Devonport triathlete, Amelia Pearson continued her preparation for the 2009 ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Championships in October with a solid 6th placing in the Ironman 70.3 Calgary Triathlon today.
The Calgary event is a new race on the lucrative Ironman 70.3 international circuit and boasted a prize pool of $25,000USD.
Pearson exited the 1.9km swim in Ghost Lake with the front group of swimmers in 4th place overall and rode strongly over the tough 94km bike course set in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies to start the 21km run still in 4th place.
Pearson faded slightly on the hot and hilly run as the temperature climbed steadily towards 32c but managed to hold onto 6thplace.
“I was very happy with my race today considering where I am in my training and preparation for the World Championships later in the year. I went into this race with a set race plan and in consultation with my coach experimented on a couple of things including pacing and nutrition. I did fade over the last 4km of the run but that was to be expected as I tried to really push the pace early on the bike. So all in all it was a great day and I learnt a lot!” Pearson said.
Pearson also finished in 6th place at the Vineman 70.3 Triathlon in California two weeks ago to show her preparation for the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Championships are right on track for October.
The race was dominated by the current Ironman 70.3 Triathlon World Champion, Mirinda Carfrae from Brisbane with Canadian athlete Magali Tisseyre 2nd and British athlete Catriona Morrison flying home on the run to claim 3rd place.
The men’s race was won by Tim O’Donnell from USA with Australia’s Stephen Hackett in 8th place.
It has been a big week for Pearson after being named The Advocate - Motors Sports Star of the Year at a gala dinner on Thursday night.
Pearson attention now turns to the Ironman Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon in Washington State on 16th August. Following the Lake Stevens race Pearson will then head home to prepare for the years major goal in October.
Top 10 - Women
1. Mirinda CARFRAE AUS 4:11:05
2. Magali TISSEYRE CAN 4:21:05
3. Catriona MORRISON GBR 4:21:30
4. Lisa MENSINK NED 4:25:15
5. Linsey CORBIN USA 4:26:15
6. Amelia PEARSON AUS 4:30:59
7. Danelle KABUSH CAN 4:33:26
8. Sara GROSS CAN 4:35:15
9. Rosemarie GERSPACHER CAN 4:35:45
10. Ayesha ROLLINSON CAN 4:36:23
Race Site: www.ironmancalgary.com
Race coverage: http://ironman.com/events/