Roller Coaster Rev3

Billed as equally fun for participants and spectators alike, the 2nd annual Rev3 Quassy in Middlebury, CT returned to the shores of picturesque Lake Quassapaug. Despite the unique backdrop of an amusement park, the real adventure to be had was reserved for those racing. And endlessly undulating bike and run course punished the legs of every racer, with some participants being especially masochistic and pairing the Olympic Rev on Saturday with the half Rev on Sunday.

Quassy Amusement Park is the host for the race for a second straight year.

The pro panel presented the first opportunity for the pros to get into each others' heads.

Every pro got a special banner with their photo and race number marking their bike rack.

Pro triathlete Dede Griesbauer joined yours truly for some serious pre-race commentary practice.

Team Trakkers' Michael Lovato and Richie Cunningham enjoying a moment of peace before the race start.

Horizontally mounted waterbottles between the aerobars are now standard in the pro ranks.

David Thompson, Dominic Gillen, and Eric Limkemann all double check their CPSC stickers before the USAT officials come by.

Craig Alexander may need to wash his bike shoes. The plastic in this case was not to keep them dry overnight…

Julie Dibens engaged in her super-secret swim warm-up away from the other pros.

The glassy waters of Lake Quassapaug with one of seven live coverage video cameras.

The swim temp of 77F meant it was a (warm) wetsuit swim for age-group athletes.

Pros, however, had to wear swim-skins.

Despite a forecast of "thunderstorms all day" the sun made the first of many appearances right before the swim.

For much of the run, it seemed as if the winner would be either Terenzo Bozzone or Matty Reed.

But Craig Alexander never let them get too far ahead.

The long legs of Matty Reed chewed up the early miles of the run.

Alexander passed Reed and then set his laser-like focus on Bozzone

And soon it was Bozzone's turn to chase the fleet feet of Alexander.

Matt Reed was the consumate professional after the race, seen here signing an autograph for one of his littlest fans.

After a long day in the skies, the live coverage helicopter heads back to the airport.