Congratulations to Chris Foster for his 4th consecutive win at the San Diego International Triathlon. His report:
"Last weekend I drove south (instead of flying across the international date line!) for my fourth start at the San Diego International Triathlon. Over the years, the San Diego Tri has become one of my favorite races on the calendar for a few reasons: the short swim, hard bike, and long run suits my strengths; the atmosphere in San Diego is so laid back, but the competition comes out when the gun goes off; and it certainly helps that I've won three years in a row!
This year was missing the usual cast of characters like Luke Bell, Michael Simpson, or a fast, young Aussie as a late entry. However, it did have all of the local pros from San Diego who always put up a good fight.
After an early morning starter's pistol sounded the start of the race, we tore into the water and were immediately into a tight pack. I decided to be conservative during the swim and try to sit behind the front guys but to be vigilant for a break off the front. I came out of the water firmly planted in the front group, exactly where I wanted to be.
Sprinting out of the water, I passed a few guys en route to a very fast transition. After I hopped onto my bike, I had already moved into second, and by the first mile of the bike, I was in the lead. This was my first race with my new Felt DA, so I was excited to put it to the test on some rolling hills. I rode up the first climb at a moderate pace and really put the hammer down once at the tope of the rolling plateau. During the middle nine miles I worked to extend my lead, and was able to cruise into T2 with a solid cushion on the field.
With a good lead going into the run, I was able to put it into cruise control. At each turnaround I was careful to check and make sure no crazy runners were trying to shoot for the front, but I was able to bring it in comfortably for the win!
This marks my fourth consecutive win at the San Diego International Triathlon, and I'm always glad to return. It's always a breath of fresh air to go back and compete at one of the first triathlons I raced as a pro so many years ago. I love not having to take a long flight, sleep in a crazy time zone, and eat weird food, but at the same time I miss the white-knuckled competition I find when I race on the ITU circuit.
San Diego was a great race, but I am really looking forward to going to Europe in three weeks to race in Hamburg and London against the best in the world. World Championship Series races always present unique challenges and the toughest competition, but it's also the kind of racing I've found that I love so much.
Thanks, as always, for your support. Races like San Diego remind me of why I got into the sport, and at the same time help me realize that I will not be content unless I am racing the very best. Thank you for the continuing support that has allowed me to come so far in the past few years, and I am excited knowing that the future still hold so much!"
