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Triathlon BC 2018 WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE Board of Directors RACE DIRECTOR ROUND UP: WHERE CHAIR BC SUPERSERIES 2018: WHY, WHAT, 2 ARE RACES IN BC AND ALBERTA 14 WHO Duncan Wood HEADED? SECRETARY MIXED TEAM RELAY: NEW OLYMPIC CANADA’S TOUGHEST OFF-ROAD Keith Iwasaki 5 TRIATHLON DISCIPLINE 2020 16 TRIATHLON? PERHAPS! TREASURER WELCOMING EVERYONE BACK TO Faith Wells THE KONA EXPERIENCE: THE VIEW 6 THE KELOWNA APPLE SANCTIONING 18 FROM UNCLE BILLY’S HOTEL Troyce Beglaw ESCAPE YOUR NORMAL: POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME: MEMBERS AT LARGE 8 SUPER LEAGUE PENTICTON 2018 DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO? Susie Ernsting 21 Kirk Lewis VAN ISLANDERS ON CANADA’S Larry Feagan 10 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES YOUR BEST TRAINING DAY: WHAT Clement Lim SQUAD 22 TO EAT, WHEN! Vicki Lundine NEW FOUNDATION, NEW VISION: PROVINCIAL COACH 12 TRIATHLON CANADA CEO KIM VAN Kelly Guest BRUGGEN

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Andrew Armstrong

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR 2018 SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO: Emily Vickery

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Allan Prazsky

Contact the Board of Directors at: [email protected]

CREDITS ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS FRONT COVER: Lauren Babineau, BC triathlete, laurenbabineau.com. Through our magazine, Member Update, Twitter feed and Facebook, Triathlon BC now touches over 10,000 athletes. Email [email protected] for rate card. Photo credit: Ken Babineau

Triathlon BC is the newsmagazine of Triathlon 2019 ADVERTISING RATES* GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION . Triathlon BC is a not-for- All submissions should be sent to Triathlon profit, sport governing body devoted to the Inside front/Inside back cover $1300 BC at [email protected]. promotion of the sport of triathlon in the Outside back cover $1800 Articles should not exceed 750 words Province of BC. Full page $600 (except with special permission). Spell-check and grammatical proofing are appreciated. 2/3 page $450 Layout and design by Monica Calderon Absolutely no vulgar or obscene language www.monicadesigns.ca 1/2 page $350 will be permitted. Triathlon BC is printed by Infigo Imaging, 1/3 page $300 Photos are invited (JPG, TIFF, EPS, PDF). 3820 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC V7B 0A2 1/6 page $200 and distributed in part through Canadian Business card $100 Triathlon BC retains the right to: Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 1. Edit articles to fit space requirements; *20% discount for purchasing four ads. #40063490. 2. Edit articles for spelling and grammar; NOTES: 3. Omit material deemed inappropriate by The opinions expressed in Triathlon BC are not Submit graphics/ads in PDF, EPS, TIFF, the editorial board. necessarily those of the Association. JPG. Submission of an article does not guarantee publication. Space restrictions 2019 submission deadline: February 28, 2019 prevent the publishing of all articles.

24 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2017 EDITOR’S MESSAGE baby foods squeeze packs, raisins, potatoes, then move onto bars. • If you’re going to eat aid station So many ways to race and Protein Power Ball Recipe food in races such as chips, Great for training and snacks too play! pretzels, breads, or bagels, practice eating these foods while It was fun putting this training as well so as not to upset 3 cups quick oats (not instant) issue together and learning your stomach. 1 cup peanut butter (any nut about the many activities • Practice with the drink calories butter or wow butter will work) that you will use during races. going on in triathlon across 1 cup whey, soy or pea protein Every race has a different drink powder the province and country. sponsor so if you planning on We cover adventures only using race day products it ½ cup craisins or raisins would be best to train on what with Desirae Ridenour ¼ cup chia they will be using. Otherwise, and Matt Sharpe who bring your own drinks and bladder 3 tbsp ground flax powder recently competed in the loaded with the fuel that works 3 tbsp honey best for your gut -- one that you Commonwealth Games in Joe Dixon (left) with athlete Martin Caron. We interviewed three race directors on changes, trends and have trained with. Some people Combine all ingredients in food processor or mixer. Add water until Australia, and look at new goals. New formats emerging, new ways to include fun, fitness *and* family were noted! are sensitive to fructose and mixture sticks together. Form into balls and place in Tupperwear in fridge styles of available get diarrhea or upset stomach or freezer. from it. If this is the case, try to those in BC via Super RACE DIRECTOR ROUND UP a drink made with glucose and League and Mixed Relay. (If maltodextrin. you don’t know what those • You will always run at an energy de cit state because you’re after the  rst hour so eat every my practice, I see most people under are, read on!) We’ve also Where are Races in BC burning more calories than 15 minutes to avoid crashing or consume vegetables and proteins. Try included a roundup with a stomach can consume during long bonking. Both dehydration and low to eat a whole food diet with lean few race directors across BC, and Alberta Headed? training day. Runners can burn up energy consumption are the top plant or animal based proteins (1 to 600-1000cal/hr or more if on a reasons for performance declines gram /kg body weight),5-6 servings covering the things they’ve Lara Spence, [email protected] long bike ride. in training and on race day. daily of vegetables, 2 or 3 fruit noticed with racers needs • If you get stomach upset, nausea, servings per day, 2 dairy or non- Post-training meal: and wants, a piece on a e were thrilled to speak to What are the biggest changes vomiting, bloating or gas while dairy calcium choices, some high three race directors, gathering you’ve seen in the last 5 years, in and have trouble eating, • Within 15 minutes post exercise fibre whole grains such as bran, chia, new CX race on W geographically diverse perspectives triathlon races? there is a new carbohydrate you want to eat 200-300 calories hemp, flax, and healthy unsaturated Island, and an update from on changes in triathlon of late, and product on the market called mostly carbohydrate based with fats 2-3tbsp total/day from oils such JOE: We’ve seen a few changes to where things are headed in BC and Maurten. It is maltodextrin and a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 carbs to as, olive oil, flax, or MCT oils. Healthy Triathlon Canada’s new CEO the schedules in BC and Alberta for Alberta! fructose combination that is protein ratio. E.g. 10g protein and fatty foods to include fatty fish like Kim Van Bruggen, who is both Standard and Half Iron races converted into a hydrogel in the 30-40g carbohydrates. wild salmon or halibut, sardines, Contributors were: and especially with the move to the working with her team to stomach and transports into the • Within 30 minutes post training avocados, walnuts, almonds. Limit end of July date for IMC. We have intestines where it is absorbed (especially 2hr or more or hard hard margarine, lard, butter and bring forth the vision of • Joe Dixon, owner of Dynamic seen a number of long standing road without stomach upset or nausea. days) you want to have 10-20g shortening. Limit sugar in all forms One Leaf, Three Sports, No Events, an independently owned triathlons such as Nelson, Squamish, A few of my clients have tried protein after the workout to help in foods to avoid health problems. I race production company that Peachland , Prince George, Limits. this and found it helpful. Because with muscle recovery. believe very much in following an stages a five race triathlon Crescent Beach no longer being Maurten does not breakdown in • Examples of foods: turkey bagels, anti-inflammatory diet, to avoid and Read on, and enjoy your series with events in the South produced and others taking a year or the stomach, you can consume wraps, baked potato with cheese, reduce health problems. □ Okanagan, Fraser Valley & two hiatus like the Apple or the Delta training and racing! more calories per hour using it as bagel and peanut butter, 3 energy Vancouver Island triathlon, due to road construction. For more information on sport nutrition or your only carlorie source. balls, pancakes, French toast, if you have clinical/health related issues, With the proliferation of races offering contact Tracey at [email protected] or • James (Jamie) Maxwell, Race • Eat before you’re hungry and drink yoghurt with granola and banana, 604-785-3039 (call/text). Tracey Mager has prize money south of the border, I before you’re thirsty. If you’re milk. Lara Spence Director Dawson Creek Triathlon, been competing in triathlons since 1994 and think we are seeing less pros racing Editor manager Greasy Chains waiting to be thirsty or hungry It is also important to be mindful of raced at Ironman Kona in 1997, and World Du events in the middle part of their Club, BC Summer Games coach before you consume anything, how you eat the rest of the time as championships in Cozumel in 1999. careers at local events. It’s too bad you are waiting too long. You are well. You cannot expect your body to • Stephen Bourdeau, General because pros encourage and inspire already dehydrated when the perform the way you want if you only Manager of the and are ambassadors for the sport thirst mechanism kicks in. As well, eating processed or fast foods. In Series Edmonton. locally. Also, with so many people you are running in a calorie de cit

2 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 23 now having raced at other events Has anything surprised you? What have you seen changing out there such as running or Tough within the participating Best Training Days: STEPHEN: I’ve been surprised that Mudders and so on, athletes want populations? the sport has not yet seen youth more value for their race dollar, participation grow much over the last JOE: A bit of a shift in distances raced. including race schwag and post-race 15 years. I don’t know the reason From raising kids, to helping with What to Eat, When experiences. either. It may be at a club, race or aging parents, to trying to just fit it Tracey Mager, RD, M.Sc., [email protected] STEPHEN: The biggest change I’ve coach level. In Edmonton, where I all in, we have seen a rise in shorter seen in the last five years has been live, it is still the same three youth distance racing, which had been on the proliferation of new formats. More clubs that were around 10 years ago the decrease at several events. With ome people are confused about relays, super sprints, draft-legal, AG and none of them have grown much the series, we’ve noticed athletes what to eat on a training day, dur- S elites, aqua bikes, swim-runs and at all. I think for any sport, a strong recognizing each other at different ing training, or after training. so on. Many of these are new and youth system is paramount to feed races and having these great race Some people maybe take short cuts inviting formats that make multi sport and grow the participant base. experiences on course and then post- and don’t properly eat after training more appealing to many, especially race visiting and making introductions JAMIE: Interesting! I’ve noticed that (this inhibits recovery). For many, youth. I’ve also seen a lot of long-time and friendships that translate to Kids of Steel racing is on the rise in the biggest challenge is dealing with triathletes moving out of traditional homestays and post-race gatherings. the Northeast. Prince George offers tummy troubles on long training triathlons as they try to find new Cool to see! a Youth race as a main event, and in days (and race days too). Here are experiences and challenge themselves the Dawson Creek race, 25% of the JAMIE: I’m helping cultivate interest some tips on how to eat properly for in new ways. This is important for athletes have been Youth racers. in local community triathlon. I myself training and avoid food-related pain race directors as many triathletes get got swept up in Half IM and IM racing and discomfort. into the sport to challenge themselves JOE: I think with that athletes who 2010-2012, but, a combination of personally and physically, so if its the have raced at some serious events are Overall, your goal should be to injury and the chance to coach BC same over and over again, they are less likely to race smaller, independent consume a healthy whole food Summer Games athletes and meet going to look elsewhere. club races than in the “old days” when diet with a macro ratio of 55% youth coaches and race organizers the calendar was less full which I think carbohydrates, 25% protein and 20% JAMIE: I have noticed some race led me back to the need for small is very unfortunate. Many triathletes fat. organizers catering to a wider range local community triathlon. I believe picking an “A” race and deciding not of training and ability. For example, they are foundational for our sport. to race at all elsewhere for the season Great White North (Stoney Plain AB) A triathlon in your home community, Pre-training meal: at least 2 isn’t healthy in my opinion for our was a Half Iron Distance race for a in a pool you know, on roads and hours before training (works sport in future. I’m always surprised long time and now the race organizer trails that are your own is a low risk to hear athletes bemoan the loss of for racing too!) is offering a Standard distance event. Community triathlon can be local races and then when asked when • Have 2-3 glasses of water when and Aquabike. This is good in that both a positive, rewarding experience they last volunteered or raced there to you get up. Then have your beginning racers can experience at any phase of life and a gateway support it, they can’t remember. meal. You want your breakfast open water and a big race drug that may lead to more serious to be mostly carbohydrate based, and not have to sign up and train What participation changes have pursuit of longer distance events in because too much protein or fat for a Half. I’ve been thrilled to notice you seen in Age Groups? places further from your home. I will slow the absorption. Fruits, XTERRA/Cross Triathlon - this new JOE: I’m seeing less 19-24 athletes at have always found triathlon to be oatmeal, low  bre cereal, bagel, format opportunity thrills me. I’ve races like WCOC, Elk Lake and Cultus, filled with an infectious enthusiasm waf es, French toast or toast and bought a mountain bike and want to but growth in 30+ age groups. Stoked and positivity. nut butter are good examples. A try Cross. to see Youth numbers out there going What “must do’s” do you and the small amount of protein (under 10 What’s the deal with Aquabike? strong! team have on the list for 2018, g) is OK. Best to avoid too much 2020?  bre, dairy, protein or fat. Do not JOE: Our Aquabike numbers have STEPHEN: I see many age groups overeat. been increasing steadily since we trying out new formats and looking for STEPHEN: As we begin building introduced the distance and I believe unique racing experiences. towards hosting the 2020 Grand Photo by Clique Images During training: After the first we offer it at three out of five of our JAMIE: More participation in relays, Final, we have set a number of hour venues at this point. A few triathletes meaning that families and groups of priorities and goals. These mostly tell me that just can’t run like they revolve around building the triathlon • Hydration: water every 15 minutes • Energy: you want to start • You want to calculate calories friends can be part of the triathlon used to. Aquabike is for athletes community through youth, school and alternating with sport drink consuming calories at 1:10 -1:15 based on everything you eat and experience at a comfortable level. that want to race and have a full public participation. We’ll be focusing or just water or an electrolyte into the run. For smaller runners drink in that hour. Among the serious training types, I schedule but know the 21km run off on the user experience of our athletes replacement (e.g. Nuun) each hour your gut can handle approximately • You need to train your gut to run see more 20-30 year olds and late the bike will be too much for the legs. and looking for ways to provide an maybe more if very hot outside 200 calories /hr, for larger runners and eat by practicing this every age groupers (+50) who, like me, up to 250cal/hr. If well practiced training run. Start by using easy Participants can swim and ride hard have found the training regimen for easy, safe and memorable experience and you sweat a lot. from our event. at running and eating you may be to digest foods like gels, chews, and still pick up their training block triathlon to be a health promoting, (Continued next page) able to consume up to 300cal/hr. maltodextrin powders, banana, the following week without needing a energizing experience in itself. lot of recovery.

22 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 3 JOE: We’re constantly trying to make Two ITU races this summer in heavily used just getting through the A successful treatment plan is or annually if you have had a previous the experience better at each event. We’ve had site Canada - excellent! Is it our good next 24 hours! The days of “shaking individualized and based on the significant concussion. We’ve signed with Odyssey Medical to kind weather, good kind people, it off and powering through” are results of all these factors. Several therapists at West 4th make medical coverage even better at safe and friendly? fortunately long gone. That leads to photographers Every triathlete and cyclist should Physiotherapy have undergone extra each event. We’ve added breakfasts delays in recovery and sometimes STEPHEN: Canada has always been do a pre-season concussion baseline training in Baseline testing and Post post-race at three races so athletes dangerous secondary injuries. A taking photos for at the forefront of the triathlon world. test as is routinely done for contact concussion management. Hopefully can eat with their friends and families. second injury sustained on top of an The ITU headquarters were here for sports. The best treatment outcomes you don’t need us but if you do This allows us to put even more athletes to download incomplete recovery very occasionally many years and there are many key are achieved when we know the Lauren Macauley, Marj Belot and Matt money into local service groups like blooms into an acute brain swelling players in the international scene that abilities ahead of a concussion and Powell are able to help with recovery the Central Saanich Lions Club that the last three which can be fatal. This Second are from Canada. Patrice and Sheila have pre-injury measurements to if it becomes necessary. come out at Elk Lake and cook for 600 Injury Syndrome (SIS) is rare and seasons and that have both given so much to this sport compare against. Comprehensive people on race day. catastrophic all at once. Stay safe everyone, keep the rubber over the years and it is awesome to baseline testing is done at West 4th side down and enjoy the season! □ In Oliver last year we had a beer has been a success. see triathlon playing a leading role Your health professional will help you Physiotherapy and takes around an garden and catered BBQ lunch for - Joe Dixon in hosting. When you couple that figure out a schedule that works for hour to complete. It can be covered Matt Powell is owner and physiotherapist at athletes and their families, with with our supportive communities, you in the early stages and will keep by extended health benefits. We West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic, Vancouver BC. See more at west4thphysio.com. the first beer on us. It was a huge governments, volunteers and you away from further harm. recommend retesting every 2 years success! For 2018 we will be having dedicated champions, it is no wonder What do you see as the biggest It will look something like this: beer and cider available all afternoon. changes that will occur in racing we are able to host so many great Feedback was good for our privately- in BC and Alberta over the next 5 international events each year. • Minimize computer use to short labelled Podium Blonde Ale and periods of 15 minutes max. Try to years? Stephen, what insight can you etched beer glasses. We are looking stay off your phone. JOE: I think we’re seeing a bit of provide on Edmonton’s selection to add this feature to Cultus Lake as • Keep to calm environments. Avoid attrition with some races sold, folding, for WTS? (Course potential, well. Our post-race campground bash busy social and work situations. being taken over by a new organizing ease to travel to, supporting at Oliver last year saw a lot of race Yes, you may need some time committees. Some of these races have infrastructure?) stories shared, a ton of laughs, and a off work or you may miss some had the same core volunteers for 20-30 foolish attempt by a few brave souls STEPHEN: What you mention is all classes but you will not be sitting years, many who really helped grow the to empty the Keg we brought over true. We are so very lucky in triathlon at home in the dark for weeks on sport, but changes are inevitable. from the finish. to have such a supportive municipality, end. We’re seeing a bit of corporate burn- province, corporate community and • Steady pacing of daily activities. We plan to add Facebook Live coverage out for some the Ironman races and volunteer base to host this event Spread the responsibilities of swim starts and finishes and drone athletes choosing to race closer to each year. It’s a gift for the sport in throughout the day and rest often. coverage of the swim. We’ve had home, so I think it will be interesting to our country to have a community like • Avoid alcohol or other drugs site photographers taking photos for see if athletes begin to travel to get to this behind us. All the international unless prescribed by your athletes to download the last three races. I think it will be interesting to see races in Canada provide a fantastic physician. seasons and that has been a success what happens with long course racing. opportunity for our athletes to develop, • Light exercise such as walking and now we’re looking at having event I think we might see some changes as spectate and learn. I have worked for is usually well tolerated but this video shot at a couple races to start this to what options are remaining and it ITU in the past and I know Edmonton doesn’t include running and year and have that for athletes to view. will be interesting to see if long course is a role model for hosting and it cycling until symptoms are well JAMIE: Because Dawson Creek racing ever returns to the Okanagan. was always the hope to find more settled. hadn’t seen a lot of youth triathlon “Edmonton’s” out there. We take great I really encourage people to support opportunities, we thought starting pride in hosting this event, making independent races, not just because Follow the guidelines of your health a community triathlon that included sure our participants have a great I am an independent race series professional for increasing physical Youth racing was a good place to experience. □ director, but because I see the risk and mental activity for your best start. Our 3rd year in and we are still that the choices on the race calendar chance at full recovery in the shortest in the process of building the perfect will be narrowed down with less time. event. We’d like a larger number participation, which I don’t think is of Executive members. Someone Unfortunately, a percentage of good for triathlon in Western Canada. needs to learn the details of running concussion injuries (10-20%) our event, for example running the STEPHEN: I see new format races continue on to have lingering timing system. Our course should really becoming popular and providing symptoms (called Post concussion accommodate Paratriathletes, and it athletes with a new challenge. syndrome) and these have a lot will be very interesting to attract Para of variables in the mix, so every racers to Dawson Creek and work concussion is truly unique. A careful with them to make it happen. assessment will include Vision, Eye motions, Balance, Emotional state and a Cognitive/Thinking component.

4 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 21 MIXED TEAM RELAY New Olympic Triathlon Discipline 2020 Lara Spence, Editor, [email protected]

e’re covering lots of new race for- wmats in this issue, as well as new directions. A big part of triathlon future Will I know if someone will be Mixed Relay! is concussed? What is Mixed Team Relay? Mixed Team Relay triathlon is racing at You may not know straight away. its most thrilling, where The adrenalin of an accident, the blends into team sport. This innovative shock of a traumatic situation is format, created by the ITU and also initially distracting to everyone. known as 4XMixed Relay, comprises If the worst happens and you of two men and two women each suspect a concussion in yourself completing a “mini” triathlon before or a friend, take heed of the tagging off to a teammate. The relay following signs. begins when a teammate completes a Call for medical attention if: 300m swim, 6.6km bike and 1.km run • There was loss of course and then tags off in a female- consciousness, even male-female-male order. Some of the momentary. most exciting moments in the race • A change in mental state. include watching athletes run and dive Confusion? Irritable? into the water after being tagged by Lack of awareness of the their previous teammate. There’s non- surroundings? Ask them Post Concussion Syndrome stop speed from start to finish, and the some simple questions. What Matt Powell, Dip. Physiotherapy NZ, [email protected] tight back and forth lead changes that Desirae Ridenour, checking goggles, at the ready during the April 7, 2018 Mixed Relay at the is the date? What time is it often occur are very entertaining. Commonwealth Games. Desirae moved Canada into 4th during her race. Photo credit: Delly Carr/ITU. oncussion is increasingly in the After an accident the helmet now? Where is our ride going First ITU Mixed Relay: 2009 today? They should be able to news and with good reason. may show impact damage, but a Canada 4th at Commonwealth and fifth at the first handoff. Canada CBetter research methods and wider concussion can occur even without answer calmly and correctly. The first ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay Games Mixed Relay April 2018 remained fifth after the second leg by recognition of the seriousness of this this. Newer helmet designs use World Championships was held in Des Tyler Mislawchuk of Oak Bluff, Man. • A severe or increasing There was a Mixed Team Relay on form of brain injury is forcing a major the MIPS system (Multi-Directional Moines, Iowa, USA in 2009. Switzerland Desirae Ridenour of Cowichan, B.C., headache, double vision April 7, 2018, at the Commonwealth rethink of best practice management. Impact Protection System) to help won. pulled Canada back to fourth but New and/or deteriorating Games in Australia, and Canada protect from the rotational forces Zealand’s Tayler Reid, who started the consciousness are all red What is concussion? In 2013, the World Championships finished 4th behind Australia, England encountered during a fall. They are an final leg with a five second lead, held  ags meaning get medical were hosted in , Germany, and New Zealand (Canada just 7 It is a brain injury plain and simple. excellent advancement in protection off Matt Sharpe of Victoria for the help quickly. and they’ve been hosted there ever seconds behind). Impact to, or rapid movement of the (but still no substitute for good bronze. since. 2018 will be the sixth straight If a concussion is suspected, then head means the brain gets bounced decision making! It’s not much fun In this race, each member of the year, and the race occurs July 14+15, Next Mixed Relay in Canada? that person is done for the day. or whipped around inside the vault of knowing you had the right of way if 4-person female-male-female- 2018. If in doubt, sit them out. the skull. It is a common occurrence you are also badly injured). male team completed a 250-metre One of the next opportunities for in contact sports but is a risk factor After the sport was introduced, the swim, seven-kilometre bike ride and Canadians on the high performance Either help them home or call The Good News their contact (you know you in our sports of triathlon and cycling format was adopted globally. Mixed 1.5-kilometre run. Each team member pathway to race Mixed Relay are at should all have one) and stay especially as part of an accident. With proper management after a Team Relay has been included in races for about 19 minutes. the CAMTRI Mixed Relay Continental concussion is confirmed, most cases the Youth and Cup Toronto, Canada’s Mixed Relay on site with them until they are What happens? Australia won in 1:17:36, then picked up. Remember it’s not only make significant progress within Commonwealth Games. National Champs, July 22nd, 2018. The velocity and impact cause a England 1:18:28, then New Zealand the right thing to do, it might be the first 3 weeks. Recovery of the This is one of many races across traumatic momentary change in Welcome, Tokyo 2020 one minute behind England. you one day needing the help. damaged areas is energy intensive the country on the podium pathway, brain shape which can stretch and in the brain, so it is important to In 2017, it was officially announced Canada’s Joanna Brown of Carp, where youth gain draft-legal Make sure someone follows up compress brain tissue. Damaged not push hard either mentally or that Triathlon Mixed Team Relay would Ontario, who won bronze in the experience at increasingly competitive with the injured person that areas have a much harder time physically during early recovery. The make its Olympic debut as an official women’s sprint triathlon earlier in levels from regional to national. □ evening and the next day. performing their usual functions until extra metabolic resources in your sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic the week, was third out of the water they recover. amazing brain are already being Games.

20 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 5 earth people. Super focused, and driven, but still people. On race day, there was no better spot to be than on Ali’I. On the sea wall looking over the bay, there was a moment of stillness as the crowd held its collective breath, then the cannon sounded, and the historic Kona bay turned into a washing machine as the world’s greatest launched the first wave. After the lead swimmers made the turn, it was a quick jog over to the chute where athletes came zooming out of T1, still shedding water and trying to get clipped in. It was especially thrilling to watch Kona rookie Josh Amberger come zooming out first and lead the bike for upwards of 40 miles, wearing his gold Boost Pro helmet. After the stream of athletes coming out of the water subsided, I For anyone looking found my way around the corner to Umekes, the BEST poke on the to experience the island, to grab lunch. Then it was a matter of waiting for the world’s best heart of Kona, Uncle to come running down the legendary road. Spectators lined the pavement, Billy’s historic hotel stretching out their hands for a high Members of the Local Organizing Committee five from Tim Reed, or . provides a real taste celebrating the conclusion of 10 day ITU Multisport The wall outside Uncle Billy’s made of the island. The World Champs in Penticton, 2017. for a perfect vantage point for photos, catching athletes with expressions staff is friendly and ranging from ecstatic, to strained, to determined, all in the final miles. You hard working, striving Welcoming Everyone Back to Kelowna could hear the roar from the finish line for miles, and it was challenging to accommodate Susie Ernsting, MBA, [email protected] to make my way through the press of people to see Sarah Crowley cross the triathletes and other line, but well worth it. guests alike. How did you get involved with Triathlon. The Apple decided to take One of the most magical experiences Editor’s Note: We were Athletes and guests mingle and enjoy the Kelowna Apple? a year off in order to support the I had was the finish line at midnight – thrilled to see the Kelowna World Championships in Penticton people who have literally been moving hospitality at Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel. The Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society Apple return to the BC and brought us on to lead the race in for 16 hours make their way up the reached out to us in the fall of 2016 2018. We are thrilled to be working carpet, their final steps urged onward For anyone looking to experience popular food spots like Pine Tree race calendar for 2018. We when they were searching for a with such a long standing event that by the fans around them. It’s special, the heart of Kona, this historic hotel Café and Punaluu Bakery, or getting new Race Director. We started off reached out to new race has a true passion for the sport. uplifting, and overwhelming. provides a real taste of the island. out onto a deep sea rig, like the conversation discussing our The simple joy and spirit of The staff is friendly and hard working, Bomboy’s Toy. In reflection, Ironman directors Susie and Mark business (M1 Sports Management) Where do you live? How often competition in Kona makes it a special and they strive to accommodate is not what makes the island special – and how we support a variety of place. But there’s a lot of downtime, triathletes and other guests alike. it may be what draws thousands of us Ernsting to  nd out what events across Canada. At the time, I are you in Kelowna? where you’re waiting for the next Guests that make reservations for the there every year, but what makes the they have in store for the had already committed to being the We have lived in North Vancouver for event, and where you stay is a key big week can have their bikes shipped experience phenomenal is the people. Race Director for the ITU Multisport the past 11 years after living in the event! part of the Kona experience. Uncle to the hotel, and the hotel has a World Championships in Penticton USA. That being said, I travel monthly The 2018 IRONMAN® World Billy’s Kona Hotel was an oasis – the massive parking lot to accommodate that summer which would conflict to Kelowna as we prepare for the Championship is Saturday, October right balance of being in the middle everyone. Beyond race week, those with the 2017 date of the Apple Apple Triathlon. 13th. □ of the action and a peaceful retreat. in the know recommend exploring

6 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 19 What’s your racing / working in racing background? The Kona Experience Mark and I have a long history in event management. Mark runs the H Notes From Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel & R Block Pro cycling team, and Mark also organizes the Gastown Grand Prix Simone Cordery-Cotter, and a number of other cycling events. Director of Public Relations, Rudy Project Mark and I also have a long history as athletes and working in sports management. I was a competitive swimmer and spent seven years in the USA racing and coaching, while Mark was a professional cyclist and 10-time National Champion. We met while both working in West Virginia (of all places!) and decided that we both missed Canada and decided to head to North Vancouver where Mark grew up. Mark started the business in 2007 and as the company grew, I joined up full-time in 2012.

We oversee a variety of areas in the Susie Ernsting (middle, Race Director) with (left) Susan Robinson (Director Special Events) + Cathy Chris Prater, Ally Prater, sports world from helping companies Walker (Director of Operations), Members of the ITU World Multisport Local Organizing Committee, Brandon Franco at the market their product/services Penticton, 2017. Rudy Project Village at through sport, event management, Uncle Billy’s. team management and athlete representation. What are you most excited on Bernard Ave with a view of the All photos: Rudy North America. about / most terrified about? iconic sails and Okanagan Lake just Over the past ten years, we have like the inaugural event in 1983. We overseen a variety of events across The Apple Triathlon is an important will have a new courses for both the the country, focusing primarily on piece of triathlon history and we Saturday and Sunday events that we ’ll admit, when I began working for cruised up and down Ali’I Drive cycling, triathlon and running events. are honoured to continue on the feel will be challenging and fun for the IRudy Project, I didn’t fully under- on their bikes, more were running Some of our bigger projects include success of the event. Over the past athletes while also offering them all stand the appeal of Kona. People I down the sidewalks, people are overseeing all of BC Superweek 35 years, the event has seen some of the best Kelowna has to offer. talked to, athletes and representa- everywhere even at 7 in the morning (including Gastown Grand Prix) as the best triathletes in the world race tives of brands alike, talked about (prime training time is bright and well as owning/operating the H&R on the streets of Kelowna. For 2018 How many people do you the event like it was the holy grail early, before the heat sets in). In the Block Pro Cycling Team. we are excited to host the Triathlon of triathlon. I didn’t go the first year protective semi-circle of the Kona Canada National Championships and expect to race in 2018 in the I worked at Rudy Project, so like Bay Hotel, the Rudy Project Village is Will Mark still do Gastown the ITU CAMTRI American Cup. We various race categories? are happy to welcome back everyone many fans, I lived vicariously through a microcosm of triathlon – we select stuff? How will he manage all One of the great mandates of the friends and athletes on social media apparel, , skincare, and bike to Kelowna this August. these fun projects? event is that we offer a race for and watched the NBC broadcast as brands to display their latest and everyone! Over two days we offer our very own , the greatest next to us in our own event At M1, we excel at building a team Race venue changes? Course races for kids, youth/juniors, elites, first American female to podium in venue. Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel is for each project we undertake. This changes? paratriathletes and adults (from over a decade, took third. The thrill of a fixture – the hotel has stood along patio of the hotel turns into a hive of allows us to take on many projects beginners to elites). We are on track For 2018, we are going retro! For Kona didn’t truly hit me until I went in Ali’I Drive for over 50 years and is activity – professional athletes come each year. Most of these projects take to host over 1000 athletes from across a variety of reason, we were required 2017 and saw it for myself, situated a family affair (Uncle Billy himself by to talk to sponsors, former world place in the summer months, however Canada for this year’s event. □ to make some course changes from at the heart of the action in the Rudy has since passed on, but his family champions stop for a coffee, and they require year long planning in the 2016 course and venue. After For more information, contact Susie at Project Village at Uncle Billy’s Kona carries the tradition forward). It’s a everyone turns out to see the latest order to execute successfully. working with the City of Kelowna and 604 306 4111. You can follow M1 Sports Bay Hotel on Ali’I Drive. community fixture; the annual Undie and greatest from Rudy Project, the Management at www.misportsmanagement. Run makes the final loop through area stakeholders, we are excited to The first morning was a whole new number one helmet in Kona. For me com. Uncle Billy’s driveway, and the final bring the event back to its original world, and it was a simple thing personally it was incredible - athletes few miles of the come venue in the heart of downtown to sit on my 4th floor balcony and I had been writing about for a year directly in front of the hotel. The Kelowna. The finish line will be right watch everyone go by - triathletes were flesh and blood, and the beauty week leading up to race day, the front of triathlon is that they’re down to

18 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 7 SUPER LEAGUE PENTICTON 2018 Welcome to Dodge City magnitude, one enthusiastic rookie The unofficial epicentre of Vancouver race director (but avid cross triathlete) Island trail sports, the rugged hills decided to rise to the challenge. Escape Your Normal and verdant rainforest overlooking the That enthusiasm has proven infectious, Village of Cumberland feature more Lara Spence, [email protected] as Dodge City X has grown from an than 80 kilometres of world-class envisioned to a full-fledged singletrack ranging from fast and cross triathlon, with positive buzz and flowy to rugged and gnarly. eager anticipation spreading from Carved primarily through working Cumberland throughout Vancouver forest, this trail network is accessible Island and the Lower Mainland. It’s thanks to an innovative partnership also led to the creation of a new non- between landowners and the profit organization, Steam Donkey community. Until the recent signing of Racing, which is organizing the race a formal land use agreement, however, in partnership with local coaching the local trails were required to remain company PACE Multisport. Net proceeds a Cumberland state secret. Now that from the event will be shared with the secret is out, the village plays host Photos by Sarah Seads another local organization, the United to several mountain bike and trail run Riders of Cumberland (UROC), which races each year, as well as an annual Post-race festivities are expected to maintains and manages access to adventure race. Cross triathlon, it feature music, awards and countless Cumberland’s trail network. seems, is the next logical step for this tales from the trails as memories Although the Comox Valley has never formerly unknown community that’s are solidified and new, sweat-forged hosted a cross triathlon event, it’s quickly become the talk of the trail friendships are ignited. While race produced well more than its share of across the Pacific Northwest. volunteers dutifully ferry swim gear world-class cross triathletes. Thanks and other belongings from T1 at the Cumberland, which has grown at in large part to the training afforded oes the thought of training for rounds. It’s not about just winning - doing the same race with no changes lake to the finish area, the athletes a rate nearly twice the provincial by Cumberland’s hilly, highly technical and doing a 3.5 hour bike-as- it’s about pacing and strategy to stay 20+ years in a row.” themselves are simply expected to D average since 2011, is suddenly one terrain, the community is home to fast-as-you-can-bike segment in a tri safely in position to make it through relish in the best of what Cumberland, Super League Penticton will be of the hippest, most chill trail towns no fewer than five age-groupers who or shuffle-running a dozen miles at to the next round. The next obvious BC is all about. exciting for age group athletes in B.C. It’s an eclectic community have represented Canada at world Ironman-shuffle-pace leave you a bit question was: “How do we bring and pros, and the two groups will of free-spirited individuals, where Birth of a Legend championship cross triathlon events, tired and uninspired? Super League to the masses?” enjoy the racing in slightly different the ghosts of long-forgotten coal including Cumberland’s own 2016 While the local community in Then it might be time for Super configurations. As a bonus, age group miners share the streets and alleys national champion Clay Ward. At Cumberland and the broader Comox League! athletes can do their race, tidy up, with a new generation of fiercely those 2016 National Cross Triathlon Super League Penticton Valley has heartily embraced Dodge and enjoy two fabulous afternoons of independent Islanders and stoke- Championships, in fact, the Comox City X, it was actually Triathlon BC that 2018 pro racing! chasing urban refugees. Along its Valley “owned the podium,” finishing What is Super League? planted the original idea for the event. Great news for BC: Penticton is hosting quiet thoroughfare, independent first, second and third in the M30-34 Super League triathlon is the one of only two Super League World Pro Race Format boutiques and boisterous pubs jostle “We were looking at ways to grow category, first in the F30-34 category brainchild of Chris McCormack, Series qualifier races (in the world!) for position with funky eateries, a our membership by reaching out to and second in the M40-44 division. a different clientele, and we started Michael D’Hulst and Leonid in 2018, and it will have a mass At Super League Penticton, pros will riding-focused hostel and a wildly For the Comox Valley, then, Dodge talking about how exciting cross Boguslavsky, three successful participation age grouper race too. race for four qualifying spots for the popular craft brewery. Where the road City X is an opportunity to showcase businessmen and passionate Super League World Series of 5 in turns out of town toward Comox Lake, triathlon has become,” explains Michael Brown, most recently director its stunning natural assets to a triathletes who wanted to create short, fast-paced elimination races. dirt-splattered trucks and rack-laden Triathlon BC director and Comox Valley of the ITU Worlds 2017 in Penticton new audience of adventure-seeking, something new within triathlon. They vehicles crowd the parking lot of the resident Vicki Lundine. “Coming from (3600+ athletes attending) and A max of 50 men and 50 women limit-pushing endurance athletes. thought racers and spectators both local recreation centre, the favourite here, I know how popular mountain Challenge Penticton, has secured the will race a 20km closed-course bike To visitors, it’s a chance to discover could benefit from something shorter, access point to Cumberland’s version biking and are in only Super League qualifier in the time trial on Friday. The race will be some awesome new trails, test their something spicy, something with prize of trail nirvana. Cumberland, so I suggested a duathlon. Americas. (The other is in Poland). held on a 5km closed car race course limits and discover the infectious money and followings, like Formula 1. The board essentially said to give it a called Area 27 outside Oliver, BC. “It’s After beginning their journey five camaraderie of the Island lifestyle. Dates are set for August 17-19, 2018. go, so I took it back to the community.” First two Super League races were the first time a bike race has been kilometres from town on the pebbled Says Michael: “I believe it’s time to With so much excitement building Hamilton Island Australia (March held here,” says Brown. shores of Comox Lake, Dodge City X Last winter, Lundine hosted a meeting spice things up. On the age grouper around Dodge City X, organizers 2017) and Jersey Island, England participants will cross the finish line with representatives from the side, triathlons are losing people who Finishing times decide seeding for the have just one burning question for (September 2017). Imagine fit pros in the heart of Cumberland at “Race Comox Valley’s running and triathlon end up putting bibs on their chest for start of the race on Saturday (Swim triathletes across BC: “Are you ready zipping through two days of repeated Central,” conveniently located next communities, looking for someone to other events -- things like Spartan 300m > Run 2.5km > Swim 300m to get dirty?” □ fast and furious 300m swims, 10km to the skate park, BMX course and spearhead the event. Although the races, Tough Mudders. Athletes in > Bike 16km > Run 2.5km). If an bikes and 2km runs in elimination mountain bike . (What, your region’s established clubs didn’t have To learn more about Dodge City X and to large numbers aren’t going to keep athlete finishes 20 seconds behind register, visit www.dodgecityx.ca. community doesn’t have a pump track?) the capacity to host an event of this Friday’s time-trial winner, they’ll start 8 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 17 the swim 20 seconds behind the Age Group Format winner on Saturday (Race Day 2). For age groupers at Super The ‘Equalizer’ winner will be the first League Penticton, the first event athlete across the finish line after the is also a Friday Night 20km completion of the swim-run-swim- closed course race track bike bike-run portion on Saturday. Only time trial. Canada’s Toughest Off-Road Triathlon? the first 25 (or half the field) will Unique Aspects of Super make the start line Sunday. Saturday: Age group wave starts Vancouver Island braces for Dodge City X (100 people) of a Swim 500m > League The Eliminator (Sunday) consists of Run 2.5km > Swim 500m > Bike three rounds of Swim (3000m) > Bike 16km > Run 2.5km race. No • Elimination-style racing (6km) > Run (2km) with a 10-minute elimination. • Short races held back to back (it’s break (starting when the first finisher not a relay; you’re doing it over again o some, it’s the Village in the For- Sunday is the Enduro Race: it’s is done) between each round. Only yourself!) Test; to others, simply “Cumby.” the fastest 16 make it to round 2. 2x [Swim 750m - Bike 20km - Run 5km] with wave start • Closed course Friday bike time trial at But to those Islanders who crave After round 2, athletes finishing Area 27 the mud beneath their shoes, or the times based on the combined 11-15th will be eliminated. The • Cool swag: In addition to some great intoxicating rush of shredding dirt performance of Friday and overall winner will be the first Saturday. post-race food, racers get: backpack, trails carved out of some of the West person across the finishing line of water bottle,  nishers garment, Coast’s most inviting wilderness, round 3, and the top four male and As of March 8, 2018, there  nisher’s medal Cumberland, BC is “Dodge City.” And are over 500 age groupers female athletes receive a golden • Chance to compare times on same this fall, a new cohort of endurance ticket (accommodation, airfare, race registered, and Michael sees this course with the pros athletes is about to find out just how going to 1000 or more. Pricing entries) to the 2018-19 Super League • Watch the pros race a fast-paced format tough it really is. is offered in tiers, so the sooner Triathlon Championship Series. Races while racing for some big money prizes! On September 9, the “legendary” will be Hamilton Island, Jersey UK, you register the better. Race “The ethos is ‘escape your normal’” says Village of Cumberland, in the rugged and 3 other destinations, which entry includes 3 days of races, a Michael. “Respark your love for triathlon. heart of Vancouver Island, will play will likely include Dubai and Malta. sweet swag bag, a safe, secured Have fun with racing. It’s three days of host to an inaugural event being Rumors have it the series will offer course, finisher garment, finisher age group racing with pro action in the billed as “Canada’s toughest off-road USD $1.5M in prize money. medal, gourmet food (think afternoons. Make a weekend of it. This triathlon.” turkey bacon club sandwiches Any pro can apply for the race as and freshly baked muffins) - and, event will be so much more than ‘one and What will it take to cross the Dodge long as they have a card from their most importantly: a triathlon done’. We are really looking forward to it.” □ City X finish line? First, participants National Federation. Those who have experience no age groupers To learn more, go to www.Super Leaguecanada. will have to swim 1.5km through the already applied will hear by the end have experienced before! com or follow on social media @Super League_pen, glacier-fed waters of Comox Lake. of May. There are also wild card FB: Super Leaguepenticton. Check out #iamSuper Then they’ll mountain bike 23km over qualifying spots for the World Series. League. some of Vancouver Island’s gnarliest rocky and highly technical trails courses will be easily identifiable by singletrack before capping it all off require a different yardstick. green circles (beginner), squares with a glute-busting, 9.5km trail (intermediate) or black diamonds “Anyone who’s ridden in Cumberland run that promises to “separate the (advanced). Dodge City X is classified knows that it takes a lot of riding to truly committed from the woefully as an intermediate course; as long as get 20 kilometres,” says local cross unprepared.” participants aren’t absolute beginner triathlete Derek Vinge, who’s fresh mountain bikers, they should enjoy A relay option for teams of two or off a top-10 age group finish at the the challenge of the Cumberland trail three is also available, as is a roughly XTERRA World Championships in Maui. network. half-distance sprint course. (Don’t “It’s easy to look at the distances and worry; race organizers assure us underestimate this race. This is some “Cumberland is a fantastic place to that the sprint still features plenty of of the best technical singletrack on ride and run,” effuses Linda Nagle, grunty climbs and technical terrain.) the West Coast; there aren’t many Triathlon BC’s cross triathlon specialist. The entire standard course features easy kilometres in Cumberland.” “It has a fantastic atmosphere approximately 950m of elevation gain. and amazing trails, and I highly Partly in response to new, boundary- recommend that people come and While those numbers may not sound pushing races like Dodge City check it out. If this is going to be particularly daunting for cross triathlon X, Triathlon BC officially adopted In the Pro Race, only the first your first off-road race, you’re in for a veterans or those who regularly the International Mountain Bike 25 (or half the field) will make great experience!” compete in longer distance events, Association’s classification system in the start line Sunday. locals attest that Cumberland’s rooty, February, meaning cross triathlon bike

16 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 9 What’s New to the SuperSeries options to explore all the fundamental Prior to racing, all competitors must be 2018? skills of world class triathletes. draft certified to ensure safety within Triathlon Canada applauds Triathlon a peloton environment. Athletes can Van Islanders on Canada’s To maintain its competitive edge in BC’s evolving SuperSeries.” complete a Triathlon BC hosted developing athletes, Triathlon BC accreditation clinic, a 4-hour development refines the Series regulations every To maintain a competitive atmosphere 2018 Commonwealth clinic lead by certified expert coaches, year. The 2018 SuperSeries will see with a of athletes, or have a certified cycling coach in their evolutionary tweaks, largely results the 2018 season will also see the community sign off indicating the athlete of lessons learned from previous introduction of older, U23 racers Games Squad is competent across a number of skills. seasons. to the Series, who will compete alongside Junior athletes. In 2018, SuperSeries Schedule 2018 Included in these revisions is an the U23 category is a demonstration updated points format, placing heavier Race1 – May 21, North Shore Triathlon only category, leading to the weighting on Provincial Championships, (Draft Legal) Vancouver Island athletes Desirae Ridenour U23 Provincial Championships in and, at the behest of Triathlon Canada, September. U23 athletes will not Race 2 – June 10, Victoria Youth Triathlon and Matt Sharpe represented Canada the introduction of an external points collect points towards an overall (Draft Legal) structure, allowing athletes to compete in the April 2018 Gold Coast Series championship in 2018. in a limited number of provincially Race 3 – August 18, Kelowna Apple Commonwealth Games, with sanctioned, single sports (cycling, Canada’s Argon 18 , already Triathlon (Draft Legal) Matt  nishing 9th and running, swimming), while earning a force on the UCI ProTour, is putting Race 4 – September 9, Vernon Kids (limited) points towards the Series its weight behind the SuperSeries Desirae 17th. We interviewed Triathlon (Draft Legal) - Provincial Junior & Championships. and our developing athletes by U23 Championships. contributing Argon 18 bikes for them in February. Liang says: “The adoption of an the overall male and female Junior What started off as a dream is now individual sport point transfer system Series Champions for 2018 and becoming very real, the possibility of increases the skills development for 2019. Argon 18 is also supporting our seeing a young, BC-developed Canadian When do you leave for the Gold BC’s young athletes and minimizes cross the finish line and end up on the top Often there can be moments where executing the targeted athletes with special pricing Coast? the issue of early sport specialization. step of the podium come the Paris Games we have to ride on our own vs. being little things well structures. It also provides families with more in 2024! DES: After racing WTS Abu Dhabi, we in a pack and we need to be as fast like transitions □ flew directly to the Gold Coast and as possible! and bike tactics. arrived on March 4th. The race is so How many coaches, trainers will Desirae Ridenour short that every MATT: We’re currently in Abu Dhabi come with you as part of triathlon for the first WTS race of the season. squad to Australia? second counts! Afterwards we’ll fly to Australia to DES: I know Jonathan Hall will What are you most excited about - base ourselves on the Gold Coast in the race? before the Games in April. be there, but otherwise, not sure what coaches and trainers will be DES: I’m excited to race alongside Where are you training in March? supporting us during the Games. my teammates. Hopefully, we can all DES: I’m mostly training in Runaway MATT: Many of our squad will be in help each other have the best race Bay. However, we have been traveling Australia in the lead up to the games. possible. around for races. I still have the We’ll have about 10 athletes plus our MATT: For the individual race I’m New Plymouth Junior Oceania head coach and a massage therapist. most excited about stepping on that Championships to race before start line and really having a go at Commonwealth Games. What do you feel your biggest challenge will be in this race? it. Events like the Commonwealth What kind of bike do you ride and Games don’t happen every year so have you raced this particular DES: I think my biggest challenge will to have the opportunity to represent bike before? be the swim. I am a strong swimmer Canada on the world stage fills me and have good front end speed, but with a huge amount of pride. For the DES: I recently got a Trek Madone struggle in the last half. relay I am confident we are ready 9.0 this year. I have raced on it only to medal and to have that kind of twice and I absolutely love it! MATT: In the individual race, the biggest challenge will be swimming opportunity and pressure really gets MATT: I’ll be riding a Trek Madone for as close as I can to the front to put me stoked! this season. The design is focused on myself in a good position for the bike What are you most excited about - aerodynamics and we even have a set and the run. I believe there will be a for the trip in general? of aerobars mounted on it. The choice small group off the front and I’ll need of bike is due to the nature of the to be right there out of the water in DES: I’m most excited for Triathlon relay which is a little more order to have a good result. For the representing my country at this level unpredictable than a typical race. relay my biggest challenge will be of competition.

10 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 15 MATT: As I said before just being at the Games and having the maple leaf on my back is something I’m super proud of. I’ve worked exceptionally hard to get to this point and I’m most looking forward to standing on the start line. Mixed Team Relay at Tokyo 2020. Thoughts? When is your next mixed ? How does your BC SUPERSERIES 2018 body (and psyche!) handle this shorter distance? DES: I love mixed relays! They are WHY, WHAT, WHO fast, fun and incorporate a team aspect. I possess front end speed, Allan Prazsky, Executive Director, TriathlonBC, [email protected] so these shorter distances play in my favor. I have never raced an Olympic distance triathlon, but when who watch prepare for Commonwealth Games. oing into its third year, the BC What is Project 2024? you compare sprint to mixed relay, the relay have I plan on being back at UVic in the SuperSeries was borne out of G the crowds are more energetic and a great time fall, continuing in my general science need. As the name suggests, Project 2024 is intended to land a BC-developed basically it is an all out sprint from because there program. Each year, Triathlon BC undergoes athlete on the start line of the 2024 start to finish. can be so many MATT: After Gold Coast I’ll probably a comprehensive review by our lead changes Olympic Games. A lofty goal to be sure, Athletes in 2017 in the TriathlonBC SuperSeries, MATT: I’m a huge fan of the mixed Matt Sharpe take a bit of a mental health break funding partners. Because we and the racing but one that is becoming increasingly gaining draft-legal race experience team relay, and I believe it is a great and then start the build for the receive Enhanced Excellence is super dynamic. Its very spectator real. Alumni of the Series are already addition to the sport. Triathlon has a second half of the year. Olympic Funding (restricted funding which friendly! going on to compete internationally development,” says Triathlon Canada’s history steeped in gender equality and qualifying starts in May and we’ll need is used to help develop our young for Canada, most recently at the 2018 High Performance Director, Eugene inclusivity, and the mixed team relay What are your plans after Gold to be primed for that! athletes) our athlete performances Commonwealth Games! What’s more Liang. “The format and race schedule is another step in that evolution. We Coast? at the provincial, national and Any sponsors, shout outs, exciting is the number of prospects aligns with what we are seeing at raced a Mixed Relay in Runaway Bay, international are put under a DES: After Gold Coast, I plan on coaches, we should mention? emerging from the U15 field -- athletes the highest level of competition; Australia, then at the Commonwealth microscope. After seeing a gap heading back to Phoenix for a week, that may have been introduced to the inclusion of the Mixed Team Relay at Games. DES: Shout out to my family, in technical and physical skills, then go back to Victoria to visit performance pathway through the the Olympics, super sprint heats and teammates, Triathlon Canada, and we launched Project 2024, an Super League - I see Desirae friends and family and move into my BC Summer Games, or are converts finals formats and increasing use of my coach Jono Hall, as I wouldn’t umbrella name that includes the you did one last year. Matt? Your new place. from other endurance sports, including smaller footprint race courses that be where I am today without their BC SuperSeries and embraces thoughts on that format? Any in swimming and athletics. lead to more technical courses are all MATT: I’d love the chance to race endless support. performance stream youth your 2018 plans? very positive moves, The SuperSeries Super League at some point. They’ve MATT: My personal sponsors are the development. “The number of talented athletes competing in the SuperSeries is will help develop the appropriate skills DES: Super League was a great done an exceptional job creating an Running Room and Oak Bay Bicycles The Junior, U23, Elite World growing event to event, year on year. required for progression through the learning experience and opportunity exciting and compelling Triathlon here in Victoria. I’m always looking Championships and the Olympic It’s incredible to see the competition National Podium Pathway, but also to compete against some of the best product. Unfortunately, as of right for support, especially as we approach Games Triathlon are all draft-legal among these racers,” says Provincial embraces race formats that can attract athletes in the world. It is similar to now, the Penticton Super League Olympic qualifying. events, meaning athletes are free new athletes and fans to our sport.” super sprints, but in this case we had event is scheduled on the same Coach, Kelly Guest. “I’m continually Any Social Handles we should to form pelotons and work off to do them back to back and in mixed weekend as our National Champs. For impressed by their solid work ethic and In a bid to maximize individual follow you on? the draft of another rider, saving formats. I haven’t looked too far into us to maintain our funding we have determination to chase after a dream.” fitness and limit injuries, identified energy and increasing speed. the season, but hopefully I will be to compete at Nationals so there is DES: performance athletes recently went Kelly continues: “The faster, more doing some in the near future. little to no chance the will be many FB: desirae.ridenour Triathlon BC’s SuperSeries events through a battery of testing at inclusive format of the SuperSeries Canadians on the Super League Insta: desiraeridenour are also draft legal competitions, ’s Fortius Sport & Health, MATT: There is a different dynamic has U15 racers competing against Penticton start line. My goal is to providing developing athletes with a follow up round of testing competing in the relay. You must be MATT: more senior athletes, pushing our perform well enough on the global with a unique opportunity to scheduled for late May. The initial so perfect in all aspects, especially FB: matt.sharpe1 level of performance higher across stage to earn a wildcard spot for the develop the skills necessary assessment camp was overseen by transitions. There is also plenty of Insta: mdsharpe1 all performance groups and creating next major Super League event. for international-caliber racing meaningful, domestic opportunities healthcare practitioners and included tactics that come into play based Tw: mdshrp. as they progress through the Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, on who is around you and how the Are you in school? What are your before moving on to National and For results of the Commonwealth Games race is playing out. It can be super developmental pipeline and climb International competition.” Functional Movement Screens, upper plans for May and summer? triathlon events, see results.gc2018.com. through the National Performance and lower body strength testing, in unpredictable. Typically, the people DES: I took this semester off to Pathway. “Triathlon BC’s SuperSeries is a huge addition to power testing. step in the right direction for athlete

14 :: TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 TRIATHLON BC :: SPRING 2018 :: 11 They then began to target other potential partners, funders New Foundation, New Vision and sponsors to diversify the financial base so as not to be so dependent on the swings of the Own the Podium Catching up with Triathlon Canada’s funding. This included welcoming new partners such as 2XU, Garneau and Zone3 along with long standing partners New CEO, Kim Van Bruggen such as Zizu and Training Peaks as well as generous individual donors who wish to support the development of Lara Spence, Editor, [email protected] the sport. Triathlon Canada are actively working on a philanthropy n sports organizations, the period following an Olym- and donation program called Fuel the Drive which was pics/Paralympics is a good time for program evaluation, I launched at the end of March 2018. The goal will be to changes, and goal setting. “The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will include raise $200,000 which will be matched dollar for dollar Such was the case for Triathlon Canada: the organization by 94Forward in order to support the high-performance had the opportunity to re-evaluate and also find a new CEO two triathlon events: the Olympic race athletes on the Road to Tokyo 2020. and new high performance director in the period following You can read more about 2017 accomplishments at Rio (fall) 2016. we all know, and the new Mixed Team http://bit.ly/2FgD0Kt. According to the Triathlon Canada Year in Review Relay. This relay is new for every document: “The organization was at a crossroads – both Focusing on the Next Olympics on the field of play and in the boardroom. It was time to country, and it’s a great opportunity for launch a new era for the sport in Canada.” Kim is very excited about the work to come. “It’s an Canada to shine.“ incredibly exciting time to be involved in triathlon,” she Kim Van Bruggen joined Triathlon Canada in November said. “The Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo will include two 2016. Eugene Liang, the new High Performance Director, triathlon events: the Olympic race we all know, and the joined a few weeks prior. I had a chance to speak with new Mixed Team Relay. This relay is new for every country, Kim recently to find out more about her and what the team Three Sports – No Limits!” A new logo and website were and it’s a great opportunity for Canada to shine. Our had been up to. released in April 2017. National team and NextGen athletes are working toward Kim saw the job posting in late August. Though she knew With Kim working on the organization, Eugene worked this.” With two events, it is likely Canada will send more she didn’t have experience in a sports organization, she on clarifying roles within the high performance side. athletes to the Games. did know she has over 20 years’ experience as a consultant One of his goals is to provide NextGen athletes across leading organizations through growth and change, typically Canada with a clear path to follow to be able to perform. Looking Fierce on the Start Line with public sector budgets (regional districts, government While some provinces had consistent and well-managed As demonstrated on the website, Triathlon Canada exists ministries, etc.) Recalled Kim: “I put my hat in the ring development programs in place for identifying young to support Paralympic, Elite, Developing and Age Group knowing I was a bit of a long shot because I was from athletes and nurturing them with tactical, physical and athletes. One of many benefits of the new vision and outside the sport organization world. It worked out well mental skills necessary for high performance as adults (BC, momentum within the organization that Kim is a part of that the selection team looked positively on the benefit Quebec, Ontario), not all did. includes new uniforms for all teams. outside vision could bring.” Another of Kim’s jobs was to ensure that all stakeholders On March 6, 2018, Triathlon Canada revealed the designs Kim was excited to align work values with a sport she knew in all provinces understood their roles, and how a National- of their new Elite and Age Group uniforms. New outfits and enjoyed. She has completed many triathlons, the first Provincial relationship would work. She said: “We needed for a new era. The uniforms will be produced by (new) being in 1984 -- the UVic Tin Man. She also rowed at UVic. to clearly explain what a national federation is and why we Triathlon Canada partner, 2XU Canada. Their unique look need it - then define the role of the provinces -- and align reflects the transformative and powerful properties of First with them -- so athletes can move up the podium pathway Clear Message, Clear Purpose Nations orca, raven and wolf, each animal representing one with the funding, coaching and skills they need to compete sport within triathlon. “The concept was inspired by the Kim took the reins at Triathlon Canada only eight months for Canada.” after the office moved from Ontario to Victoria, BC. transformation triathletes experience through a race,” said Carey Newman, the Kwagiulth and Coast Salish artist and “There had been a lot of change within Triathlon Canada Funding to Achieve Goals master carver who designed the suits. On the suits, you over the previous years, and I knew we couldn’t build Kim and team also worked creatively to get funding to will find the face, fins and tail of the orca, and the wings, trust nor athlete performance until we demonstrated accomplish their important work. In June 2017, Triathlon feathers and claws of the raven. On the chest of each organizational excellence at the foundation.” Canada announced its relationship with 94 Forward, the suit is the wolf face and teeth — an imposing and strong “One of the first things I did was get us proper working legacy organization from the Victoria Commonwealth statement for athletes chasing down their competitors. phones,” she said. Games. In the agreement, 94 Forward will match Triathlon We look forward to seeing more news and progress about Triathlon Canada also needed a clear and unifying message Canada fundraising until June 2019. many Triathlon Canada initiatives. To learn more, watch for that would easily convey who they were and why they With efforts in funding and within the organization, the press releases at Triathloncanada.com and/or follow them were there. Working with Taiji Brand Group, Triathlon new Victoria National Performance Centre was opened in on social media. □ Canada created a new vision with the tagline: “One Leaf – June 2017 with office and training space.

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