The Triathlon Chronicles

The Racing Diary

Potts Successfully Defends Alcatraz Title

By Brent Smith

With two weeks until the 2008 U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team roster is finalized at the Des Moines World Cup, Athens Olympian Andy Potts won the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon for the second year in a row. Hoping to test his legs and work out any kinks before the final Olympic Trials event, Potts managed a dominant performance that bodes well for the upcoming race.

San Francisco, Calif. (June 8, 2008) – Slightly handicapped by strong winds while powering through 53-degree water, the top swimmers at the 2008 Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon were unable to pull away from the rest of the field. Instead of exiting in packs, competitors seemed to trickle out single-file from the chilly 56 degree waters of San Francisco Bay.

Frenchman Benjamin Sanson led more than 1,800 athletes out of the water during the 28th year of the event with Americans Andy Potts and Matt Chrabot right behind him.

“It was a beautiful day and made for a really great racing atmosphere,” said Potts. “We had the current on our side this year, but the wind made it difficult to break up the swim so I didn’t have my usual lead as I headed out on the bike.”

Blazing through the transition, Potts and Chrabot pulled away from the rest of the field during the hilly 18-mile bike through the streets of San Francisco. After racing along the cliffs and winding through Presidio Park, Potts and Chrabot had a 90-second lead over Kiwi Graham O’Grady and Australian Craig Alexander heading out onto the run.

After surrendering about 30 seconds to the chasing athletes when the two Americans strayed off course, Potts powered away from Chrabot and held on to his remaining lead for the win. With strong enough runs to catch Chrabot, O’Grady and Alexander filled out the rest of the podium spots.

“It was frustrating to go off course on the bike after such a solid ride, but it didn’t really matter at the end of the day,” said Potts. “I was out there to get a feel for where my legs were after focusing on my running during the past few weeks. I pulled away well and felt right on track for Des Moines.”

“While preparing for the final Trials race was my primary concern, I also wanted to come out here and defend my title. It’s a prestigious race known for its difficulty, which makes it one of my favorite annual challenges. I definitely took my time at the end and really enjoyed the finish chute.”

“Each race adds something special to my overall knowledge as a competitor and I’m really excited to see what I can do in two weeks.”

The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon will air on either CBS or NBC on a regional basis starting on the weekend of June 21st so check your local listings for more information.