Royle, Burns win big in Las Vegas
Aussie Aaron Royle reigned supreme at the Super Sprint Tri Grand Prix in Las Vegas with the $70,000 purse. In the women's final Chelsea Burns surprised onlookers and likely herself with the win at this 300m swim, 5k bike, 2k run, 300m swim, 5k bike, 2k run event.
In the men's race Aaron Royle, Ben Kanute and Tommy Zafares quickly created a gap over the rest of the finalists and from there made sure that the podium places would be decided among them. After the qualifying heats Royle was the top seed and considered to be the favorite, but in this short multi transition format nothing is ever certain.
After the top 3 came off the bike the final time, Royle had a slow transition and Kanute pulled away from Zafares, but Royle moved up fast and soon after took the lead on the final 2k run. Kanute held on to second place and Zafares came across in third place. Universal was on site to film the event and Royle was quickly interviewed about his win and memorable first visit to Las Vegas. Fellow Aussie Peter Kerr had won the inaugural edition last year.
The women's field was stacked with Erin Densham, Paula Findlay, Barbara Riveros, Sarah Groff and Kirsten Sweetland all at the start, but surprisingly the 10 finalists stayed together for the first swim, bike and run sections.
Late in the race a small group managed to get away and on the final straight Burns narrowly edged out favorite Erin Densham to grab the biggest win of her career. Burns looked bewildered after the great sprint finish win and told media that she was actually star struck.
Erin Densham finished second and Erin Jones rounded out the podium.
2014 Super Sprint Tri Grand Prix
Las Vegas, NV / September 11, 2014
300m swim, 5k bike, 2k run, 300m swim, 5k bike, 2k run
Top men
1. Aaron Royle (AUS) 36:59.71
2. Ben Kanute (USA) 37:09.21
3. Tommy Zaferes (USA) 37:14.41
4. Eric Lagerstrom (USA) 37:59.40
5. Joe Maloy (USA) 38:10.46
6. Conor Murphy (IRL) 38:27.88
7. Sean Jefferson (USA) 38:31.77
8. Alex Libin (USA) 38:35.78
9. Alan Webb (USA) 38:58.47
10. Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) – out with flat after first swim
Top women
1. Chelsea Burns (USA) 40:43.79
2. Erin Densham (AUS) 40:43.81
3. Erin Jones (USA) 40:54.42
4. Kaitlin Donner (USA) 40:56.06
5. Sarah Groff (USA) 41:04.43
6. Paula Findlay (CAN) 41:07.01
7. Kirsten Sweetland (CAN) 41:11.85
8. Lindsey Jerdonek (USA) 41:19.03
9. Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) 41:35.46
10. Kirsten Kasper (USA) 41:42.53
Apologies for the crappy pics
