Published July 18, 2011 11:20AM
Sarah Haskins Reflects On Minneapolis, Preps For London
After her threepeat win at the Life Time Fitness Triathlon in Minneapolis on Saturday, American Sarah Haskins, one of the top ITU racers gunning for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team shares why she likes racing non-drafting races, how things are different in an Olympic-qualifying year and how she’s preparing for racing at the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series race in London on Aug. 6.
After her threepeat win at the Life Time Fitness Triathlon in Minneapolis on Saturday, American Sarah Haskins, one of the top ITU racers gunning for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team shares why she likes racing non-drafting races, how things are different in an Olympic-qualifying year and how she’s preparing for racing at the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series race in London on Aug. 6.
Triathlete.com: This was your third straight win in Minneapolis—why do you seem to dominate on this course?
Haskins: Non-drafting races are a strength for me, and with this race being in that format, it suits me well. In addition, Minneapolis is a technical course, so the more experience on the course, the better.
Triathlete.com: What do you like about racing in Minneapolis?
Haskins: My husband is from Minneapolis, so I love competing and getting to also spend time with family. We usually head down to Lake Elysian after the race where my mother-in-law has a lake house and hang out post-race. I also love the great support the pros are offered from the Life Time Fitness race staff. I feel so welcome and appreciate all the little things that are taken care of.
PHOTOS: Life Time Minneapolis Triathlon
Triathlete.com: What keeps you racing in the Life Time Fitness series?
Haskins: The Life Time Fitness Race to the Toyota Cup Series is top-notch and does a great job making each race experience positive, both on and off the race course. I enjoy racing in the U.S., not having to travel to far from home and going for the series bonus win.
Triathlete.com: How are things different for you in an Olympic-qualifying year?
Haskins: This year my main goal is to qualify for the Olympics in London. I have cut back on my international travel this year and focused more on consistent training and racing closer to home. I still have to race enough ITU races to keep my Olympic points up.
Triathlete.com: London is next up on your schedule—how’s your prep for ITU London coming along?
Haskins: London prep is coming along great. I am focusing on getting my run speed up headed into London. Qualifying for the Olympics will be a great challenge, but I hope to do so on Aug. 6.