Potts Too Powerful in Canada
Andy Potts on the run earlier this year at Ironman 70.3 California (photo by B. Comiskey)
A little over a year after destroying the Ironman Coeur d’Alene field, Colorado’s Andy Potts is at it again. Over the weekend, the repeat fourth place Kona finisher won in a dominating fashion at Ironman Canada, sending the message that he will be tough to beat at the Ironman World Championships this fall.
After coming out of the water in 47:03, Potts enjoyed his two-minute cushion for a bit before throwing down the hammer on the bike. Even with a chase group that included Boulder’s Callum Millward, Potts seemed unfazed and put close to 13 minutes between himself and the group, making it ultimately impossible to catch him. With the fastest bike split of the day, 4:31:07, he was nearly 10 minutes faster than most of the field.
Starting the run, Potts looked to be in complete control as he seamlessly cruised along the marathon course while second place finisher Pedro Gomes and third place finisher Trevor Wuertele gave their best efforts to chip away at the enormous Potts lead. Thanks to his steady 2:58:19 run, Potts hit the finish line in 8:20:23 and claimed the crown with over seven minutes to spare.
Boulder veteran Justin Daerr was also impressive on the day finishing fourth in 8:38:12. Daerr turned in the third fastest marathon time of the day, 2:56:16, and proved once again that he is always a contender in any Ironman race. Boulder’s cupcake king, Callum Millward, unfortunately had to DNF on the day, but we look forward to his strong return to racing. Congrats to all of the Ironman Canada finishers!
Coloradans Come Through in Calgary
Boulder’s young gun, Sam Long, continues to impress as he took second this past weekend at Ironman 70.3 Calgary only a weekend after finishing second at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Beaver Creek. Long put in a solid day against a competitive field, turning in the second fastest run time with his 1:17:12, which helped him finish in an overall time of 3:50:41 behind winner Josh Amberger (3:40:52). Rounding out the men’s podium was Steve Mantell of Fort Collins. Mantell’s consistent effort all day long helped him hit the finisher’s tape in 3:51:59, not far behind the speedy Long.
Kevin Collington wins Challenge Iceland over the weekend (photo by Challenge)
On the women’s side, new Colorado resident Cait Snow made her presence known in Calgary with a strong fifth place finish in 4:19:11. Snow turned in the fastest run time of the day, 1:22:29, after turning in a swim time of 25:59 and a bike split of 2:27:44. Taking her first 70.3 win by a hair was Jennifer Spieldenner (4:14:49), followed by second place finisher Rachel McBride (4:14:53) and third place finisher Malindi Elmore (4:19:11).
Best of the Rest
Tyler Butterfield: 6th place Challenge Roth
Kevin Collington: 1st place Challenge Iceland
Tim Don: 4th place Challenge Iceland
Alicia Kaye: 3rd place Ironman Lake Placid
Justin Metzler: 3rd Challenge Iceland