The weather turned against the athletes and it poured and poured .. in fact even the moose were lining up in twos!!
Under the watchful eye of David Markham, ITU TD, the athletes were reminded to be extra cautious on the bike section as the previous week a few juniors had skidded on freshly-painted road markings. Thankfully everyone heeded this warning and was fine.
The Racing got off to a great start with defending world champion from the Czech Republic, Miroslav KRSEK and 2005 world silver medallist from Denmark, Morgens SORENSEN going flat out and leaving the rest of the wave way behind their performances set the tone for the day and despite the sometimes torrential rain and treacherous conditions, everyone raced to their utmost.
The huge Canadian contingent were well supported as they raced along the ups and downs of the run course and then out along the Humber Arm on the bike. The spectators, from around the world, made sure that all the athletes got cheered along the course but it was the depth and strength of Canada that took them to the top of the medal table in the Mens Race with a huge bag of 6 Golds, 2 Silvers and 3 Bronze. USA was hot on their heels but this was reversed in the Womens category with USA heading and Canada placing second. In the womens 45-49 yrs it was even a clean sweep for Canada !
Fastest time overall for the men was posted by the Brazilian athlete Jonas ROCHA in the 20-24 category an astonishing 1:54:04 saw him well ahead of everyone else. He was one of the 25-strong team from Brazil they came to enjoy the international buzz and will surely be leading the celebrations tomorrow night when they take their place on the podium.
In the womens race it was USAs Sarah KLODIN in the 25-29 category who posted 2:07:02 and the fastest time, second fastest went to another USA athlete, Suzanne HUELSTER in the next age group and Canadian Nancy BURDEN, in the 45-49 had third fastest.
An amazing defence of her title in the 70-74 category saw USAs Pat FOSSUM back to the top of the podium and beating several of the younger women on her way!
As the athletes finished, the sun began to shine. The hard-working volunteers from Corner Brook started to set up the Transition Area for tomorrows Elite, Junior and U 23 races and it has to be said that without their dedication this event would never succeed. A tremendous thank you to Janice, Denise, Allen and Mark from all who raced here !