The Stars of Challenge Miami
Although Challenge is not the triathlon series to pioneer using NASCAR tracks as a race venue (that would be Revolution3 with their Rush event), they can certainly lay claim to having perfected. After excellent execution at Daytona, they put on another star-studded event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, won by Jan Frodeno and Jodie Stimpson. Our Eric Wynn was on scene, and brings to you these images from an outstanding race.
After not meeting her expectations in Daytona, Jodie Stimpson came back to Miami for revenge and got just that. She dedicated her emotional win to her father, who passed away in 2020.
Matt Hanson tried to set himself up for another great run by maximizing aero gains on the bike.
Tyler Butterfield left it all on the run course trying to bridge the gap to the leaders.
Eric Lagerstrom looked smooth on the run despite not having the race performance he wanted in such a world-class field.
The heat and humidity made many athletes suffer. The smart ones, like Andrew Starykowicz, used any ice water to their benefit to try and cool off.
You have dug deep if you're taking Coke cans to get yourself to the finish. It wasn't the best of days for Tim O'Donnell.
As expected, Lucy Charles-Barclay led out the swim. Less expected was how close the chasing pack stayed with her.
Charles-Barclay put together a gritty bike performance, trying to keep touch with Sara Perez Sala.
Perez Sala, meanwhile, led the majority of the bike, fighting to hold off PTO Champion Paula Findlay, Skye Moench, Jackie Hering, and more.
Peak America: the flag and Lesley Smith on board her Utah-based Ventum.
Hering gutted out a difficult run to bring herself onto the bottom step of the podium.
Sean "Wattie" Watkins watched on as his partner, Heather Jackson, clawed her way into the top 10.
The nerves and butterflies before a race never go away.
Rudy Von Berg again took 5th place. However, he was less pleased with his performance in Miami versus his race at Daytona.
Although Frodeno ran away from the field, the rest of the podium was a toss-up with Ben Kanute, Lionel Sanders, and Chris Leiferman matching strides.
Race staff and volunteers were the real stars of the show, with age-groupers and professionals alike raving about the race. Said Frodeno, "Thanks for having the balls to put [the race] on!"
