The Triathlon Chronicles
The Racing Diary
Potts Escapes From Alcatraz With Decisive Victory
By Brent Smith
Two weeks after claiming his first National Triathlon title, 2004 Olympian Andy Potts continued his stellar season by winning the prestigious 2007 Accenture Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, known for its challenging course and world-class competitors. Potts has won every triathlon that he has finished since his victory at the 2006 ITU New Plymouth World Cup Triathlon last November.
SAN FRANCISCO (June 3) – Cold, windy conditions greeted more than 1,800 athletes at the 7:00 a.m. start of the 2007 Accenture Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon. Boasting an impressive international field, the race consisted of a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island, an 18-mile bike through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, and an 8-mile run to Baker Beach where athletes must tackle the infamous “sand stairway” before heading back to Marina Green for the finish.
Despite the early-morning wind, the 57-degree water of San Francisco Bay wasn’t as choppy as previous years and the overcast conditions ultimately kept competitors cool during the grueling bike and run portions of the race.
Athens Olympian Andy Potts, who finished third in 2005 and second at last year’s event, took advantage of the great racing conditions and pushed hard from the start, overtaking swim leader Jan Sibbersen in the transition and keeping his lead through the remainder of the race.
“After the swim, I didn’t see anyone else for the rest of the day,” said Potts, “which can be nerve-wracking, wondering how close they are and if they’re coming after you, just waiting for the right moment to strike. It’s only recently that I’ve become a strong enough triathlete to hold people off and every time I take the lead and hold onto it for the win, I gain a little more confidence for the next time that I put myself in that situation.”
Potts was the only athlete to break the 2-hour barrier, finishing the race in 1:59:34 ahead of 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Bevan Docherty of New Zealand (2:00:17) and Australian Olympian Greg Bennett (2:00:21).
“Major races are harder and harder to win, but to capitalize on the opportunity to win on U.S. soil in front of U.S. fans and bring more exposure to the sport in America is fantastic. I felt a lot more support and can definitely tell that I’ve become a little more recognizable because I heard more people shouting my name and cheering me on this year. It really boosts my motivation and encourages me to continue representing my country well.”
“Once I entered the finish chute and knew I had the win, I thought about all the hard work I’ve put in and I just couldn’t contain my excitement,” said Potts, explaining his exuberant, fist-pumping display of emotion as he crossed the line to capture his first Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon win.
Potts will return to the World Cup circuit next week at the 2007 ITU Vancouver World Cup Triathlon and will also compete the following week at the 2007 ITU Des Moines World Cup Triathlon.