Wasa Olympic Triathlon Race Report by Coach Mary

No Limits was well represented this past weekend at the Wasa Lake Triathlon. We ended up having ideal racing conditions with overcast skies, just a little wind and 10 degrees at the start.
There were a few changes to the course this year which made it even more enjoyable. This is the 4th year I have raced Wasa but the first time the swim course has been a single 1500m loop. I enjoyed this larger loop and found it easier to get into a groove. A more significant change, however, was on the bike course. Wasa is known for its fast and flat bike course. It is still fast, but not very flat! This came as a surprise to all of us about a week before the race. The 40k out and back now heads towards Fort Steele, on some newly paved road, and undulates over 5 rollers. With all these uphill and downhill stretches there are lots of opportunities to pass and get passed. The turnaround is at 22.5k and although you still have the 5 rollers on the way back, there is a net elevation loss and a few opportunities to really fly. It was fun!
One final change involved the drafting zone on the bike. Tri BC as well as Triathlon Canada has changed the length of the drafting zone from 7 meters to 10. This is 33 feet! They also allow 20 seconds (instead of 15) to pass. There were a few warnings issued by the officials on motor bikes but they were pretty passive about enforcing on the hills.
Dean: 2:15 and took 7th in his age group
Brian: 2:34 and was very pleased with his swim
Lynn and Mary both finished in 2:41 and went 1 and 2 in their age group for the swim. This was Lynn's debut race. She had a great day despite a little bit of panic during the first few minutes of the swim.
John: 2:43
Chris: 2:50
Karen: 3:09
Julie: 3:12 This was Julie's first Olympic distance race. A very strong swimmer, Julie did not anticipate needing the support of a kayak during the race. But, she fought through the panic that had set in after warming up, persevered, and continued on for a strong bike and run. She also learned a bit about wetsuit repair as she sewed and sealed a 3 inch tear in her wetsuit the night before she raced.
Martha: 3:47. This was Martha's 2nd Olympic race and she bettered her time by over 15 minutes. Great job Martha!
It was great to have the support of so many No Limits teammates out on the Wasa course this year. Perhaps next year we should enter the Tri-club challenge!