Posted: May 3, 2005

Triathlon: Lessing Wins Wildflower - Fuhr 2nd

Simon Lessing arrived at Lake San Antonio for the Wildflower Triathlon with a new ride (Javelin bike), a new glide (Ironman wetsuit), a new hide (Asics apparel) and, apparently, a new perspective on pacing Ironman races. Just by making it into the Wildflower transition area, the new equipment was already more successful than its predecessors as Simon had failed to start Wildflower both of the last two years due to last minute illness. The most often asked question of Simon last week was “Are you sick yet?”

No, Simon wasn’t sick but, colloquially speaking, his 2005 performance was. Simon ran down Torbjorn Sindballe near the 10-mile mark and became the first athlete in the long and storied history the race to break 4 hours (3:59:33) for the half Ironman distance. On the strength of his sport-best swimming, Simon is a trade mark front-runner so this race wasn’t vintage Lessing – except in the result. Laying off Sindballe’s torrid bike pace, Simon was content to let the race play out over the latter stages of the hard, hilly half-marathon run which he clocked in 1:13:38, reportedly a run course record. The full course record was held by Chris McCormack at 4:00:12 (2001).

Chris Legh, who returned to San Diego from Australia on Wednesday, finished a solid 5th place. Luke Bell arrived in San Diego the following day (Thursday), cut it too close for a Saturday race, and finished out of the top 10.

Heather Snaps Streak

After three straight 4th place Wildflower finishes (2001-2003), Heather Fuhr skipped the 2004 race. Her return to the race, that she won twice (1998 & 1999), was successful with one of her fastest times on this course and a second place behind Smantha McGlone’s near record setting effort.

Simon Lessing Notes

Simon’s new 2005 sponsors include: Tri Dubai Triathlon Team, Javelin Bikes, Asics Apparel, Ironman Wetsuits and Fizik Saddles. Simon continues his relationships with American InterBanc.com, Asics Footwear, CytoSport Nutrition, Mavic Wheels, Profile Design Components, Compex Sport USA, and Oakley Eyewear.

Simon’s 2005 race schedule includes: Disney World Half Ironman (22 May), Escape From Alcatraz (12 June), Ironman Coeur d Alene (June 26) and other races to be announced leading up to Ironman Kona.

Heather Fuhr Notes

Heather’s new 2005 sponsors include: Tri Dubai Triathlon Team, Zipp Wheels and Fizik Saddles. Heather continues her career long association with Saucony Footwear & Apparel as well her relationships with K2 Bikes, Ironman Nutrition, Oakley, Profile Design, and Xterra Wetsuits.

Tri Dubai athletes, including Heather, Peter Reid, and Chris Legh, along with a crew from multisports.com will be in Dubai this week staging clinics for the UAE’s endurance athletes.

Heather’s 2005 race schedule features just two full distance Ironman races: Ironman USA at Lake Placid and Ironman Kona…She starts the season #2 on the all-time Ironman win list with 13 Ironman Championships.

Chris Legh Notes

New 2005 Chris Legh sponsors include the Tri Dubai Triathlon Team and Fizik Saddles. Chris continues his relationships with American Interbanc.com, QR Bikes, Xterra Wetsuits, Profile Design Components, and Zipp Wheels. The successful and acclaimed Gatorade TV commercial featuring Chris Legh and Keith Jackson is being re-edited to a 30 second spot to facilitate additional airings. After returning from Dubai in mid-May, Chris will move his family, including new daughter, Jamison, from San Diego to his new home outside of Boulder.

2005 Jamba Juice Wildflower Triathlon. Lake San Antonio, California. April 30, 2005. (S 1.2 mi/B 56 mi/R 13.1 mi)

MEN: 
1. Simon Lessing (GBR) 3:59:33 (22:56\ 2:21:03\ 1:13:38)
2. Torbjorn Sindballe (Den) 4:01:16 (24:12\ 2:15:53\ 1:18:56)
3. Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 4:04:16 (23:14\ 2:21:16\ 1:18:16)
4. Normann Stadler (Ger) 4:05:07 (25:03\ 2:16:30\ 1:21:16)
5. Christopher Legh (Aus) 4:08:27 (24:36\ 2:23:20\ 1:18:37)

23. Luke Bell (Aus) 4:27:29

    Peter Reid (Can) DNF

WOMEN: 
1. Samantha McGlone (Can) 4:32:59 (26:16\ 2:40:34\ 1:24:14)
2. Heather Fuhr (Can) 4:43:38 (28:23\ 2:46:20\ 1:26:13)
3. Tina Walter (Ger) 4:45:55 
4. Kim Loeffler 4:48:20 
5. Charlene Waldner (Can) 4:48:36 

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