Thomas, Jackson Set To Defend Wildflower Next Month

Both reigning champions Jesse Thomas (USA) and Heather Jackson (USA) will return to the Wildflower Long Course Triathlon on Saturday, May 2 to defend their titles. The two have seen unparalleled success on the course, with Thomas going after his 5th win and Jackson going after her 4th win.

The area is still battling a drought, so athletes will once again take on a modified course. The Wildflower Long Course is known for its tough, hilly terrain and its festival-like atmosphere. Organizers again expect to see up to 7,500 athletes and 30,000 spectators.

In just over a month, on May 1-3, the 33rd Wildflower Triathlons will feature several elite, world-class triathletes who are all too familiar with the gut-wrenching terrain at Lake San Antonio. Presented with a modified drought-tolerant course for the second year in a row, professional athletes are set to conquer one of the toughest long-courses in triathlon.

Known for its hilly and challenging course, The Wildflower Triathlon is one of the largest triathlon events in the world that can attract up to 7,500 athletes and 30,000 spectators.

Thomas’ biggest competition will likely come from names like Jordan Rapp (USA), Brian Fleischmann (USA), Matty Reed (USA) and Matt Lieto. On the women’s side, Jackson will face off against Emily Cocks, Laurel Wassner, Rebeccah Wassner, Emma-Kate Lidbury and Liz Lyles. (See the complete elite start list below).

“We’re thrilled with the elite competitors joining us this year, and most of them are no strangers to the Wildflower Triathlons, one of the toughest and most beautiful long courses in the world,” said Colleen Bousman, president of Tri-California Events in a press release. “Even with another year of challenge in modifying the course due to drought, we’re confident our amateur competitors will be excited about the prospect of competing on the same course with some of the world’s best triathletes and Wildflower legends. It’ll be an exciting field.”

In addition to the Wildflower’s classic long course (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run), the three-day triathlon festival also includes a mountain bike sprint race and an Olympic distance contest. To learn more  visit Tricalifornia.com.

RELATED PHOTOS: 2014 Wildflower Long Course Triathlon

2015 Wildflower Elite Athletes

Jen Annett
Christopher Bagg
A.J. Baucco
Karl Bordine
Mark Bowstead
Scott Bradley
Eric Clarkson
Emily Cocks
Scott Defilippis
Nathan Dressel
Brian Fleischmann
Derek Garcia
Thomas Gerlach
Davide Giardini
Pedro Gomes
Erin Green
Claudio Hernandez
Bailey Hinz
Yu Hsiao
Heather Jackson
John Kenny
Nathan Killam
Stephen Kilshaw
Cathleen Knutson
Carlos Lesser
Carries Lester
Emma-Kate Lidbury
Matt Lieto
Elizabeth Lyles
Mackenzie Madison
Rachel McBride
Caleb Morse
Elizabeth Noey
Adam O’Meara
Julie Patterson
Jordan Rapp
Matthew Reed
Matthew Sheeks
Laura Siddall
Jessica Smith
Erin Spitler
Jesse Thomas
Jesse Vondracek
Laurel Wassner
Rebeccah Wassner
Charisa Wernick