By Brad Culp
May 21, 2007 -- Ironman-superstar Chris “Macca” McCormack got his fare share of competition at Sunday’s Memphis in May Triathlon, but his blazing 35:35 10k run was enough to seal up the win, in 1:47:36.
The women’s race was even tighter, with Laura Tingle, of Colorado, edging out Alisha Lion, of North Carolina, in 2:02:32.
Over 1,800 athletes toed the start line in Millington, Tenn. (just outside Memphis) for the 25th annual event. A time-trial start, super-fast bike course and soaring temperatures all made for an interesting race.
In the men’s elite race, Macca crushed the field with a 17:01 swim, with a large pack about a minute behind.
McCormack was able to hold onto the lead for most of the ride, but hard-charging Andrew Starykowicz, from Long Grove, Ill., pulled into the lead by averaging an incredible 28.3 mph.
In typical Macca-fashion, the Aussie reassumed control on the run and pulled away to win by over a minute. Starykowicz held on for second, as Paul Ambrose, also from Australia, ran his way up to third.
As for the elite women, it was Kelly Handel, from Austin, Tex., leading the way out of the lake after a 19:05 split.
On the bike, it turned into a three-women race. Tingle led the way, with Lion and veteran Lauren Jensen, from New Berlin, Wisc., staying in close contact. Tingle headed out of T2 about a minute in front of Lion and she would need every minute of that lead.
Lion made up all but three seconds, as Tingle sprinted to the win in 2:02:32. Lion came in three seconds later, with Jensen another minute back. After fading on the bike, swim-leader Handel had the best run of the day for the women and finished fourth.
While the pros put together some impressive times, the day was all about the 1,800 amateur athletes competing. Gregory Rouault, from Borken Arrow, Okla., was the men’s overall amateur champion, with an impressive 1:47:56 finish – only 20 seconds behind McCormack’s winning time. Kiera Karas, of Columbus, Ohio was the top amateur female, in 2:03:58, making her the third fastest overall female.
The event, which included an mountain bike triathlon on Saturday is part of the annual Memphis in May Festival. The month-long celebration draws people from all walks of life to Memphis, with festivities such as concerts, cultural events and even the World Barbecue Championship.
Athletes like Garrett Eesley, from Columbus, Ohio came for the race, but made time to enjoy the whole experience.
“The race brought me down here, but the city of Memphis will keep me coming back”, said Eesley. “There’s so much to do. The triathlon was just a part of a great weekend.”
Memphis in May Triathlon
May 21, 2007
Millington, Tenn.
1.5km-swim, 40km-bike, 10km-run
Elite Men
1. Chris McCormack (AUS) 1:47:36
2. Andrew Starykowicz (USA) 1:48:55
3. Paul Ambrose (AUS) 1:51:37
4. Brad Zoller (USA) 1:55:14
5. Adam Truex (USA) 1:56:29
Elite Women
1. Laura Tingle (USA) 2:02:32
2. Alisha Lion (USA) 2:02:35
3. Lauren Jensen (USA) 2:04:27
4. Kelly Handel (USA) 2:05:01
5. Amanda Felder (USA) 2:08:00