2009 Wildflower Olympic

The Wildflower Olympic distance event used to be the default Collegiate National Championship before they had to share it. Now the field is more Pacific-centric but it’s near that quality. It has also always attracted some of the best age group triathletes in the US to its tough hills, bright sunshine and warm camaraderie. Also, the eccentricity level is equal to or better than Saturday’s half Ironman-distance test.

Cal Poly team solidarity is a hug on Sunday morning.

Go go go Cal Poly! Without SLO volunteers and their mad enthusiasm, Wildflower wouldn’t be Wildflower.

Body painting is the sincerest form of fandom.

Love and Fear propel this powerful triathlete.

The classic Wildflower start

Enter battle! Today is a very good day to vie!

Standing paddle boarder leads a swim wave with the gentle rolling hills as backdrop for the action on Lake San Antonio.

Exit the swim, on to the bike.

This tri warrior reflects the intensity of the iconic tri swim billboard.

Jennifer Luebke blasts up Lynch Hill on her way to victory.

Wildflower’s beautiful rolling hills challenge the cyclists.

Grinding up a hill on the bike course.

Fixing a flat.

Age group runner cheered by collegiate crew.

A cooling shower offered by this sunny aid station.

UC Berkeley’s Kenneth Rakestraw chases winner Kyle Leto on the run.

Oregon State and UC Davis form an alliance on the precipitous declivity on the homestretch

Kyle Leto wins!

Cooling off in finish line shade.

One-armed Willie Stewart celebrates another great finish.