Frodeno, Kaye Take Titles At 30th St. Anthony’s Triathlon

Published April 28, 2013 10:23AM

Jan Frodeno (GER) and Alicia Kaye (CAN) earned the victories at the 30^th anniversary of the St. Anthony’s Triathlon by turning in well-rounded races St. Petersburg, Fla.

The day kicked off with news that wind and choppy conditions in Tampa Bay would mean a shortened swim for age-groupers, while the professionals would still be allowed to compete on the original 1.5K swim course. With the London Olympics well in the past and the Rio Olympics still three years away, several Olympians came out to St. Anthony’s to test their skills on a non-drafting course. Ultimately it was a former Olympic gold medalist who took the victory for the men and a non-drafting specialist who broke the tape for the women.

Men’s Race
Australia’s super swimmer Josh Amberger led the fast field out of the bay and into transition. Russia’s Denis Vasiliev, who finished 5th at the Fearless Pro Triathlon just a few days ago, was next, with non-drafting Olympic-distance all star Cameron Dye (USA) right on his heels. Frodeno and a large group featuring the main contenders started the bike about 30 seconds back of the leader.

Once on the bike, Dye showcased his TT skills and rode his way through the field, posting a race-best 53:58 bike split. Fellow American T.J. Tollakson had the next-best bike time at 54:38, with Australian Greg Bennett also showcasing a fast bike split. It was a close race throughout the 10K, with 2008 Olympic champion Frodeno ultimately putting together the most well-rounded race of the field to earn the 1:47:05 victory. Russia’s Ivan Vasiliev (Denis’ brother) earned the second spot 10 seconds later. American Hunter Kemper rounded out the podium in third. Sven Riederer (SUI) had the fastest run of the group and finished fourth.

Women’s Race
Super swimmer Sara McLarty (USA) posted the fastest swim split, exiting the water in a time of 20:37. Olympians Nicky Samuels (NZL), Jessica Harrison (FRA) and Laura Bennett (USA) were not far behind. Kaye was sixth into T1, about 40 seconds down on McLarty.

Kaye earned her victory by dominating the 40K bike leg in a blazing time of 58:41. Samuels and Olympic silver medalist Lisa Norden (SUI) also had fast bike splits and it came down to whether the Olympians would be able to catch the super cyclist Kaye. Kaye showcased her ability to TT on the bike and then start the run with fresh legs. She outran several of the ITU specialists, including Samuels and Norden, to earn the St. Anthony’s victory in 1:57:10. Samuels cruised in for second, with another Olympian, Emma Moffatt (AUS), earning third. The fastest run of the day went to American Kelly Williamson, but she had to settle for a 13^th-place finish after a slower-than-usual swim and bike. 2010 Ironman world champion Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) also posted a strong run time and finished in sixth position.

St. Anthony’s Triathlon
St. Petersburg, Fla. – April 28, 2013
1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run

Men*
1. Jan Frodeno (GER) 1:47:05
2. Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 1:47:15
3. Hunter Kemper (USA) 1:47:35
4. Sven Riederer (SUI) 1:48:06
5. Greg Bennett (AUS) 1:48:17

Women*
1. Alicia Kaye (CAN) 1:57:10
2. Nicky Samuels (NZL) 1:57:54
3. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 1:59:07
4. Svenja Bazlen (ARG) 2:00:10
5. Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) 2:01:20

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