Triathletes challenge themselves before nationals at Clermont (Fla.) races
3/6/2023 5:21:43 PM | Triathlon
Liberty University graduate Drew Thibault earned his pro card by placing eighth out of 89 contestants in the U25 National Development Race of Saturday’s Clermont (Fla.) Draft-Legal Challenge.
Thibault completed the 750-meter swim in Lake Louisa, and relatively flat 20-kilometer cycling stage and 5K run in 56 minutes, 54.1 seconds, crossing the finish line less than 2:20 after the winner. The top six place-winners were professionals.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Liberty Head Coach Heather Gollnick, noting there were only three pro cards available. “Drew, who is a tremendous runner, got off the bike and ran himself into position to earn one of (them). After (Mid-Atlantic) Conference (Championships at Smith Mountain Lake) we talked about this being the goal for him, so it is especially gratifying to see this come to fruition.”
It was only the second draft-legal race of Thibault’s career, which allowed triathletes to draft off other cyclists in a pack formation.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect (with) the addition of the Elite field to the EDR race, but it was an exciting race,” he said. “I got out of the water well and was happy with my swim, I was able to latch onto and work with the second draft pack and had enough on the run to chase down a half dozen guys to finish top 10. It was a great day and I’m so thankful for the support of my wife and my teammates this season.”
Flames graduate Giovanni Bianco placed 12th in 57.46.1 followed by senior Jack Pizor (46th in 1:03:11.9), junior JJ Bagans (49th in 1:03.35.7), senior Hayden Russell (55th in 1:06.00.8), senior David McCurdy (57th in 1:06:41), and freshman Kyle Sennett (60th in 1:07:17.9).
“For a freshman to do that race is an incredible feat,” said Gollnick, referencing Sennett’s performance. “He is a very skilled swimmer and biker, and he could have maybe won the age-group race.”
In the women’s draft-legal sprint, Lady Flames sophomore Bella Lang placed ninth out of 39 competitors — and first among collegiate triathletes — in Saturday’s age group draft-legal sprint in 38 minutes, 8.6 seconds, followed closely by junior Natalie Rowell (10th in 39:21.7) and fellow sophomore Leigh Anne Tannar (16th in 39:16.9).
“I had a really great time racing with all my teammates, and it was so cool to see everyone’s hard work and training come together,” Lang said. “Having the opportunity to showcase our God-given talents and give Christ the glory in the process is what it’s all about for this team.”
Sophomore Liz Brower placed 13th out of 69 competitors in Sunday’s women’s National Development Race, just 2:45 behind the overall winner in 1:06:10.5.
Complete results are available online.
“It was a great weekend of racing for Liberty Triathlon,” Gollnick said. “I am so proud of every one of our athletes, who have been working hard since their return from (winter) break with their sights set on this high-octane weekend of Draft Legal racing. This race is intense from the word ‘go’ and the competition was fierce. It is especially competitive being in the mix and racing in a field with several professional athletes.”
On the way down to Florida, the team stayed overnight on Jekyll Island, Ga.
“We start the next morning with a sunrise prayer and worship session on the beach,” Gollnick said, noting that sophomore Skylar Waechter, who would place 15th in 34.22.2 to pace the Flames in the men’s age-group sprint race, led the team in worship with his acoustic guitar soon after sunrise the next morning. “It is such a tremendous way to start the day and our trip.”
Liberty’s triathletes got in a quick swim, bike, and run session on the beach to prepare for the weekend’s races at Clermont.
“Letting the athletes do an open-water swim in the ocean just prior to the competition was a great help … and a blessing,” Gollnick said, noting water temperatures in Lynchburg have been too cold to train outdoors. “Any time you get to compete and get used to those pre-race nerves, is beneficial, especially since we hadn’t competed since October.”
The team and family and friends who traveled to support them enjoyed a dinner after the races on Saturday night.
“We love this time together,” Gollnick said. “It stresses the importance of family and that is what we see as one of the main and lasting traits of this team — to create a consistent support network where athletes support one another not only on the racecourse but in life. We are grateful to Club Sports and to Liberty University for the opportunity to travel and be Champions for Christ.”
The 22 Flames and Lady Flames qualifiers will now set their training focus on the April 14-16 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships at Lake Lanier, Ga., site of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games triathlon events.
“Nationals will be a lot more hilly so we’ll be doing hill repeats as well as track workouts,” Gollnick said. “We have a strong team and part of the reason why is they train really hard and have each other to train with. Our favorite part of the team is that they’re like a family.”
At nationals, Liberty will enter its top men’s and women’s athletes into Friday’s draft-legal sprint, before all will compete in Saturday’s Olympic-distance races and two from each team will enter Sunday’s mixed team super sprint relay.
By Ted Allen/Staff Writer
