On a hot and sunny day in the Carribean, New York City resident and US National Team member Rebeccah Wassner dominated the 1st annual Nevis ITU Triathlon. Using the race as a tune up for next month’s US Olympic Team Trials, Wassner topped the field by nearly three minutes. She emerged from the 1500m swim in the calm waters of Gallows Bay with Chie Nakashima and Mariko Adachi of Japan. On the bike, a group of two formed up front, with Wassner leading Adachi around the hilly four lap course. A chase pack of four including two strong American riders, could only pick up about 20 seconds on the leaders and came into the final transition almost one minute back. Out on the run course, Wassner cruised to a 36:51 10k to pick up her first win of the season. Adachi hung on for second, with Jillian Petersen (USA) and Margie Shapiro (USA) placing 3rd and 4th respectively.
“I’ve worked very hard over the winter to improve my cycling strength, said Wassner. This race indicated that I’m right where I want to be looking ahead to next month’s trials. The race was very well organized and I look forward to coming back to Nevis to race next year.”
Rebeccah is one of 12 women competing in the Olympic selection event being held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 19, 2008. The winner of the race gets a spot on
the Beijing Olympic team.
2008 Nevis ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup, Saint Kitts and Nevis
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite Women Final results
1 Wassner, Rebeccah USA 01:59:32
2 Adachi, Mariko JPN 02:02:25
3 Petersen, Jillian USA 02:02:59
Click here for full field results
In the elite mens field, Francisco Serrano of Mexico won by a comfortable 17 seconds over American Kevin Collington. Fellow American Matt Chrabot came across for the bronze.
2008 Nevis ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup, Saint Kitts and Nevis
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite Men Final results
1 Serrano, Francisco MEX 01:50:41
2 Collington, Kevin USA 01:50:58
3 Chrabot, Matt USA 01:52:29
Click here for full field results
Click here for more information on the race
