Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon Race Report October 2, 2011

by George Schmitz

Photos by Andrew Wolfe of PhotoWolfe.com

This past weekend was the final race of the Lifetime Fitness series in Dallas. Race morning was surprisingly cold for a Texas triathlon but warmed up by T1 when the sun came out, and it was perfect weather the rest of the day. The swim was an in-water start. Previous years was a diving start off the boat dock, but low water levels this year discouraged a head-first entry. The course was an out, across, and back counterclockwise wetsuit swim and mostly smooth except for some choppy water between the 1st and 2nd turn. The last 50 meters was knee-deep mud and waist-deep water, making it tough to swim or run through.

The swim-out led athletes around the Hilton on the Harbor and into the parking lot transition. The bike-out was a short but steep hill right out of the gate to get to the street. The bike course was a cut-and-dry lollipop loop with just enough wind to play mind games with you, but had PR potential and ended with a fast downhill mile. Once in and out of T2, the course went out the same T1 hill and leveled out but remained uphill for the first 1.5 miles. The last ~1.5 miles to the turnaround were mostly flat. After the turnaround it was a guaranteed negative split with the long downhill finish.

The finish line chute wrapped around the hotel, promising a tunnel of cheering spectators. Cold water, tables of food, and Andy Potts welcomed finishing athletes.

Another must-do race (driving distance from Austin) in the books, and a comparatively fast course to end the season with satisfaction.

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