Home› Races & Places 🏁⛺

2012 Inaugral AquaBike USAT National Championship Report

[Deleted User][Deleted User]
in Races & Places 🏁⛺

Last Sunday was the USAT Inaugral AquaBike National Championship that was held in Richmond, VA next to the James River. It was done in conjunction with the "I Love The Tavern" triathlon. I raced this to do a USAT sanctioned national race, and because I'm not doing much mileage yet on the run due to mid-rebuilding the PAP way. The timing was perfect.

The swim was 650 meters downstream in the James River that was 84 degrees, (I averaged a 1:30/100m). There was a short run to T1, then an "L" shaped bike route, 18.8 miles over mostly well paved roads. The first 1/3 is a gradual down hill, interrupted by a small hill in the first quarter, then a series of three building hills in the middle that culminates in a pretty steep final climb. (From my viewpoint anyway!)  Not sure of the grade, but it was a pretty slow go the final feet of it. Then flat for a few minutes with a U-turn and fly back down about 40mph! WhooHoo! The final third is a steady but gradual climb back up the hill we came down at the beginning-- then flat to the finish.

The weather was perfect, somewhat overcast, a little humid, but not too hot. People came from all over the country even for this short distance. We were assured by the USAT representative who handed out the rewards, that it will be longer in the future!

I was overall happy with my time of 1:08:11 and this was good enough to take first place in my age group (60-64). 2nd place was 10 minutes behind me. I now have a one line listing on the USAT front page press release for this race result.

Comments

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Woohoo! Nice work Sue! I'm glad to see USAT adding a National Championship series for AquaBike. Hopefully it gains some real traction in the future.
  • DanielaDaniela
    Nice job! And, thanks for the race report. If the drive wasn't as long, I would consider racing it (running is definitly my week sport). Did you have to qualify to race, or just register?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    @ Daniela - No qualification. That might change in the future, but for now--just register! I also did the Eagleman Mid-Atlantic AquaVelo (AquaBike) Regional Championship race a few weeks ago, and I just registered for that as well. The swim & bike were HIM distance.

    @ Nemo - Thanks! I also hope the AquaBike gains momentum and respect!
Sign In or Register to comment.