Haskins, Kemper Win Life Time Minneapolis Triathlon
The "equalizer" made for an exciting finish in Minneapolis.
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At today’s Life Time Fitness Triathlon Sarah Haskins (USA) continued her domination of non-drafting Olympic-distance races, while Hunter Kemper (USA) showed he is peaking at the right time with the 2012 London Olympics only a few weeks away.
The Minneapolis event featured a unique twist for the pros with the “equalizer” prize up for grabs. The pro women took off just over 10 minutes ahead of the men (the exact time is based on past performances) and the first athlete, male or female, across the tape took home the $5,000 bonus. Haskins narrowly crossed the finish line ahead of Kemper, earning the cash prize for the second year in a row.
PHOTOS: 2012 Life Time Tri Minneapolis
Women’s Race
With American Sara McLarty battling an illness and choosing not to race, Haskins became the fastest swimmer in the field and exited the 80-degree water in first position. She carried that momentum throughout the bike and run, spending the day all alone out front. Americans Alicia Kaye and Jillian Petersen and Australian Annabel Luxford were next into T2 behind Haskins, but the gap was too large. Haskins ran her way to her fourth Life Time Fitness title, and a new course record, in 1:57:50. U.S. Olympic team member Gwen Jorgensen made an impressive statement ahead of going to London, finishing second in a rare non-drafting event. Petersen earned third.
Men’s Race
American Dustin McLarty led the athletes into T1. Once on the bike, American Cameron Dye took charge and built a lead. Kemper posted the fastest 10K of the day in 31:21 and he ultimately took home first prize with a course record time of 1:47:25. American Andy Potts ran his way to second, with another Olympic-bound athlete, Bevan Docherty of New Zealand, finishing third.
Life Time Fitness Minneapolis Triathlon
Minneapolis, Minn. – July 14, 2012
1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run
Women
1. Sarah Haskins (USA) 1:57:50
2. Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 2:02:38
3. Jillian Petersen (USA) 2:03:36
4. Alicia Kaye (USA) 2:03:57
5. Becky Lavelle (USA) 2:05:43
Men
1. Hunter Kemper (USA) 1:47:25
2. Andy Potts (USA) 1:48:48
3. Bevan Docherty (USA) 1:48:56
4. Cameron Dye (USA) 1:49:03
5. Chris Foster (USA) 1:49:31