Docherty, Norden Win Los Angeles Triathlon

New Zealand’s Bevan Docherty and Sweeden’s Lisa Norden took time away from ITU racing to win today’s Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon.

The men’s race started out with ITU World Champion Javier Gomez leading the men into T1. American Cameron Dye and Docherty followed close behind. American Andrew Starykowicz also posted a strong swim performance and quickly worked his way to the front of the bike. Starykowicz’s bike split of 53:25 gave him a strong advantage over the ITU all stars. Once on the run, Docherty and Gomez excelled, with Docherty turning in the final surge to take the win in 1:50:21. Gomez was second 13 seconds later. Starykowicz turned in an overall impressive performance to earn a podium spot.

In the women’s race, American Sara McLarty started the day in a familiar position at the front of the swim. McLarty’s 20:47 was significantly faster than any other women, giving her a major advantage heading onto the bike. Despite the large lead, the cycling power of Norden was too much for McLarty. Norden’s 57:39 bike split gave her the advantage starting the run. Norden backed her bike split with one of the fastest run splits of the day at 38:24. The bike/run combo gave her the win in 1:59:40. McLarty’s strength on the swim and bike gave her second, with American Laura Bennett earning third thanks to the fastest run of the women.

Kaiser Permante Los Angeles Triathlon
Los Angeles, Calif. – Oct. 3, 2010
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run

Men
1.     Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:50:21
2.     Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:50:34
3.     Andrew Starykowicz (USA) 1:51:06
4.     Greg Bennett (USA) 1:51:37
5.     Filip Ospaly (CZE) 1:52:36

Women
1.     Lisa Norden (SWE) 1:59:40
2.     Sara McLarty (USA) 2:05:41
3.     Laura Bennett (USA) 2:07:14
4.     Nicole Hefer (SUI) 2:07:57
5.     Pip Taylor (AUS) 2:09:27