SASKATOON – While many may have been out for a leisurely stroll in the sun over the long weekend, others were slapping on racing gear and competing against Canada’s top athletes.
“I’ve been getting in a lot of hard training and it was good to come out here and see where I stack up,” said Ironman World Championship podium finisher Jeff Symonds.
This is the first time Saskatchewan has hosted a triathlon event on a major series.
“When we decided to come to Saskatchewan, we had kind of a bidding war between Regina and Saskatoon … and both cities were so excited and welcoming, which was awesome,” said Subaru Western Triathlon Communications Coordinator Rachel Macatee.
One of the events featured “The Chase” format, which gave pro female athletes a head start.
“I’m really happy … I think it went really well, and the course is amazing. The people are really welcoming this sport in the region and encouraging us along the way,” said two-time Ironman podium finisher Magali Tisseyre.
Many of the 700 participants in today’s events were from out-of-town.
“It’s beautiful … you know, I’ve heard it’s the ‘Paris of the prairies'”, said National World Cup Team member Andrew Russell.
“It’s my first time in Saskatoon … and yeah, really liking it … it’s a nice vibe, got the Jazz festival down here, and the race has gone really well.”
Out of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series events, twenty-six age group athletes qualified to represent Canada in Edmonton next year for the 2014 World Triathlon Championships.
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