The Triathlon Chronicles

The Racing Diary

Potts Dominates Ford Ironman 70.3 California

By Brent Smith

In his second attempt at the distance, U.S. Olympian Andy Potts blazed through the chilly waters of Oceanside Harbor and steadfastly maintained his lead to capture his first Ironman 70.3 title. After finishing the 2006 ITU World Cup season ranked 3rd in the world, the electrifying performance reinforced his status as the top professional triathlete in the country and seems indicative of a successful and exciting season ahead.

Oceanside, Calif. (March 31, 2007) – Clear skies and cool spring temperatures gave more than 2,000 triathletes nearly perfect race conditions at the 2007 Ford Ironman 70.3 California on Saturday. 2004 Olympic Triathlete Andy Potts was aggressive from the start, putting nearly three minutes on his closest competitor in the 1.2-mile swim through Oceanside Harbor.

Determined to maintain his lead, Potts rode four minutes faster than he did at the 2006 event where he finished second to Ironman triathlete Luke Bell in his first attempt at the distance. With a solid run, he broke the tape in 3:59:59 and earned his first Ironman 70.3 win.

Following a stellar 2006 season, Potts was eager to use the four-month break from racing to work on his weaknesses and develop into a more complete triathlete. He put his efforts on display and was very satisfied with the result they produced.

“Conditions were perfect for me to do well and I was familiar with the course. I learned a lot about the distance last year, which made it easier to come up with an appropriate race strategy,” Potts said. “Staying focused for four hours is a challenge.”

Helping him stay motivated and energized throughout the race, Potts appreciated racing with the 2,000 age group triathletes in attendance, an infrequent opportunity while competing on the ITU World Cup circuit. “It’s great to see so many triathlon enthusiasts showing their love for the sport,” Potts said. “I don’t normally get a chance to race on the same course with age group athletes and be a part of a community that I’m so proud of.”

“Running through the transition area with 2,000 bikes lined up while their owners are cheering for me as they wait for their swim wave to start is such a rush. It gives you a sense of camaraderie and bonds you to a community that is so much broader than the smaller world of elite athletes.”

While Potts works towards a 2008 Olympic berth as he hones his ITU draft-legal abilities, he is eager to use his domestic, non-drafting events as opportunities to promote the sport he loves and support the individuals who challenge themselves each year as age group triathletes.

“I have a lot of respect for everyone out there competing. Triathlon is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle. People challenge themselves every day as they choose to eat better and work out and lead a healthier life. It’s why I want to see the sport grow.”

While the sensation of crossing the finish line first and breaking the tape is always exciting, Potts was equally enthusiastic about cheering for the other competitors after he finished his race. “You can’t help but feel the spirit of everyone competing. Cheering for them is just a way to share my enthusiasm for the sport with the same people who support me. As I see them challenging themselves, I see the same reasons that I race and it just makes me want to cheer.”

As excited as he was about the Ford Ironman 70.3 California win, Potts was also proud of the way he bounced back after a disappointing race in Australia the week before. After leading the swim at the 2007 Mooloolaba BG World Cup, Potts struggled on the bike as he stayed with the front pack but was unable to finish the race when officials pulled him off the course after suffering severe dehydration and heat stroke.

"I'm in great shape and I've made improvements in my training over the winter and I just wanted to put my ability on display. Just because it didn't show, doesn't mean it wasn't there, so I took the opportunity to shake off a disappointing weekend, mentally and physically recover, and really attack the next race," Potts said. "The ability to handle adverse conditions, bounce back and be a professional is a valuable tool that I've learned from past experiences and it served me well."

Potts doesn't plan on racing for a few weeks as he focuses his efforts on a different type of challenge, preparing with his wife, Lisa, for the birth of their first child. The next race on his schedule is the 2007 Honolulu ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup on May 20.

To read other articles about the event:

Triathlete Magazine Article: Potts, Major take Ford Ironman 70.3 California titles

Inside Triathlon Article: SoCal's Sunny Season Kick-off

Photo courtesy of Action Sports International