2014 Beijing Triathlon - Sept. 13 & 14 - An Epic Event!
Over a thousand super athletes from 40 nations competed in the 3rd Annual Beijing International Triathlon held in Beijing's Fengtai District's beautiful Garden Expo Park last weekend to see who are the real-est Iron Men and Women of this year. The competition was fierce but everyone seemed to have a great time as the weather, organization and general spirit were all spot-on.
Friday evening there was a super-incredible-out-of-this-world banquet with more courses than can be imagined, included salads, beef, chicken, shrimp, vegies of all kinds, soups, friend rice and on and on for hours! It was mind-boggling; true Beijing style feasting at its finest. And, the company? A thousand of the world's top athletes gathered in one room - it was shining not just from the huge bright crystal chandeliers, but also from the brightest lights of the world's greatest sport champions.
Saturday morning started early for the Sprint Division, as about 181 earnest folks showed up. The sun broke through the clouds early, around 8:00 am so most competitors got to feel the sun on the balmy day. The water was smooth and just slightly cool - perfect for swimming. The waves of competitors flowed smoothly from water to transition to biking, transition and running with the precision of the world's finest chronometers. The course was challenging with some steep hills during in the bike race, but the lovely gardens and lush greenery soothed the eyes all the way. In the end, champions emerged - from the fastest to the slowest and all in between. It was beautiful to behold.
Sunday's Olympic distance competition was even grander as the pros hit the water, and moved through the courses like the Olympic champions many of them are. Again, it was beauty in motion from before the beginning to after the end.
In brief, Javier Gomez of Spain took the gold in the men's division for the second year in a row, and Australia's Ashleigh Gentle won first place in the women's.
Men
1. Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:55:32
2. Josh Amberger (AUS) 1:56:51
3. Greg Bennett (AUS) 1:57:28
Women
1. Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) 2:08:12
2. Ricarda Lusk (GER) 2:11:25
3. Laura Bennett (USA) 2:13:35
More complete results can be found at: http://www.beijinginternationaltriathlon.com/
Friday evening there was a super-incredible-out-of-this-world banquet with more courses than can be imagined, included salads, beef, chicken, shrimp, vegies of all kinds, soups, friend rice and on and on for hours! It was mind-boggling; true Beijing style feasting at its finest. And, the company? A thousand of the world's top athletes gathered in one room - it was shining not just from the huge bright crystal chandeliers, but also from the brightest lights of the world's greatest sport champions.
Saturday morning started early for the Sprint Division, as about 181 earnest folks showed up. The sun broke through the clouds early, around 8:00 am so most competitors got to feel the sun on the balmy day. The water was smooth and just slightly cool - perfect for swimming. The waves of competitors flowed smoothly from water to transition to biking, transition and running with the precision of the world's finest chronometers. The course was challenging with some steep hills during in the bike race, but the lovely gardens and lush greenery soothed the eyes all the way. In the end, champions emerged - from the fastest to the slowest and all in between. It was beautiful to behold.
Sunday's Olympic distance competition was even grander as the pros hit the water, and moved through the courses like the Olympic champions many of them are. Again, it was beauty in motion from before the beginning to after the end.
In brief, Javier Gomez of Spain took the gold in the men's division for the second year in a row, and Australia's Ashleigh Gentle won first place in the women's.
Men
1. Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:55:32
2. Josh Amberger (AUS) 1:56:51
3. Greg Bennett (AUS) 1:57:28
Women
1. Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) 2:08:12
2. Ricarda Lusk (GER) 2:11:25
3. Laura Bennett (USA) 2:13:35
More complete results can be found at: http://www.beijinginternationaltriathlon.com/