the Province and Country.

This season, we had two very strong, young athletes with Team NB that demonstrated that they are forces to be reckoned with. Just in one season alone, the improvements that I have seen in these guys were phenomenal. The dedication and desire to perform was paramount in their success along with strong, smart training. These guys did many of the races in the Province and also did a couple away races which I will comment on.

The first athlete is Reid Burrows. He is well known in the swimming community for his accomplishments as well as racing track in the Province and for his High School (Saint John High). Last year he raced in the 14-15 age category, did very well, but this year raced in the age group category (16-19) Sprint Distances and did extremely well. The second athlete is James Parks who is also well known racing track in the Province and for the same High School (Saint John High). James showed amazing progress in his training and racing just from the beginning to the end of this summer.

Reid participated in a couple big races (out of Province) this year and did very well at them. In July (24th), we went to Quebec City so Reid could participate in his first Pro/Elite Level Race (47 competing). These races are draft legal (just like you see at the Olympics and on TV), very fast with some very accomplished athletes. This was a Sprint Distance Race where the Pros and Junior Elites raced together in a mass start. The Males (33 competing) started their race and once their swim was finished the Females (14 competing) started their race.

The swim started very hard with a lead pack of about 20 Elites coming out of the water (Reid in 16th place out of water) to transition. The run out to the bike section from transition was long (at least 500m) and the bike pace was just as furious as the swim. Reid worked hard on the bike with a couple other racers taking turns (15sec) pulling at the front and then going back into the draft to try and maximize the bike portion of the race. The long run into transition and then Reid’s blistering (from the heat and the fast pace) 5km run placed him 17th overall (out of 47 Pro/Elite athletes) and 3rd in his age group (out of 16 aged 16-17). The top 10 finishers ran under a 3:25/km run pace (under 17 min for 5km).

The other big race that both Reid and James went to this summer was Timberman in Gilford, New Hampshire. Again, great performances by both athletes where there were 1464 athletes competing in the sprint distance race. Reid was 2nd overall out of the water with James coming 6th overall out of the water. Both had great bike rides and the runs were extremely fast with Reid posting a 16:45 for 5km and James doing it in 19:09.

Overall Reid was 2nd out of 1464 athletes and James was 29th. Reid was 1st in his age group while James took 3rd in his age group. Both gave extremely impressive performances! Reid battled for first place overall with a Pro Level Triathlete that was there who beat him by only 35sec! Not too shabby for your first year of racing with the big boys. Both Reid and James are going to set the stage for junior racing in the years to come, and hopefully we can attract more athletes like them to our sport. If you are interested, send me an email (below).

Looking forward to seeing what the other juniors in the Province can do in 2012!

Jon Tracy - Provincial Coach, Triathlon New Brunswick
tricoach@live.com

Triathlon? Pffffttttt...this is so much better.

2011-08-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Tri NB 2011 AGM & Banquet: An "Olympic" Night of EPIC Proportions!

2011-08-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Start planning NOW for another amazing night at the Tri NB 2011 AGM & Awards Banquet. Joining us this year will be Key Note Speaker and Canadian Olympic Triathlete, Colin Jenkins!!

Date: November 12th
Location: Riverside Golf & Country Club, Rothesay, NB
Cost: $35/person (tickets available soon on atlanticchip.ca)

What else? Look forward to a wicked meal, cash bar, year end awards, raffle prizes and a few soon-to-be-announced BIG giveaways! Yup, it will be awesome...just saying. A Facebook event will be created shortly and further details for the big night released in the coming days.

A little bit about our Guest of Honor, Colin Jenkins:

"One of Canada’s most recognized Olympians not to win a medal, Colin Jenkins, was recently elected to Triathlon Canada’s Board of Directors by the organization’s National Team athletes, serving the role as Athlete Representative.

Jenkins, of Milton Ontario, will forever be remembered for dancing down the home stretch at the Beijing Olympics in what will be regarded as the greatest 50th-place finish at the Summer Games after playing a critical role in helping Canada win its second-ever Olympic triathlon medal.

A strong swimmer and cyclist, Triathlon Canada made a bold selection in naming Jenkins to the 2008 Olympic squad with a plan to designate him as Simon Whitfield’s domestique. Jenkins’ job was simple – help put Whitfield back on the Olympic podium, and he dedicated himself to the task wholeheartedly.

Jenkins allowed Whitfield to maintain pace over the 1.5-kilometre swim course, and repeatedly chased down the breakaways on the 40-kilometre bike with the former Olympic champion drafting behind. Jenkins did everything in his power to help Canada win a silver medal."

A consummate team player who exemplifies what it means to be Canadian, Tri NB is honored to have Colin join us on November 12, 2011 for what is sure to be a fantastic evening of celebration and excitement.

Pictured below: Triathlon Canada Regional Director and Tri NB Director at Large ( John Russell), some guy named Simon Whitfield, our Guest Colin Jenkins, and Tri NB President (Scott MacKenzie).

We're looking forward to seeing everyone on the 12th of November as we wrap up the season in style, unwind, have a few laughs, some great food and drinks, and bask in the Olympic limelight provided by Colin Jenkins. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we get closer to November. Cheers!

Industrial Revolutions

2011-08-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

1st Place in Hungary for Brent McMahon!

2011-08-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Brent McMahon Runs to First Ever World Cup Triathlon Title in Hungary

—Victory marks major breakthrough on road back from injury to elite form—

Tiszaujvaros, HUNGARY—Canada’s Brent McMahon broke through to win his first World Cup victory on the historic Tiszaujvaros, Hungary course on Sunday.

Taking advantage of the fittest shape he has been in his career, the 30-year-old McMahon clocked a winning time of one hour, 48 minutes, 16 seconds (1:48:16).

“I just came in to this race so ready, but didn’t peg myself into any place,” said McMahon at the finish. “I did everything I could and got the win.”

McMahon was a force to reckon with the second he hit the water for the 1.5-kilometre swim at the prestigious World Cup stop in Tiszaujvaros. Working off the back of the front group of four-to-five athletes in the swim, the 2004 Olympian from Victoria came out of the water and worked with a group of seven on the 40-kilometre bike to set up the memorable run.

“I did a non-draft race last week where I just put my head down and hammered,” said McMahon. “That’s what I did today again.”

Three laps into the 10-kilometre run it appeared McMahon would be in a fight for the bronze medal, but he slowly chipped away at chasing down second spot before grabbing the Canadian flag on the finishing carpet for the golden run to the finish line.

“I have struggled with the start of my run all year and have been building the back half of it,” said McMahon. “So I went out harder today and still knew I had the balk half to go. At five kilometres, I said ‘Let’s do this!’ I picked the pace up, and was biding my time.”

McMahon passed third place finisher Akos Vanek, of Hungary, who clocked a time of 1:48:43, before hunting down the silver-medal winner, Aaron Harris of Great Britain (1:48:22).

“I felt so strong today. I knew I’d get it, it was just a matter of time,” said McMahon, who also won three ITU Continental Cup bronze medals earlier this year in his comeback to elite form after taking 18 months off with a knee injury.

Two other Canadian men also hit the start line on Sunday. Victoria’s Andrew Russell finished 22nd at 1:50:36, while Andre Paula Baillargeon-Smith, of St. Catherines, Ont., was 56th at 1:56:57.

Meanwhile, Quebec’s Manon Letourneau was the top Canadian in the women’s race after placing 39th at 2:05:35. Edmonton’s Chantell Widney was 43rd with a time of 2:06:05.

Gwen Jorgensen, of the United States, who finished second last weekend at the World Championship Series in London, captured her first World Cup victory with a time of 1:59:54.

The Canadian squad will now head to Kelowna, B.C. for the National Championships, August 20-21, 2011.

Summer Updates from Tri NB !

2011-08-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings from all of us at Tri NB! We trust that you are having a great summer and have been enjoying the Subaru East Coast Race Series and fabulous events hosted in our Province. It’s hard to believe that we only have a few more races on our calendar. Where has the summer gone? It seems like only yesterday we were getting ready for race season to begin :) It has been a busy few months and we hope that you’ve been able to put your triathlon skills to good use this year through ongoing training and participating in the race series.

As you are aware, recently the announcement was made to cancel the Mactaquac ½ IM race scheduled for August 28, 2011. You may have even noticed media coverage about it on the TV or radio. Needless to say, we are all disappointed but please trust that the decision to “pull the plug” this year was not made lightly. In speaking with Mike Davis, Race Director, every effort was made to proceed with the event. Unfortunately, considering a number of overwhelming factors outside of our control (including, but no limited to: road access, RCMP insurance policies and liaison with the community, and most importantly – safety of our athletes) we were unable to hold the race this year. We are confident that theses external factors will be overcome shortly and the race will be back on the calendar in 2012. We realize that a number of athletes were aiming for this race, with some stepping up to the ½ IM distance for the first time, and that the cancellation was both unexpected and “unwelcome” based on tweets and feedback. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, due diligence has been done and removing the event from the calendar was the last resort, and all attempts made to provide as much advance notice to participants as possible. We are proud of our race series and working alongside our Race Directors, make every effort to ensure the races not only go off as planned, but are professional, safe and fun. Refunds for those athletes who had registered will be issued via cheque by end of week. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued support and understanding.

On another note, we are looking forward to a wicked weekend at Parlee Beach! A great venue, pasta dinner, cash prizes and gift cards? Oh yeah. It will be awesome. Hot on the heels of Parlee is Sackville followed by the Fundy H2O race. It’s been a tremendous summer so far and thank you to everyone who has helped in its success. From Race Directors, to volunteers to athletes to spectators…we cannot do it without you.

Stay tuned for updates in the near future about our upcoming 2011 Tri NB AGM and Banquet! The past two years have been great events and this year will be no different. A tremendous Guest Speaker, prizes, great food, and a chance to regroup after a busy season with all your tri buddies? Check. The date is set, the venue is booked…we will be back in touch shortly giving you plenty of time to book it in your calendar and join us for the fun and festivities. And of course, stay in touch with us on our blog, website, Facebook and twitter for all the latest and greatest!

Until next time, train safe, have fun and we’ll see you at the races!

Scott MacKenzie
President
Tri NB

Tour de Vin 2011

2011-08-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

Cycling, wine and food? The holy trinity? And all for a good cause? Got your ticket yet?

Dextro ITU London

2011-08-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dextro Energy Men's Triathlon ITU World Championship London from chainreactioncycles on Vimeo.

Dextro Energy Women's Triathlon ITU World Championship London from chainreactioncycles on Vimeo.

ITU London: Solid day out for Whitfield & Jones

2011-08-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Canadian Triathletes Kyle Jones and Simon Whitfield Leave London Olympic Test Event

with Clear Mission for Year Ahead

—Jones finishes as top Canadian in 19th, Whitfield hangs on to 23rd spot—

LONDON—Canadian triathletes Kyle Jones and Simon Whitfield turned in a solid outing at the ITU World Championship Series stop in London, and came away from Sunday’s race with the ticket to mounting the Olympic podium exactly one year away.

“It is simple. We need to run faster,” said two-time Olympic medallist Simon Whitfield.

The 26-year-Jones, of Oakville, Ont., finished as the top Canuck with a 19th-place result after clocking a time of 1:52:10. Whitfield, 36, clocked-in at 1:52:23 to take 23rd spot in the 67-strong field of the world’s best triathletes.

“It was super fast out there,” said Jones, who captured his first three ITU Continental Cup victories this year to go along with a 12th-place result at the World Championship Series last month for his best-ever finish. “I was really happy with the swim, and it started raining a bit on the bike so I was pretty cautious. I need to work with my coach and find more on the first two kilometres of the run.”

Both Canadians came out of the water with the lead group after having great 1.5-kilometre swims in the Serpentine, located in the centre of London’s Hyde Park, before settling perfectly into a large pack of riders for the 42.9-kilometre bike. The seven-loop course winds its way past many of London’s greatest landmarks including the Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace, Constitutional Hill and Hyde Park Corner – one of the busiest traffic intersections in the world.

Britain’s Alistair Brownlee broke away from the pack with a group of four riders in the first loop on the bike, and surged immediately after the second transition, sprinting through a torrential downpour on the streets of Hyde Park lined with thousands of boisterous British fans. Brownlee clocked a winning time of 1:50:09.

Russia’s Alexander Bryukhankov won the race for silver in 1:50:34, while the younger Brownlee, Jonathan, locked up the bronze medal with a time of 1:51:04.

The London stop on the ITU World Championship Series was a learning experience for Triathlon Canada’s support staff and the nation’s top triathletes, who used the opportunity to simulate next year’s Olympic setting – from the race to the living arrangements. A number of positives came out of the London stop, and the team is aware of the work still needed to be done to accomplish their goal of winning a medal one year from now.

“My swim was great and the bike was absolutely perfect today,” said Whitfield. “One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a coach was to just ran faster. We need to find what is missing to help us get faster.”

The Canadian squad will begin that mission by heading back to Victoria to prepare for the National Championships in Kelowna, B.C., August 20-21, before traveling to Beijing for the Grand Final of the World Championship Series, September 10-11.

Evan Pemberton: All you ever wanted to know !

2011-08-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, the name Evan Pemberton should be familiar to you. The man has been tearing up race courses with reckless abandon on the East Coast this year and is currently riding a huge hot streak of 8(?) consecutive wins. Check out race results on atlanticchip.ca if you need further proof. When he sets his sights on a race you can be sure he comes prepared. Based on his success and status as Tri NB Male Athlete of the Year in 2010, it's safe to say that he has a target on his back when he is at a tri or du.

We thought we'd catch up with EP and spend a bit of time getting to know him, find out what makes him tick, and hopefully shed some light on his secrets to finishing on top.

TriNB: Evan, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became involved with triathlon. Any race highlights or notable accomplsihments you're proud of?

EP: A little about Evan – I’ve got a Masters in Civil Engineering from UNB. I work for the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council as a Consultant. I grew up all over Canada. My father is a Military man, so I’ve actually lived in many Provinces. I went to High School in Moncton at Harrison Trimble.

If I were to blame someone for my addiction to triathlon/duathlon, it would be Chris Gairns. He and I ran on the UNB team together for several years, and naturally, we developed a pretty solid friendship. If you know us, you can see why we get along well as friends – he’s quiet and reserved, I’m loud and outspoken.

I have one highlight that has always stuck out in my mind – 2007 Duathlon Nationals in Parry Sound Ontario. It was my first victory in a multisport event, and the first time I realized how strong I was on the bike. I still ride the same frame (P2SL) that I won that race with.

Most Notable Accomplishment – the first and only (to date) Student/Athlete to receive the R.H. McLaughlin Scholarship and Academic All-Canadian honours in the same year at the University of New Brunswick.

TriNB: Are you currently sponsored by any companies / bike shops / other?

EP: Pemberton Plumbing is my sponsor. No current affiliation with any bike shops. I have close ties with UNB XC and represent them at every race. I recently joined Southeast Storm.

TriNB: Random unrelated question: ever have time for TV? Any fave shows you watch when you're NOT training?

EP: Southpark or Big Bang Theory.

TriNB: What about sports / cycling on TV? Do you prefer watching the Classics races or the Grand Tours like the Giro and TDF?

EP: I only know about any of these because Gairns is a huge fan and I always get interested through his interest. I don’t follow on my own. (ed. note: BLASPHEMY!)

TriNB: Seriously, no love for cycling on TV? Ok then, moving on then to another ridiculous question: You can have dinner with 4 people (alive or deceased)..who are they and why have dinner with them specifically?

EP: Zombies? No thanks...but seriously...

Ray William Johnson – I would ask him about his rise to stardom.
Avril Lavigne – I would ask her to dinner, in hopes that it would lead to other things....like a chart topping single – I can sing!!!!
Philip Morris – I’ve always wondered how it all started...
Jamie Oliver – he’s just cool.

TriNB: Ha...classic! I can only imagine you warming up with Avril cranked in the ipod...hmmm. What keeps you busy in your spare time apart from racing?

EP: I don’t really have any other hobbies. Triathlon is my main hobby. There is a lot to know, if you really want to use triathlon as a gateway to a healthy and rewarding lifestyle, which I do. Anything I read is usually health or sport related. I don’t watch TV much, or movies.

TriNB: How is the 2011 race season shaping up for you? Obviously extremely well based on your current record. Upcoming races, Ironman’s or anything like that?

EP: The 2011 season has been great. For the first time I had a huge base coming into the season, which started for me in early May. For the summer racing/training schedule, I developed a training program that allowed me to put in two quality workouts a week, and race on weekends.

I had my heart set on the ½ Iron in Mactaquac at the end of the August. I think it is one of the toughest 1/2 IM races and I was looking to put down a good time. Most of my training throughout the summer was setting me up to perform well at the ½ Iron in Mactaquac.

TriNB: Bike set up? Care to share your bike specs, and any tricks for race day set up / hydration etc.?

EP: Bike Set-up:
Frame - Rocking the P2SL from several years ago.
Wheels: Rear: HED Jet Disc, Front: HED H3C
Components: Ultegra
Hydration: Perpetum (bike), eLoad (run), Gu gels
Race Day tricks – I “dance like no one is looking” during my warm-up. Helps me relax.

TriNB: So, now that we know you have "mad love" for Avril, let's keep the fun and harassment going..Evan prefers (a) Justin Bieber, (b) Miley Cyrus or (c) Black Eyed Peas?

EP: Justin who? Miley Cyrus “it’s the climb” gets me every time...BEP, well, I like their music...or should I say Will.i.am’s music?

TriNB: All time favourite workout or ride? When, where?

EP: 25 x 400m on 1’45 (75 pace w/ 30 sec recovery). I did this workout with Chris Gairns and Cliff W-R when we were getting ready to go to National Long Course Duathlon in Richmond Virginia in 2007. We met at 7am at the UNB track and just did it. It was killer!

TriNB: Based on the number of races you enter, you love to compete…why? What is it that fuels your passion for sport and competition?

EP: If I were to blame someone for my love of the sport and a true passion for competition, it would be Mike Davis. Believe it or not, there was one point in time when Mike and I spent hours each day together. As many people know, it’s hard to say no to Mike’s reasoning for doing/trying things...the guy survived serious illness...if he says you should try something because it’s a great experience, you should.

The reason I’m competing so much more this year in comparison to past years is my want for competition. In December I had moved to Vancouver to live with my girlfriend who is attending UBC Physiotherapy. I knew going out that I would be faced with a short race season, maybe three races, and that made me sad.

I really enjoy racing. There is nothing quite like getting together with a bunch of like-minded people and competing. When I found out that I was coming back to the East Coast I decided that I was going to race as much as I could. I wanted to take advantage of all the events that the East Coast had to offer me. I also wanted to attempt to use the races as training – something that I had always wanted to try, but I was never knew enough about myself to make it happen.

TriNB: Gotcha. Let's get back to training: can you share with us a week in the training life of EP? Key workouts, distances, speed work, swims etc. Any tips for those just getting started in the sport and aspire to cross the finish line ahead of you?

EP: My typical training week includes about 10 workouts. I will train anywhere from 14-18hrs. One of the things about my training week is that I do not have days off. Active recovery works best for me. I get more out of doing two hours of easy training then taking a day completely off. I never train hard during the week. My reasoning for this is simple – I love training, and I want to keep it that way. From a racing perspective, when I race every weekend, which is essentially what happened this year, the races turn out to be the hardest workouts. I wear a heart rate monitor for everything – knowledge is power. I keep all my training simple so I can draw comparisons easily.

TriNB: Favourite pastime to relax and forget about the stresses of the day?

EP: My favourite pastime is training. When I’m stressed, nothing makes me feel better then to go for a jog, or hit the trainer for an hour, or jump in the pool for drills and casual 50’s.

TriNB: Alright, how about your favourite food, drink, country / state / Province visited?

EP: Favourite food – Fresh Pizza w/ artichoke hearts, banana peppers, black olives, feta
Drink – Fresh Carrot Juice
Country – Switzerland
State – Massachusetts
Province – New Brunswick (I’ve been to every Province and NB does it for me)

TriNB: If lady luck shines on you and you strike it rich at the casino or a lottery, what would you do with all the $$$$?

EP: If I won the lottery I would buy a tour bus to travel to all the local races. I would hire a driver and go around picking up all the athletes who wanted to race. I would do this for every race in the Maritimes. It would be awesome to have the ability to travel to these races without having to worry about planning hotels or worrying about food – a tour bus would have everything!

TriNB: So far it sounds like you are a hardcore training fanatic but laid back at the same time? There must be something that gets under your skin? Anything?

EP: My biggest pet peeve in triathlon is not knowing what my position is during a race. Longer races tend to incorporate other distances on the same course. At certain points, there are athletes from many different distances on the same course at the same time. Add then the looped courses and it’s hard for the racers to keep track of who is in their race. This all becomes even more confusing when the spectators and race organizers, and their lack of awareness, attempt to encourage you, but do not know what position you are in.

TriNB: Funniest race moment for you from a past race?

EP: Funny things happen during races?? There have been many races where I have finished the race and no one knows, except chip timing...that is always funny to me.

TriNB: How about transition zone setup: any tricks or special set up details that work well for you?

EP: I put baby powder in my shoes in an attempt to reduce bare foot blistering during races. That's about it..no giving away secrets here!

TriNB: What's the best race you have ever participated in and why?

EP: I have yet to participate in a triathlon that has blown me away. There are a lot of local races that are awesome for local events, but when I want to classify the “best race” it has to have everything from an expo to meeting the pro’s to the Race Directors knowing my name.

TriNB: EP is most proud of.....?

EP: My ability to differentiate between easy, medium and hard.

TriNB: Any role models you look up to, fave athletes or anything like that?

EP: I don’t have a favourite athlete, but I do like to be motivated by the accomplishments of others. I look at the things that others have done and try to imagine what it would take for me to do those things...if any of those things seems reasonable, I give them a try.

TriNB: Sounds fair enough, anything else we have not covered you want to say or comment on?

EP: I can't think of anything right now but I'm sure 5 minutes from now something will come up that I should have mentioned! Apart from that, I'm looking forward to finishing off the 2011 race season with a bang. See you out at the races!

Paula Findlay in London: Back in Action

2011-08-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Paula Findlay Returns to Competition as Top Canuck at ITU Triathlon World Championship Series Race in London

—Findlay successfully tests injured hip with 29th place result in Olympic test race—

LONDON—Paula Findlay finished as the top Canadian after returning to competition for the first time in over one month while battling a nagging hip injury.

The 22-year-old Edmontonian, who entered the Olympic test event on the 2012 course in London ranked second overall, finished 29th with a combined time of two hours, two minutes, 34 seconds (2:02:34).

“It is not the result I wanted, but I have to put things into perspective and I can’t expect to be there with the fastest girls having not run in nearly five weeks,” said Findlay, whose finish dropped her to third overall in the ITU elite rankings. “When I made the decision to race, I knew I didn’t have the run training, but wanted to come and experience the London course so I can be prepared for next year.”

Findlay showed her shape in the swim and bike never lost a stride since her last race where she captured her third consecutive victory in Kitzbuhel, Austria. She came out of the water after the 1.5-kilometre swim at the tail end of a lead pack of nearly 25 athletes. Findlay then settled at the back of the pack as the world’s elite triathletes headed out on the bike course. Findlay had a quick second transition onto the run where she made her way up to the top group of 10 athletes in the first of four laps around the picturesque Hyde Park before running out of gas.

“I felt good in the swim. The bike I was very conservative, and it became a tactical race. I tried to save my energy so I didn’t get tired on the run,” said Findlay. “It was tough to watch the top girls run away from me. That has never happened before but it shows you can’t expect to come in here and win when you haven’t trained for it. These girls work super hard, and they all brought their A game today because it was one of the most important races of the season.”

The Hyde Park course is pancake flat and fast in the centre of one of the world’s biggest cities. The top 67 athletes dove into the Serpentine, which is a picturesque body of water in the middle of the vast downtown park, for the 1.5-kilometre swim. The seven-lap bike course, which totals 40 kilometres, took athletes outside the Park for a tour past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch and Constitution Hill. The athletes then ventured out for a final four loops around the Park to complete the 10-kilometre run.

“It is tough, but this is teaching me to deal with a bad race. This is my first bad triathlon, and I guess it is good to have set backs because I can’t expect to win every time.”

One of Findlay’s main rivals, Helen Jenkins of Great Britain, will now have loads of pressure on her shoulders over the next 12 months to win Olympic gold in one year’s time after handily winning her first World Championship Series race in front of her hometown crowd with a time of 2:00:34. Gwen Jorgensen, of the United States, finished seven seconds off the pace in the silver-medal position with a time of 2:00:41. Germany’s Anja Dittmer won the race for the bronze medal with a time of 2:00:49.

Two other Canadians also hit the start line in London. Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay, who stayed near the front of the lead pack for most of the bike course after enjoying a solid swim, dropped back to 45th spot with a time of 2:03:59. Victoria’s Kirsten Sweetland, who worked at the front of the chase pack on the bike to bridge the gap with the lead group, pulled out of the race after the transition area with a sore foot.

Findlay and the Canadian squad will now prepare for the biggest race on the World Championship Series calendar in 2011 – the Grand Final on the 2008 Olympic course in Beijing.

Findlay will head into the race with five World Championship Series titles to her credit.

After quietly making her World Championship Series debut with a 16th-place finish in Kitzbuhel as a 20-year-old in 2009, the triathlon world has watched the development of an absolute superstar in Findlay as her incredible run to stardom began just under one year ago when she shocked the world to win on a modified version of the 2012 Olympic course in London in her second-ever World Championship Series race.

She followed that performance up with a victory two weeks later in Kitzbuhel, Austria, before a fifth-place result at the Grand Final in Budapest, Hungary in September. Findlay crushed any doubts she may be a one-season wonder by winning the season-opener this year on the iconic course in Sydney, Australia and followed that performance up with two more victories in Madrid, Spain and again in Kitzbuhel.

The world’s top male triathletes will dive into the Serpentine in London for their Olympic tune-up race on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (local).

Axel Merckx Granfondo: Penticton, BC

2011-07-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am assuming it is safe to say that very few (read: NOBODY) made the trek out to Penticton this past weekend for the inaugural Axel Merckx Granfondo? I can hear the questions now: Who is Axel Merckx? What the heck is a “Granfondo”??

Answer to the first question: a former pro cyclist with an incredible pedigree, being the son of arguably the best cyclist ever, Eddy Merckx. Axel was no slouch himself and rode for a number of top teams in his day including Mapei, Domo and Telekom.

Answer to the second question, straight from Wikipedia:

“ A cyclosportive, or often simply sportive, is a long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually.
Cyclosportive is short for the French term randonnée cyclosportive (the spelling cyclosportif is sometimes also used but cyclosportive is correct as randonnée is a feminine noun in French). The Italian term gran fondo is commonly used for these events in the United States.

Sportives are cycling's cousin of running’s marathon; rather than racing other participants, many cyclists use sportives to challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock. Also like the marathon, the top placed riders in a cyclosportive ride the event like a race and there are prizes awarded and considerable prestige for top place finishers in events like La Marmotte, L'Étape du Tour and the Ardechoise.

A cyclosportive falls between a traditional cycle road race and a non-competitive randonnée or Audax event. Riders normally carry a number and the time they take to complete the course is recorded. There is usually an upper time limit within which the course must be completed (unlike many randonnée events, there is no lower limit preventing riders from completing the course quickly). The already lengthy course will traditionally include climbs and difficult riding conditions, adding to the merit of the event (e.g. the cobblestones of the Paris–Roubaix).

The routes will usually be well sign-posted and/or marshalled (some cyclosportives take place on roads which have been closed to motor traffic for the duration of the event), riders will be able to use feeding stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their food and drink supplies and mechanical and medical support may also be provided. Some attract thousands of participants - since 2000 l'Etape du Tour has offered places to 8,500 riders each year.”

What it boils down to is a wicked excuse to rally a ton of people together for a fun day on the bike, and encouraging everyone to get of the couch and out for a long day of exercise . Now that we have that out of the way…Axel’s Fondo was a huge success and drew over 2000 riders out in great weather and in a superb setting in the Okanagan. Looks to me like everyone had a blast…anyone out there thinking that we need one of these in the Atlantic Provinces? Hmmmm.

Big thanks to Tri NB friends Eddie and Janice D. who were there volunteering for the event and were able to snap a few quick pics at the rollout in the morning. Cheers!

http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com/

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying a great day...here are a few quick pics of our freshly decorated Subaru Forester, making it's first appearance at the Woodstock KOS race today. 77 kids came out to take on the tri challenge and had an awesome time doing it. Congrats to all and have a fantastic weekend!

WGAF!?!?! Words of Wisdom?

2011-06-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

WGAF!?!?!
Classic!

Canadian Women strike GOLD: Pan America Cup

2011-06-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Canadian Triathlon Women Celebrate Golden Weekend at Pan American Cup Races

—Chantell Widney and Kathy Tremblay strike gold, four other Canadians reach podium—

MONROE, Wash.—Canada’s triathlon women enjoyed a golden weekend at Pan American Cup races across the continent.

Edmonton’s Chantell Widney ran away with her first-ever ITU Pan American Cup triathlon victory on Saturday in Monroe, Washington, while Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay claimed her first victory of the season by winning the ITU Pan American Cup race in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec onSunday.

Following the Canadian path to the international podium set this year by her fellow Edmontonian, Paula Findlay, the 30-year-old Widney took down some of the world’s best athletes at the Monroe event just east of Seattle after clocking a winning time of two hours, one minute, 35 seconds (2:01:35).

“I’ve never won an international race so this feels so great,” said the mother of a three-year-old and part-time professional who works with amputees at the University of Alberta while training full time.

Widney got off to a strong start in the 1.5-kilometre swim with only a small gap separating her from the frontrunners. After wasting little time to bridge the gap on a fast 40-kilometre bike, Widney took full advantage of her running strength where she opened up a 45 second gap on the field heading into the bell lap of the 10-kilometre course to win her first race.

Widney’s previous best results were second-place finishes in Pan American Cup races in San Francisco and Coteau-du-Lac, Que.last year, along with a 10th place finish at a World Cup in Huatuloco, Mexico.

Kaitlin Shiver, of the United States was second at 2:01:49, while fellow-American Annie Warner rounded out the women’s podium in third place with a time of 2:02:00.

The Canadian charge to the podium didn’t end in the women’s race on Saturday.

Victoria’s Andrew Russell also captured his first podium finish when he darted to the bronze-medal position on the podium in the men’s race. The 31-year-old Russell clocked a third-place time of 1:52:21.

The Americans grabbed the top-two spots on the men’s podium with Hunter Kemper clocking-in at 1:49:51 for the gold medal, while Ben Collins locked up second place with a time of 1:52:06.

While they didn’t finish on the podium, two other Canadians also had a solid outing in Washington. Victoria’s Andrew McCartney posted a ninth-place time of 1:54:05, while Vancouver’s Martina Wan was also ninth at 2:10:49 in the women’s race.

The golden streak did continue into Sunday as the Canadian women swept the podium at the Pan American Cup race in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec. The 2008 Olympian and member of Canada’s Team Teck World Cup squad posted a winning time of 2:07:20.

“It was a good opportunity to do a race 20 minutes from home and those girls were really aggressive today,” said Tremblay, who had been relaxing at home over the last week since returning from the World Championship Series in Europe. “You need to take breaks during the season, but that was a kick in the butt today telling me the holidays are over and it is time to get going. I have no regrets. That was a good challenge today and I’m happy I got the win in front of my family.”

Calgary’s Alexandra Coates enjoyed her first Pan American podium finish after crossing the line in second spot with a time of 2:07:44, while Manon Letourneau, of Quebec City, thrilled the hometown crowd with a bronze-medal finish after stopping the clock at 2:08:57

Alexander Yorke, of Caledon, Ont., won his first medal in a year when he finished second in the men’s race.

The 22-year-old Yorke took advantage of a strong swim where he was able to put together a fast bike with the leaders who opened up a gap of 90 seconds as the athletes headed out of the second transition.

“It was a good swim, but my focus was on having a solid bike,” said Yorke, who won the Coteau-du-Lac stop one year ago. “I just kept it together as long as possible, and tried to race the three-to-four guys who were with me.

My coach Barrie Shepley and I set out two key workouts to prepare for the Edmonton World Cup, and I think this is the perfect preparation as it was good, hard effort.”

Ethan Brown, of the United States, won the men’s race with a time of 1:54:45. Germany’s Paul Schuster, took home the bronze at 1:55:18.

Meanwhile, Chantell Widney will now head to herhometown with many of Canada’s top triathletes and medal winners over the weekend to compete in her first World Cup of the 2011 season, July 10, in front of her friends and family in Edmonton.

“It is a little nerve racking that my first World Cup is going to be in my hometown in front of my family, but I am definitely excited,” said Widney. “I don’t have lots of international experience so the race for me is all about the swim. I know I will have to have a strong swim if I want to do well.”

For a complete list of results, including all of the 13 Canadian men and women’s athletes, that hit the start line in Monroe, Washington, please visit www.triathlon.org/events/event/2011_monroe_itu_triathlon_pan_american_cup/

Complete results from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec can be found at www.sportstats.ca.

Duncan Hadley 2011

2011-06-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

A fantastic day at the races today at Killarney Lake, Fredericton. RD Shawn Hamilton and his team put on a great event for close to 230 athletes...an awesome turnout to say the least. No rain and perfectly calm waters and zero wind on the bike made for a terrific race. This year there was a race format for just about anyone including tri a tri and tri a du, sprint tri, sprint du and olympic tri. A $50 prime was up for grabs for the top male and female out of the water for the olympic race: congrats to Tara Ross from Banff (yes, Banff AB!) and Richard Isnor for smokin' fast swims who are now $50 richer (unless they already spent the bucks on post race "refreshments" or something similar?)!

Evan P dominated the olympic tri for the V and Tara Ross took top honors for the ladies. For the sprint tri, Reid Burrows finished comfortably in first and Lisa Kek had a dynamite race for 5th place overall. Full results can be found over at atlanticchip.ca.

A large number of first timers took part today which is very encouraging to see and indicates that the growth of the sport continues to expand in NB. Cheers once again to the event organizers for such a smooth and effortlessly run race day.

Woodfine & Pennock take top honors in Manitoba

2011-06-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Tristan Woodfine and Ellen Pennock Win Opening Race of Teck National Junior Series in Manitoba

ST-MALO, Man.—Ontario’s Tristan Woodfine and Alberta’s Ellen Pennock captured their first-ever national titles at the opening event of 2011 Teck National Junior Triathlon Series in St-Malo. Manitoba on Sunday.

The 18-year-old Woodfine took advantage of a strong 750-metre swim where he came out of the water with a group of 12 athletes who executed their tactics to near perfection on the 20-kilometre bike course to set up Woodfine’s golden run. The Cobden, Ontario resident took a deep breath, surged and closed a five-second gap on two Quebec athletes in the first kilometre of the run. Woodfine never looked back, winning the race with a time of 55 minutes 18 seconds.

“It is my first win and a great start to the year after a rough season last year,” said Woodfine at the finish line. “I put lots of time in the pool this winter and it paid off right away in the swim today. I think that was the difference for me today being able to keep up with a strong group that came out of the water together. I’m really happy.”

Woodfine was sandwiched on the podium between two Quebec athletes. Francis Lefebvre was the next best finisher, who finished 28 seconds off the pace to grab the silver medal at 55:46. Marc-Antoine Christin finished on the heels of his provincial teammate in third with a bronze-medal time of 55:48.

Meanwhile, Calgary’s Ellen Pennock also captured her first-ever National Junior Series title in the women’s race.

Known for her strength as a swimmer, the 18-year-old Pennock took advantage of a brilliant run to shatter the field by over a minute. Pennock, who won the bronze medal at the 2010 Junior National Championships, posted a golden time of 1:01:18.

“My swim was good, but I had a really good run after a bad transition where I was able to pass quite a few people,” said Pennock, who also won the silver medal at last year’s Eastern Canadian Championships. “This is my first win and I couldn’t be happier.”

Pennock was joined on the podium by Victoria’s 18-year-old Christine Ridenour who represented Canada at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last year. Ridenour clocked a silver-medal time of 1:02:29. Saskatoon’s Gabrielle Edwards rounded out the women’s podium in third at 1:02:52.

The Teck National Junior Series is the nation’s premier development race circuit, which allows athletes and coaches the appropriate focal points fortraining and monitoring athlete progression. The annual three-race series is used by Triathlon Canada for World Junior Team and Canada Games selections.

Canada’s top junior triathletes will now head to Penticton, B.C. the second stop of the tour set for July 16.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

For more information on the St-Malo, Manitoba stop of the Teck National Junior Series, please visit the race website at www.triathlon.mb.ca/.

Fredericton KOS: Rainy and cold but who cares!

2011-06-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

It IS the summer right? Cool temperatures and some light (heavy?) rain met the kids this morning at Killarney Lake. Despite the less than ideal conditions, a TON of kids came out to "tri" the sport at the popular event hosted by Race Director Donna Trites and her tireless race crew ( thanks to Radical Edge for the bike checks!)

Standing around cheering on the athletes seemed cool enough, but boy oh boy..huge congrats go to those kids who braved the water, wind, bike and run to cross that finish line with smiles on their faces! Thanks to all the who came out to support our youth and Donna / Trites Orthodontics for making the race happen. Best part of the day? One young lady ran through the finish line, back through transition and onto the run course..again! When told she could stop she simply said, " but I want to keep going!" And keep going she did..a future star in the making folks :)

Rockwood Du and Tri

2011-06-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well..the weather was not exactly "nice" but regardless, the Rockwood Du and Tri was yet another awesome event for 2011. A solid turnout, great course and amazing prizes (hint: SRAM wheels and tons of prizes / cash courtesy of Darlings Island bike shop!). Kudos to John Russell and his race crew for holding such a fantastic event(s). For (much) better pics, check out the Tri NB website and the photo gallery for the event (big ups to Gilles Gautreau for the pictures). See ya next year!

Trickin' out the Trailer

2011-06-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Tri NB trailer got a few nice upgrades today by way of some fancy decals...next up? Similar treatment for the Forester.

Look for us at the Fredericton KOS race Saturday and Duncan Hadley du / tri Sunday at Killarney Lake. Cheers!

Holy crap! Findlay does it again!

2011-06-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

Paula Findlay Extends 2011 Golden Streak to Three at

Triathlon World Championship Series Race in Austria

—Findlay becomes all-time leader of World Championship Series wins by female athletewith five—

KITZBUHEL, Aut.—Canada’s Paula Findlay wins again!

The world’s number-one ranked athlete, Findlay, continued her incredible golden run to remain unbeaten in 2011 after capturing her third straight Triathlon World Championship Series win in Kitzbuhel, Austria on Sunday.

The red-headed Edmontonian successfully defended her 2010 title in the gloriousmountain town of Kitzbuhel, Austria, by taking down the world’s best with a time of two hours, five minutes, 52 seconds (2:05:52).

With her fifth victory over six races in the last 11 months, the 22-year-old Findlay ran into the history books becoming the most-winning athlete ever on the World Championship Series, and only the third women’s triathlete in the world to win three straight races. Australia’s Emma Carney and Portugal’s Vanessa Fernandez both won three consecutive World Cup starts.

“I’m thrilled again. Wow, that was a real hard race. I was running maximum the whole way,” said Findlay. “It is cool to be able to have done this much , but I go into every race the same and don’t think about that stuff much. I’m just thinking about the individual race every time.”

Findlay got off to a slow start with a difficult 1.5-kilometre wet suit swim on a cool day in Kitzbuhel, but bridged herself to the back of the lead group for thehighly-technical 40-kilometre bike course which is one of the most difficult in the world, loaded with tight turns and steep climbs.

“The swim was really difficult and I was working really hard for the full 1,500 metres. I just sat in the back of the pack for the bike. I wasn’t feeling very comfortable and I knew I needed to save energy for the run,” said Findlay. “I was getting cold and just so happy to get off the bike today.”

After battling through four seasons, including rain and hail on her Specialized bike, Findlay wasted little time out of the second transition to charge back into her office – at the front of the pack for the 10-kilometre run.

“I am comfortable in the front on the run and I do feel in control,” said Findlay. I never feel like it is in the bag, but I have learned a lot about what theother girls strengths are and how much they have left by listening to theirbreathing. I know they are hurting too and I keep learning by being in thatposition.”

Findlay began the run with a group of five, which dwindled to three with Helen Jenkins of Great Britain and American Sarah Groff heading into the bell lap. At thesound of the bell, it was clear a repeat finish of Madrid was unfolding, asFindlay and Jenkins ran side-by-side for the final lap until the young Canuck pulled away with 700 metres to go to win by four seconds.

Jenkins settled for the silver medal in back-to-back weeks with a time of 2:05:56, while Sarah Groff had the race of her life to win the bronze at 2:06:27.

“Helen and I ran neck-and-neck, and she kept picking up the pace and was at another level today,” said Findlay. “I just stayed with her as long as I could. I looked over my shoulder and saw a gap, and was able to do what I always do.”

After quietly making her World Championship Series debut with a 16th-place finish in Kitzbuhel as a 20-year-old in 2009, the triathlon world has watched the development of an absolute superstar in Findlay as her incredible run to stardom began just under one year ago when she shocked the world to win on the 2012 Olympic course in London in her second-ever World Championship Series race.

She followed that performance up with a victory two weeks later in Kitzbuhel, Austria, before a fifth-place result at the Grand Final in Budapest, Hungary in September. Findlay crushed any doubts she may be a one-season wonder by winning the season-opener this year on the iconic course in Sydney, Australia and again two weeks ago in Madrid, Spain.

“I love this place because I won twice here,” laughed Findlay. “The town is familiar to me and reminds me a lot of the mountains in Canada. I just feel so comfortable here and love it.”

This week’s victory was made extra special, as it was the first victory that her mom, Sheila, was present to watch.

“The only race she’s been at was when I finished fifth in Budapest last year so I wasn’t sure if it was good to have her here or not,” joked Findlay. “I really wanted her to be here and have her around to keep me company. My mom knows better than anyone when I need her, and when she needs to step away, so I was happy she was able to see me win one.”

Findlay will have more than just one familiar face in the stands for her next start. She will now head to Canada for two weeks of training in Victoria before suiting up for her next race where it all began – on home turf in Edmonton – for a World Cup on July 10.

“I’m so excited to have the chance to race at home,” said Findlay, who was inspired to begin doing triathlons after watching the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton. “It will definitely be a special race for me, but I do have mixed feelings, because there will be huge pressure and expectations to win. But it is going to be nice to be home and in my own bed and I’m excited.”

Two other Canadians also competed on Sunday. Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay finished 32nd with a time of 2:09:04, while Vancouver’s Lauren Campbell did not finish the race.

Created in 2009, the ITU World Championship Series is an innovative series that has the world’s best triathletes competing in eight races around the world. Starting in Sydney, athletes will also compete in Japan, Spain, Austria, Germany, England and Switzerland before the Grand Final in Beijing.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete World Championship Series Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Women’s and Canadian Results:

1.Paula Findlay, Edmonton, CAN, 2:05:52; 2. Helen Jenkins, GBR, 2:05:56; 3. Sarah Groff, USA, 2:06:27; 4. Emma Moffatt, AUS, 2:06:31; 5. Barbara Riveros Diaz, CHI, 2:06:41.

Other Canadian Results:

32. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal, 2:09:04; DNF. Lauren Campbell, Vancouver.

Ironman Mont Tremblant

2011-06-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great looking (new) venue on the IM circuit. Perfect location for East Coast tri geeks to hit up (of course the 11 hr drive from Freddy is not overly appealing!). A nice alternative perhaps to IM Lake Placid and the course looks pretty challenging. http://ironmanmonttremblant.com/

So...who is gonna sign up? Rumor has it that a motley crue from SJ is already making plans to race and look at renting a chalet out there. Keep in mind that registration opens this Wednesday (06/15) and if this is like every other IM, spots will go FAST! Still not sold on it? Don't forget about the Esprit tri in Montreal which looks like a great race if Mont Tremblant is too far to go: http://www.esprittriathlon.com/

Mont Tremblant is a gorgeous spot so don't be shy...take the plunge and make a vacation out of it with the fam.

Let's hear from you...anyone up for the challenge of IM in PQ for 2012?

Crazy a** downhill...check this out!

2011-06-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Kyle Jones: Golden in China!

2011-06-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kyle Jones Completes Golden Mission with Triathlon Win in China

—Jones racks up third straight victory, Brent McMahon grabs third bronze—

WELHAI, China—Canada’s Kyle Jones racked up this third consecutive victory in as many weeks with a golden performance at the ITU Triathlon Premium Asian Cup, while Brent McMahon completed his bronze-medal hat trick in Welhai, China on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Jones, of Oakville, Ont. won his third straight ITU race after posting a golden time of two hours, three seconds (2:00:03), while Victoria’s McMahon locked up third place with a time of 2:01:03 over the 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike and 10-kilometre runcourse in China.

“It was a very similar race to last week with Brent and I coming out of the water with a lead group of four,” said Jones, who has trained and competed alongside Simon Whitfield over the last five years. “We rode together in a group of six on the bike, and I was first out onto the run after a really good transition. I ran controlled for the first five-kilometres, and then picked up the pace and opened a 45 second gap.”

Ireland’s Gavin Noble was the next best finisher sandwiched between the two Canadians in the silver-medal position with a time of 2:00:48.

In an effort to improve their international ranking after battling through a series of injuries last season, the two Canucks completed a three-week mission for the podium with Saturday’s medal-haul.

The journey, which resulted in the Canadians finishing first and third in each race began with Jones’ first-ever ITU victory at the ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup in Ixtara, Mexico, followed by the ITU Triathlon Asian Cup on Amakusa, Japan, and Saturday’s event in Welhai, China.

“Overall I’m very happy with the last three weeks. The goal was to improve my ranking and I scored maximum points – so Mission Accomplished!” said Jones. “I was also able to gain a lot of confidence, and I feel this trip has helped me improve my preparation leading into races which is going to help me for the rest of the season.”

Jones and the 30-year-old McMahon will now headback to Canada and prepare to suit up for a World Cup race in Edmonton on July 10. It will be the second World Cup for McMahon this year after sitting on the sidelines over the last 18 months to recover from a knee injury.

“After an 18-month break, it is important not to lose attention to details and the small moments that require specific focus,” said McMahon. “I feel I haven’t missed anything yet after this break and I am getting fitter as I go. It will be a long season so I am very satisfied with these solid races as I will build off of them and keep my best performance for the World Championship Series events and Olympic qualifying races.”

No other Canadian athletes were on the start list in China.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medalsport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete Welhai ITU Triathlon Premium Asian Cup (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Men’s Results:

1. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont., 2:00:03; 2. Gavin Noble, Ireland, 2:00:48; 3. Brent McMahon, Victoria, 2:01:03; 4. Claude Eksteen, RSA, 2:01:13; 5. Mitchell Robins, AUS, 2:01:18.

New Additions to the Tri NB Family!

2011-06-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sweeeeeeeet! We are very proud to announce that Tri NB has just taken possession of a brand spankin' new Subaru Forester as well as purchased a trailer to support our race series in New Brunswick. Until now, we have been faced with renting a van for each race and loading / unloading it. This prompted us to ask "why the heck do we not have a Subaru to use considering Subaru is our lead sponsor and a longtime supporter of the sport of triathlon in Canada?"

With the help of Subaru Canada and the awesome Subaru dealerships in NB, we are extremely thankful to have the use of the Forester to haul our gear to our races and events throughout the Province. The car will soon be "wrapped" as well, tricked out with stencils / lettering and Subaru East Coast Race Series graphics. Stay tuned for updated pics in the near future. The Subaru and trailer are great additions and will help support our races in 2011 and beyond.

PS. Garth says it drives "like a dream" and is pleased as punch to be showing off the Subaru and Tri NB names on the road and at the races.

Cheers!

Findlay takes Madrid!

2011-06-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Canadian Paula Findlay Wins Second Straight Triathlon World Championship Series Race of Season in Spain

—Findlay’s victory equals most-ever World Championship Series wins by female athlete—

MADRID, Esp.—Canada’s Paula Findlay entered the second triathlon race on the World Championship Series calendar as the number-one ranked athlete in the world, and lived up to her billing by taking down the world’s best in Madrid, Spain on Sunday.

Just weeks after celebrating her 22nd birthday, Edmonton’s Findlay put down one of the strongest and most impressive performances of her young career after posting a time of two hours, three minutes, 46 seconds (2:03:46) to win back-to-back under ideal race conditions.

“The feeling is awesome. That was one of the best races of my life and the best swim I have ever had,” said Findlay, whose bike sponsor Specialized rallied to get a new bike together for her after she arrived in Madrid to realize her bike frame cracked during the flight. “I was so happy with my swim that it gave me so much more confidence the rest of the way.”

Focused on having a strong swim, Findlay stayednear the front of the pack and trouble-free in the calm 1.5-kilometre swim,entering the first transition in sixth spot.

“The swim was the highlight of my race by far, and like I said, a huge confidence booster for me,” said Findlay. “I’m happier with my swim than I am with the win to be honest.”

Findlay came out of the transition and charged aggressively to the front while riding up the grueling hill that athletes face within seconds of the start of each lap on the 40-kilometre bike course in Madrid. Findlay executed her race plan perfectly, staying out of trouble in the lead pack of 11 riders throughout the eight-lap course to position herself for a run for the gold.

Exiting the second transition in fifth spot, Findlay wasted no time darting into the lead on the 10-kilometre run course. Findlay, along with Britain’s Helen Jenkins and Andrea Hewitt, of New Zealand, quickly broke away into a group of three, pushing each other through the relatively flat tree-lined course until the bell lap where the red-headed Canuck took the lead and never looked back. Findlay and Jenkins dropped thefield mid-way through the final lap, and went head-to-head in the battle forgold. Findlay kicked it into top gear with 500-metres to go to solidify thevictory.

“It was a tough run, but I felt really in control. Helen was on my tail the whole way and I knew she had a good sprint in her,” said Findlay. “I knew I was being pushed, but I had something left in me at all times. I knew with about 800-metres left that I had to go. I didn’t know until I hit the blue carpet at the very end .”

Jenkins settled for the silver medal at 2:03:49, while Emmie Charayron, of France, caught Hewitt to win the sprint for the bronze medal. Charayron clocked-in at 2:03:58.

Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay was the only other Canadian in the field and finished 45th at 2:12:22.

The fourth victory in five races on the elite triathlon circuit, Findlay has equaled the most wins ever by a female athlete on the World Championship Series. Australia’s Emma Moffat, who is the reigning World Champion, also has four wins to her credit.

“It is so cool to have been able to do that. I look up to all of the girls out here so much and I’m still so star-struck by the Emma’s,” said Findlay. “I respect all of these girls and I know they are all so tough so every time that I get on the podium I am grateful because I know it doesn’t happen all the time.”

The triathlon world has watched the development of an absolute superstar in Findlay as her incredible run to stardom began just under one year ago when she shocked the world to win on the 2012 Olympic course in London in her first-ever World Championship Series race. She followed that performance up with a victory two weeks later in Kitzbuhel, Austria, before a fifth-place result at the Grand Final in Budapest, Hungary in September. Findlay crushed any doubts she may be a one-season wonder by winning the season-opener this year on the iconic course in Sydney, Australia.

“Obviously she has had a very quick rise. I keep telling her it is her consistency in all of her small details from training to recovery to nutrition,” said Patrick Kelly, who is Findlay’s head coach. “Paula’s ability to bear down when it starts to hurt is key. She is tough and has all the characteristics you want in a champion, but most importantly, she hates to lose and wants to win.”

Findlay will now head to Kitzbuhel, Austria as she prepares to defend her title, June 19, before heading home to hit the startline for a race in front of her friends and family for a World Cup in Edmonton, July 10.

Created in 2009, the ITU World Championship Series is an innovative series that has the world’s best triathletes competing in eight races around the world. Starting in Sydney, athletes will also compete in Japan, Spain, Austria, Germany, England and Switzerland before the Grand Final in Beijing.

Madrid World Championships on CBC

2011-06-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Madrid World Championship Series Triathlon Race Broadcasted on CBC

—Whitfield makes season debut, Findlay and Tremblay turn up the heat in women’s race—

Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast will be able to catch two-time Olympic champion, Simon Whitfield’s season debut both on the tube and internet, as he toes the start line for a World Championship Series race in Madrid, Spain on Saturday.

Victoria’s Whitfield will be joined by two more Canadians including Edmonton’s Paula Findlay, who will look for her second consecutive victory this year and Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay in Madrid. The world’s best women’s triathletes will hit the Madrid course on Sunday.

The following are CBC’s broadcast and streaming times for the Madrid races:

Saturday, June 4 – Madrid Men’s Race

CBC-TV 4-5:30 p.m. EST

CBC.ca 3:40-6 a.m. EST

CBC.ca 4-5:30 p.m. EST

Sunday, June 5 – Madrid Women’s Race

CBC.ca 8:20-10:30 a.m. EST

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

RACE SEASON IS HERE !!!!

2011-05-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! The weather has started to turn in our favor and the 2011 Tri NB race season is here! It was a tough winter and spring but it’s now time to focus our energies and thoughts towards getting out on that race course and showing off all those new and improved skills you picked up over the past few months. Remember those long hours on the treadmill, in the pool and on the trainer? Well, you knew they would pay off and with our first races just around the corner, it’s time to step up, have some fun and get back in the groove of triathlon for 2011.

We are proud to bring you another set of fantastic events as part of our Subaru East Coast Race Series. This year, once again, we have something for EVERYONE. Your fearless Race Directors have worked diligently with their race committees and have race formats to suit all athletes from youth to adults, sprint distance to half Ironman, duathlon to triathlon to adventure race! Have you been looking on from the sidelines and want to get involved? This is your year to do it. Don’t be shy…our races are fun, geared towards all age and athletic levels, and are fully supported by dedicated staff, volunteers and comply with sanctioned race rules to ensure a safe and rewarding race experience.

Tri NB looks forward to another amazing year highlighted by strong attendance and participation, exciting races, smiling faces, and watching more and more of our New Brunswick population get “hooked” on triathlon and the multisport lifestyle. We are here to support you every step of the way and look forward to hearing from you throughout the season. We can be reached via email, through our Facebook page, blog and twitter as well. “Follow” along with us for all the action and updates.

One final note: please don’t hesitate to pass on your “thanks” to all the volunteers, Race Directors and other support staff who make these races happen. It can be a thankless job but positive comments go a long way and are always appreciated!

Wishing everyone all the best for a safe and exciting race season! Cheers!

Scott MacKenzie

Friday's Random Video - The City Limits

2011-05-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

Timelapse - The City Limits from Dominic on Vimeo.

ITU Mexico - Canadian Updates

2011-05-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Canadian Triathletes Sizzle into Top-15 at Triathlon World Cup in Mexico

—Kathy Tremblay finishes seventh, Brent McMahon posts solid 15th-place finish—

MONTERREY, Mex.—Two of Canada’s Olympic triathletes battling their way back into elite form after disappointing seasons last year finished in the top-15 on a blistering hot day at a World Cup stop in Monterrey, Mexico on Sunday.

Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay finished was in the hunt for the podium until the final push to the finish line to finish in seventhspot, while Victoria’s Brent McMahon, placed an impressive 15th in his first elite race in 19 months.

The 28-year-old Tremblay, who represented Canada at the 2008 Olympics, battled through a choppy 1.5-kilometre swim to keep pacewith a large pack of 50 athletes on a highly technical 40-kilometre bike toposition herself for a run at the medals. Sitting comfortably in the pack, Tremblay sprinted to the front of the group on the 10-kilometre run where she was in podium contention until the final 2.5-kilometres, where she was dropped by the leaders. Tremblay finished in seventh with a time of one hour, 57 minutes, 51 seconds (1:57.51).

“The swim was really difficult but I am happy with my race,” said Tremblay, who struggled in a condensed 2010 season. “I got myself into the lead pack and was fighting for the podium today, and it felt great to be back in the game. I have to keep training hard and be patient and I know it will come.”

Sarah Haskins, of the United States, captured her first World Cup victory after crossing the line first with a time of 1:57.15. Japan’s Ai Ueda grabbed the silver medal at 1:57.21, while Germany’s Anne Haug surprised many of the world’s best with a third-place time of 1:57.27.

The seventh-place finish earned Tremblay a qualifying spot for the 2011 Pan American Games.

“Every race I keep getting better this season and it’s good to feel in shape again,” said Tremblay. “This was a qualifier for the Pan Am Games which is great. The season is long and I just need to remain dedicated and keep fighting.”

Meanwhile, Canada’s Brent McMahon had a medal-winning performance for his confidence despite not finishing on the podium. Forced to sit on the sidelines for the last 19 months with a knee injury, the 30-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity to get his toe on the start line where he finished 15th at 1 1:48.19.

“I knew I was in shape, but I haven’t done much hard biking or hard running in training so didn’t know where I would stand today,” said McMahon. “I knew the swim would be my strength so I went hard and came out of the water in eighth. I was pretty conservative on the bike and the run, but this was a huge boost for my confidence and it feels great to be back racing again.”

Now ranked near the bottom of the international standings, the 2004 Olympian McMahon transitioned onto the bike in fourth spot and settled into the pack of 75 athletes for a solid finish.

“I learned a lot today. My start position was 70th so it wasn’t easy, but I was really happy with my swim and I was able to hang in there in the heat,” said McMahon. “My big goal is to come back and earn Canada a third Olympic spot. I also want to qualify for a spot at Pan Am Games. I can now do some harder training and keep working my way back.”

Australia’s Brendan Sexton also broke through for his first World Cup win on Sunday after clocking a time of 1:46.57. Frederic Belaubre, of France, took the silver with a time of 1:47.06, while Hunter Kemper, of United States, was third for his second-straight World Cup podium after stopping the clock at 1:47.11.

Other Canadian results in Mexico included Andrew Russell, of Victoria, in 40th spot at 1:50.16 and Kyle Jones, of Oakville, Ont., in 43rd (1:50.41) in men’s racing. Joanna Brown, of Carp, Ont., finished 37th in her first World Cup with a time of 2:01.17, while Calgary’s Kyla Coates finished 44th at 2:02.13.

Canada’s triathletes, including Paula Findlay and Simon Whitfield, will suit up for the second stop of the World Championship Series May 14 in Madrid, Spain. The World Cup triathlon series now heads north to Edmonton where Canada will field a total of 20 athletes for the race scheduled on July 10.

Complete Monterrey World Cup Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Women’s and Canadian Results:

1.Sarah Haskins, USA, 1:57.15; 2. Ai Ueda, JPN, 1:57.21; 3. Anne Haug, GER, 1:57.27; 4. Helle Frederiksen, DEN, 1:57.29; 5. Gwen Jorgensen, USA, 1:57.33

Canadian Results:

7. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal, 1:57.51; 37. Joanna Brown, Carp, Ont., 2:01.17; 44. Kyla Coates, Calgary, 2:02.13.

Top-Five Men’s and Canadian Results:

1. Brendan Sexton, AUS, 1:46.57; 2. Frederic Belaubre, FRA, 1:47.06; 3. Hunter Kemper, USA, 1:47.11; 4. Ruedi Wild, SUI, 1:47.20; 5. Vincent Luis, FRA, 1:47.27

Canadian Results:

15. Brent McMahon, Victoria, 1:48.19; 40. Andrew Russell, Victoria, 1:50.16; 43. Kyle Jones, Oakville, Ont., 1:50.41.

Times Colonist 10k 2011

2011-05-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hot dang! Mr. Whitfield making a strong showing on a gorgeous day and a hilly course...

The Cycletrope

2011-05-04T14:29:00.001-07:00

The Cyclotrope from tim Wheatley on Vimeo.

Melanie McQuaid Wins Inaugural ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships

2011-05-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Melanie McQuaid Wins Inaugural ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships

—Christine Jeffrey narrowly misses podium in fourth spot—

EXTREMADURA, Spain —The mud splattered across Melanie McQuaid’s face couldn’t mask her beaming smile as she broke the ribbon at the finish line to win the first-ever ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in Extremadura, Spain on Saturday.

Forced to use a borrowed bike after hers was stolen while travelling en route to Spain for the inaugural Cross Triathlon World Championships, which combines a one kilometer swim, a 20-kilometre mountain bike course and a six-kilometre cross-country run, Victoria’s McQuaid surged to the lead on her loaned set of wheels and never looked back completing the course in a time of one hour, 43 minutes, two seconds (1:43.02).

“Things certainly didn’t seem to be going as planned before I got across the finish line as I dealt with a number of setbacks, but I was very grateful to have a generous woman from the US teamloan me her
bike, and very proud to own the first ITU world title for cross triathlon,” said McQuaid, who was anxious to toe the line for the first World Championship after having been in the offroad discipline of
the sport for several years. “This race has to be my best ever given how much negativity I managed to just put in my pocket and focus on what I could control and remain positive.”

In addition to losing her bike, McQuaid also had to overcome a challenging swim when her cap flew off in the first 20 seconds preventing her from sighting the buoys with hair covering her eyes, and dealing with a 15 second penalty heading into the run because one of her shoes fell out of the pedal in the transition on her borrowed equipment.

“It was a bit of a comedy act of things going wrong until the ultimate thing went right – me finishing first,” said McQuaid. “All-in-all, it was a very exciting race format and an amazing experience. It was a super cool event, and I look forward to future ITU races.”

Joining Canada’s 37-year-old three-time Xterra World Champion on the podium was Shonny Vanlandingham, of the United States, who captured the silver medal with a time of 1:43.25. Emma Garrard, also of the United
States, locked up third spot after posting a bronze-medal time of 1:43.43.

McQuaid’s teammate, and the only other Canadian entered in the field – Christine Jeffrey – also had a stellar debut at the Cross Triathlon World Championships. The Guelph, Ont. resident led the top-25 women representing 11 countries out of the water and into the first transition. Jeffrey’s held on for fourth spot after clocking-in at 1:45.22.

No Canadians were entered in the men’s race which was won by South Africa’s Conrad Stolz. The two-time Olympian set the time to beat at 1:26.40.

Canada’s Kate Button, of Stouffville, Ont., raced in the 25-29 age group category and finished fourth.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as anOlympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Neutral Service at Paris Roubaix

2011-04-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lincoln 5k Road Race

2011-04-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like the weatherman was right about today's forecast. RAIN. A cool, windy and very wet day met those who came out to the Lincoln race outside Fredericton. Regardless of the hideous conditions, everyone had a great time...regards to Shawn H. and his race crew for holding another successful event.

Peter Reid to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

2011-04-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Names Class of 2011

—Ray Bourque, Lui Passaglia, Richard Pound, Lauren Woolstencroft, Peter Reid and Andrea Neil to enter Hall in November—

CALGARY—Hockey great Ray Bourque, CFL star Lui Passaglia, 10-time Paralympic medallist Lauren Woolstencroft, triathlon great Peter Reid, distinguished soccer player Andrea Neil, and International Olympic Committee member Richard Pound will be the five athletes and one builder inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame on November 8, 2011, the Hall announced Friday.

“Our Selection Committee, which is comprised of media and sports experts, was tasked with reviewing a very competitive roster of nominations in the athlete and builder categories. This year, we received nominations for 54 athletes and 28 builders and had to make very difficult decisions based on so many remarkable individuals,” said Claire Buffone-Blair, president and CEO. “The Class of 2011 who will be honoured by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will make for formidable additions to the Hall’s distinguished list of Honoured Members which now totals 520 athletes and builders representing 60 sports.”

Born in Saint-Laurent, Que., Raymond Bourque is arguably one of the best defenceman to have ever played in the National Hockey League. Drafted eighth overall by the Bruins in 1979, Bourque made an immediate impact and has become near-synonymous with the Boston Bruins franchise, for which he played 21 seasons and became its longest-serving captain. After winning the Stanley Cup in his final NHL Game with the Avalanche in 2001, the five-time Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman retired with the most goals, assists and points for a defenseman. A 13-time NHL First Team All-Star, Bourque was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004 and his #77 jersey was retired by both the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche franchises. With awards and achievements as lengthy as his career, Bourque played for Team Canada on three Canada Cup teams and at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.

Vancouver's Andrea Neil was one of Canada's best female footballers for close to two decades. She represented her country on the international stage from 1991 to 2007, becoming the first Canadian to participate in four FIFA Women's World Cups. She made 132 appearances, a national record upon her retirement in 2007. She is a four-time CONCACAF silver medallist, a Canada Games champion, a CIAU Glady Bean champion, a two-time W-League champion, and a Pan American Games bronze medallist.

Lui Passaglia is one of the greatest placekicker/punters in the history of the Canadian Football League. Passaglia wore the B.C. Lions uniform for 25 years (1976-2000) where he scored more points than any other professional football player in history. His #5 jersey is one of eight numbers retired by the Lions. Passaglia is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame and the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame. In 2003, Passaglia was voted a member of the B.C. Lions All-Time Dream Team and in 2006 was voted #30 of the CFL's top 50 players of the leagues modern era by CanadianSports network TSN .

A three-time Ironman World Champion, Montreal’s Peter Reid is one of the nation’s greatest elite level triathletes. Reid’s incredible work ethic, intensity, and ability to perform consistently lead him to gain fame by winning 10 Ironman triathlons, including his three victories at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. He added three silver medals and a bronze medal at the Ironman World Championships before retiring in 2006.

Bornmissing her left arm below the elbow as well as both legs below the knees, Lauren Woolstencroft began alpine skiing at the age of four and went on to win 10 Paralympic medals in three Games (2002, 2006 and 2010). Her dedication and fearlessness lead her to win two golds and a bronze medal at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, along with one gold and one silver in 2006 in Torino. Woolstencroft made history when she became Canada’s first Winter Paralympic athlete to win five gold medals in a single Games in Vancouver. She tied the record for gold medal wins of any Canadian Paralympian at a singleGames with Chantal Petitclerc and Stephanie Dixon.

A Canadian lawyer, Richard Pound was elected to the International Olympic Committee in 1978 where he was soon put in charge of negotiating television and sponsorship deals. Pound, who went on to become vice-president of the IOC, revolutionized the Olympic Movement, transforming the IOC into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. A doubleOlympic finalist and Commonwealth Games champion swimmer, Pound served two terms as president of the Canadian Olympic Committee. Pound, a leader in representing excellence and fairplay, became head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) where he oversaw an unprecedented toughening of the fight against doping in sport. He worked diligently to expand the impact of WADA beyond the Olympic Games and into the professional sport arena. Pound was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992. He served as Chancellor of McGill University from 1999 - 2009.

“Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and share the stories of the nation’s greatest athletes and builders who have made a significant contribution to sport in this country,” said Buffone-Blair. “These five athletes and one builder have ammased incredible acheivement in sport, not only in Canada but around the world. We are thrilled to welcome them into the Hall where their unique stories will continue to serve as an inspiration for Canadian youth to live healthy, active lives and to dream big.”

The class of 2011 will be officially inducted into Canada’s Sport’s Hall of Fame during a gala dinner and celebration in Calgary, November 8 at the Telus Convention Centre. To purchase tickets for the dinner and for more information on the induction ceremony, please visit us at www.sportshall.ca.

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is committed to preserve and showcase Canada’s rich sporting history in innovative and meaningful ways; celebrate sport’scontribution to what it means to be Canadian, connect communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast; and inspire new generations of Canadian youth to get involved in sport and dream big. With its roots dating back to 1955, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is relocating to Calgary from Toronto and will be opening the doors to its new home on July 1, 2011. For more information, please visit us at www.sportshall.ca.

Class of 2011 Testimonials:

“It was great news to hear that I was going to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. It’s an incredible honour for me to be a part of such a great group of Canadian athletes. To be part of the Hall is something you never think about when you are playing and when you hear thatyou’ve been inducted you realize what a privilege it is to be a part of it.”

…Raymond Bourque

“It was with a great deal of respect, honour, and amazement that I received this news. To be joining Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame alongside so many great athletes and builders is anincredibly humbling and awe-inspiring experience for me."

…Andrea Neil

“When I received the call that I was to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, I was surprised and excited, and I felt very honoured to be selected. I've always been an avid sports fan, and have enjoyed watching and hearing about our Canadian athletes in various sports over the years. To be included with these 514 great Canadian athletes and builders is truly humbling and gratifying at the same time. “

…Lui Passaglia

"It is an enormous honour to be included among the builders of Canadian sport. I believe that sport is a fundamental contributor to any great society and we in Canada are second tonone."

…Richard Pound

“Being inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is a huge surprise. I retired five years ago and I am now focused on my career as a pilot with Harbour Air Seaplanes so to get this nomination is a reminder that I had a very special career racing triathlon and Ironman. I have always been very proud to represent Canada and have used so many members of the Hall as inspiration to get me out the door to train on the days where the weather and motivation were not at their best. People like Steve Podborski, Steve Bauer, Gaetan Boucher, Victor Davis, Terry Fox and so manymore showed that we can win on the world stage if we believe it can be done. This is also a very big day for my sport of triathlon.”

…Peter Reid

I'm extremely honoured to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. it's humbling to be joining the ranks of so many amazing Athletes such as Nancy Greene and Rick Hansen! I'm really looking forward to the induction ceremony"

…Lauren Woolstencroft

Highlights from the Dextro ITU in Sydney

2011-04-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kudos again to Paula for her great win to start the season...finally some video to share. Enjoy.

Findlay claims 2011 World Championship Series opener in Sydney from chainreactioncycles on Vimeo.

Paris - Roubaix or New Brunswick?

2011-04-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Judging from the "road" surface in this video, this could have been filmed in France or just as easily in NB...anyone who has been out for a ride lately knows what I mean. Very cool video regardless.

Paula Findlay wins GOLD in Australia

2011-04-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

Way to go Paula!!!

Canada’s Paula Findlay Wins Gold at Season-Opener of Triathlon World Championship Series in Australia

—Lauren (Groves) Campbell fights through crash on bike to finish 10th—

SYDNEY, Aus.—Canada’s Paula Findlay executed the opening race of the 2011 ITU Triathlon World Championship series to perfection by winning gold in Sydney, Australia on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Findlay, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2010 by winning her first two World Championship Series Races ever, captured number three on the same course Simon Whitfield struck his historic Olympic gold in 2000. Findlay sprinted ahead of the field to the finish to post a winning time of two hours, one minute, 21 seconds (2:01.21).

“This is amazing. It was unexpected again, but really exciting and so cool,” said Findlay, who finished fourth in last weekend’s World Cup race in Mooloolaba, Australia. “My contact fell out again so I raced half the day blinded so I think I need laser eye surgery or something. I didn’t feel comfortable until the run, but I held on and I am very happy.”

The red-headed Edmontonian was one of 66 women to dive into the waters of Farm Cove in the spectacular Sydney Harbour. Following the 1.5-kilometre swim, Findlay stayed out of trouble and avoided a any crashes while completing eight laps on the five-kilometre bike loop highlighted by stretches down the hilly Macquarie Street and the Cahill Expressway.

After a difficult second transition in front of the Sydney Opera House, Findlay bridged the gap with the lead pack of six athletes in the first lap of the 10-kilometre run. Dropping three athletes in the lead group, Findlay raced stride-for-stride with Chile’s Barbara Riveros Diaz and New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt into the bell lap. Findlay and Riveros Diaz pulled away from Hewitt with 600-metres to go, and raced alongside each other until the final 300-metres where the young Canuck pulled ahead, and sprinted down the finishing stretch to the gold medal.

“There were so many surges and girls running from the back up the hills. Those girls pushed me the whole way today. I wasn’t expecting to be able to outsprint Barbara today,” said Findlay, who has been training in Australia over the last month with coach Patrick Kelly. “She is so fit right now. I hung on as long as I could and was able to pull it out. I’m so thrilled.”

Riveros Diaz settled for the silver with a time of 2:01.24, while Hewitt rounded out the women’s podium in the bronze medal position at 2:01.29.

“Paula had a really good block of training on the sunshine coast in Caloundra leading into this race, and has good early season form,” said Patrick Kelly, coach of Paula Findlay. “She still has lots of work ahead of her and will continue to work to get faster as will the other women. This is a fantastic start.”

Findlay’s third World Championship Series victory continues a stellar start to her young career where she has competed in just four races on the elite triathlon circuit. After winning back-to-back in the first two races last year on the 2012 Olympic course in London, followed byKitzbuhel, Austria, Findlay wrapped up 2010 by finishing fifth in the GrandFinal in Budapest, Hungary last September. Findlay now trails Australia’s Emma Moffat, who has a total of four victories all-time on the World Championship Series winner’s list.

“Training has been going really well and I’m feeling good, but I still didn’t expect this,” said Findlay. “I have to keep training well. It’s a long season and I have to keep training well, but it is nice to get a win early. I think is important because it tells me I’m at the same level as I was last year.”

Three other Canadians also suited up for the season opener. Vancouver’s Lauren (Groves) Campbell kicked off her season with a 10th-place finish. The 2008 Olympian fought back after getting tangled up in a crash on the bike to get her way back into the top-10 with a time of 2:02.43. Montreal’s Kathy Tremblay finished 34th. Victoria’s Kirsten Sweetland crashed on the bike and did not finish the race.

Created in 2009, the ITU World Championship Series is an innovative series that has the world’s best triathletes to compete in eight races around the world. Starting in Sydney, athletes will also compete in Japan, Spain, Austria, Germany, England and Switzerland before the Grand Final in Beijing. The next stop of the series is slated for May 14 in Yokohoma, Japan.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medalsport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.

Complete World Championship Series Results (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run): www.triathlon.org

Top-Five Women’s and Canadian Results:

1. Paula Findlay, Edmonton, CAN, 2:01.21; 2. Barbara Riveros Diaz, CHI, 2:01.24; 3. Andrea Hewitt, NZL,2:01.29; 4. Carole Peon, FRA, 2:01.39; 5. Tomoko Sakimoto, JPN, 2:01.49.

Other Canadian Results:

10. Lauren (Groves) Campbell, Vancouver, 2:02.43; 34. Kathy Tremblay, Montreal;

DNF. Kirsten Sweetland, Victoria.

Reid and Rapp !

2011-04-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday Updates: Bring on the weekend!

2011-04-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, without jinxing things, hopefully that nasty storm we had last weekend was it and we are moving on to warmer weather and NO snowblowers or shovels in the near future...sheesh. Still a bit cool out there this week but at least the sun is shining and the snow is melting...time to shake off the rust and say goodbye to cabin fever.

Did anyone catch the excitement from the Oceanside 70.3 race recently? Simply great racing, no doubt about it. Stacked pro fields (and wicked amateurs as well of course), and VERY close finishing times for both the ladies and the gents. Carfrae had a tremendous run and pulled back a ton of time to take 1st. Big shout out to Canada's Magali Tisseyre for a hard fought third place on the podium. Andy Potts was first across the line followed shortly after by Rasmus Henning. The amazing Jordan Rapp raced to an amazing fifth place..gotta love that guy. Anyway, enough of my rambling, check out this wicked recap video for the highlights:

There's more great racing planned for this coming weekend with IM South Africa and the Texas 70.3 events...check out the 411 over at ironman.com.

(Slightly) closer to home, the Tour of the Battenkill takes place in upstate NY. This road race has become a HUGE event over the past few years, with great racing and over 2000 riders taking place on roads, dirt and more. Hell, pro cycling whipping boy Floyd Landis even raced it last year, but thankfully did NOT finish first. Rumor has it we have a few NB roadies heading down to race so best of luck to all.

And who can forget of course, "The Hell of the North"! That's right kids, one of the ultimate Spring Classics, Paris Roubaix is on tap for April 10. Yours truly plans to follow on line with updates, real time chat, and of course, a live stream of the event over at pavepavepave.com. Tom Boonen, the Belgian poster boy, 3 time winner, has, well..let's not sugar coat it, had his butt handed to him by Spartacus (Cancellara) last year who took off with 50km to go and left Tomeke napping at the back of the pack. Should be a fantastic race again this time around. The weather forecast is NOT calling for rain which totally sucks but who knows, weather is fickle, and the rain gods might bless us on Sunday.

Photo above courtesy of steephill.tv - check them out for detailed coverage, team lists, route maps, pics and videos of all the Classics. A rumor circulating out there right now is that a certain Tri NB ED is pulling for Hincapie to take the win (as are legions of other GH fans...yes, they exist). To me, that's like saying the Leafs will make the playoffs...no chance in hell!! The man has heart but the excuses and "bad luck" is starting to wear thin..still, he did take 6th place last weekend in Flanders! Go George go?

And finally, if road racing in Europe does not do it for ya, turn on CBC this weekend for the 2011 Dextro ITU race from Australia. The Canadian women will be out in full force, and Alistair Brownlee is racing as well in this season opener..bring it on!

Wednesday, April 6 2011 - CBC To Broadcast Opening World Championship Event
CBC To Broadcast Opening World Championship Series Event on Saturday

CBC will broadcast the opening race of 2011 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series and all of the world's best have come out to play.

The top-10 men in the world from 2010, including World Champion Javier Gomez (ESP), 2009 World Champion Alistair Brownlee (GBR) and 2008 Olympic champion Jan Frodeno (GER), are in Australia for the season opener.

In the women's field, nine out of the top-10 women from 2010, are ready to strut their stuff in Sydney. The women’s field will include Canadians: Paula Findlay, Lauren Groves, Kirsten Sweetland and Kathy Tremblay.

Defending champions Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) and Bevan Docherty (NZL) are also in the mix in what is set to be a thrilling opening race-day. As 2011 is an Olympic qualifying season in which every race has qualifying points on offer, the competition will be fast and furious from the start. Click here for full race preview

CBC Broadcast Schedule

Sat. Apr. 9 @ 21:20-00:00 ET LIVE

ITU TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ON CBC: Women's Triathlon- Sydney

Sat. Apr. 9 @ 00:00-02:25 ET LIVE

Should be a busy weekend all around, regardless. Hell, maybe you might even want to turn off the laptop or TV and actually get outside as well (heaven forbid). Peace.