West Point Lake Triathlon - race report

Written by Catherine Meihofer

The West Point Lake Triathlon was this past Saturday (6/14) in LaGrange, Georgia.�

Race conditions couldn’t have been more perfect for this time of year.  While this race has a history of hot weather, we got lucky with cooler temps and cloud cover.  This was my first time competing in this race and hot weather or not, the race is great - Jim Rainy and GA Multisports always put on a safe and enjoyable event.

The race was a time trial start, people going off in two’s every 3-5 seconds.  The water was clear and smooth.  The course takes you around a peninsula, keeping the buoys on the right - swimmers are never too far from shore and it’s very easy to sight.  I was far back in the start order and I was concerned about having to navigate around people, but the swim did not feel congested at all.

The bike course was one of the best routes I have ever experienced.  While the roads are open to traffic, I can’t remember even one car passing me.  The course is rolling with many hills, but none are gut-busting, out-of-your-saddle painful.  The down hills are a blast.  I just had my bike tuned up by Jason and the guys at All3Sports - my ride shifted effortlessly and I needed every gear.

Then the run, my most challenging leg.  The course is a mainly flat out and back - going across the top of the lake’s dam.  There was some shade, but the heat was starting to make quite a presence.   The 1.5 mile mark is the turn around for the sprint triathlon (which occurs at the same time as the Olympic), when I saw that I wished I had signed up for the sprint!  Soon though mile marker 4 appeared, then 5 and then the finish.  While my run was a disappointment, my swim was the second fastest female time of the race and my bike split was 5th - securing an age group win and 8^th place overall.

Post race activities were great - good food, drinks, massages, and camaraderie.  I caught with All3Sports teammate Ken Brown - who won his age group as well.

Next up for me is the Tri-the-Park’s Indian Springs triathlon June 28^th.  Hope to see you at the thrilla in Flovilla!