The University of Colorado triathlon team competed well in the Desert’s Edge race on Sunday, with six top ten finishers in the men’s and women’s events. The race took place in Fruita, CO.
Senior Team President Jesse Frank says the athletes were forced to battle some cold weather on Sunday.
“We had some interesting conditions,” Frank said. “We woke up and it was about 32 or 34 degrees, so it was pretty chilly in the morning. When we started, it was still cold, and the water was some of the coldest I’ve ever swam in. I think it was 42 or 44 degrees out, so it was not too pleasant.”
In spite of the weather, the Buffs managed to finish well. They gained much-needed points that count toward Nationals, which will be held in March.
Junior Brittany Warly came in second place for the women with a time of 2:28:09, followed by Rachael Lenz in fourth and Skyler Werner in sixth. Sophomore Dane Ballou placed fourth for the men in 2:09:03, followed by Julian Wheating in sixth and Eric Ebeling in seventh.
Wheating was among six athletes from Colorado to compete in their first—and rather unpleasant—triathlon with the Buffs.
“With the cold and windy day on the bikes, it was not an easy first triathlon,” Frank said. “People really had to adapt, and I’m proud of how we did.”
Head Coach Mike Ricci agreed that Desert’s Edge was a success for the Buffs.
“Overall, the team had impressive results,” Ricci said. “I don’t like to single anyone out when there were so many great performances.”
The team’s next race is scheduled for Oct. 19 in Henderson, Nevada at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. If the government shutdown is not resolved by then, the race may have to be postponed, as it would take place in a national park.
Regardless, the team will prepare for it like any other.
“I think we won’t have as many people go because it’s so far away,” sophomore Oliver Dansereau said. “It is a conference race, so we’re going to try to get as many people out there as possible to get points for Nationals.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Alissa Noe at Alissa.noe@colorado.edu.
