This
race also opened the eleven race inaugural PATCO Copa
America - a circuit which will travel around the Americas
over the next seven months, concluding in Chile in
November.
In
the men's event, the 1.5 km out and back swim course
resulted in a strong pack forming early on the bike
which consisted of Marc Lees (AUS), Hunter Kemper
(USA), Brent McMahon (CAN) plus Mexican teammates
Eligio Cervantes, Arturo Garza and Javier Rosas.
A
group of four cyclists organised by Marc Lees, including
US Olympian Hunter Kemper, Argentine star Daniel Fontana
and Alex Rukosuev (USA) made an early break in an
effort to combat the running strength of the Mexicans.
It was a strategy that worked as the group completed
the 2 lap 40 km bike course to start the 4 lap 10
km run with a 20 second lead. Lees put on an early
surge on the first lap and gradually stretched his
lead to cross the finish-line 27 seconds ahead of
Latin American's new triathlon hero, Daniel Fontana
of Argentina, who was crowned the Pan American Champion.
Alex Rukosuev, USA was third. The Pan American podium
was: Daniel Fontana (ARG), Alex Rukusuev (USA), Hunter
Kemper (USA)
In
the women's race Michellie Jones (AUS) exited the
water first, followed by a large USA contingent which
included Becky Gibbs (USA), Joanna Zeiger (USA), Laura
Hug (USA) and Jennifer Gutierrez (USA). Canadian team-mates
Carol Montgomery and Sharon Donnelly also exited with
the lead group. Montgomery, who had a very fast transition
ended up second onto the bike behind a charging Jones.
A
group of nine stayed at the front, gradually increasing
their lead to finish the bike over a minute ahead
of the chase group.
Jones,
exited the second transition in the lead but was closely
followed by the remainder of the front runners. Montgomery
quickly showed her running prowess and at the half
way point on the first lap had taken control of the
race.. Montgomery continued to increase her lead throughout
the run to finish almost a minute ahead of Olympic
silver medallist - Michellie Jones. In the post-race
recovery area, Montgomery said she was really happy
with her swim, as she was able to stay with women
who normally pass her in the pool. She also said that
improved focus on her transitions had paid off today.
Joanna
Zeiger (USA) and Carla Morena (BRA) rounded out the
Pan American podium.
