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IRONMEN PREVAIL AT STICK-N-BACK
by Eric Tydingco

  


75 athletes get ready to start the swim portion of the 2008 Stick-N-Back Super Sprint Triathlon in the waters behind USO.

(16 January 2008) 2 veterans of Ironman distance triathlons made short work of the super-sprint Stick-N-Back today. Finishing first was Cameron O'Neal followed by Hernan "H" Altamar - both finishers of the pinnacle of triathlons that combines a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and ending with a full 26.2 mile marathon. The super-sprint distance, designed to attract novices to the sport, proved to be a great kickoff to the 2008 season for even the seasoned multi-sporters. "It was still a hard race" commented Altamar. Many would agree as the longer distance races require an even, sustained effort while the shorter events are lung-busting-all-out endeavors.

Shortly after 7am, the siren blared and 75 racers started stroking and kicking their way toward the 200 meter triangle swim course. GTF board member, Mark Cruz, cautioned the newbies prior to the start to situate themselves based on their swim ability. Good advice, as it is not uncommon to get kicked in the face or have your goggles knocked off by the thrashing arms and legs during a crowded swim start.Exiting the water first was Rob Carter, followed by a fast-closing chase pack. By the end of the bike, it was a different story as Altamar and O'Neal entered T2 like a pair of Siamese twins. After quick transitions, they both blasted out onto the 3k run.
2008 Stick-N-Back winner, Cameron O'Neal heads into T2.
Cruising in for the win was O'Neal in 31:08 with Altamar taking second 10 seconds back. William Anderson dug deep and outran a pack that included Art Guerrero and Carter, crossing the line in 31:59.

1st place female, Devon Bathurst.

For the women, it was Devon Bathurst leading a trio new to the Guam triathlon scene. After an impressive swim, Bathurst powered through the bike and run finishing in 34:32. Chiyo Lombard took second in 35:07 and Terri Atkinson rounded out the podium spots with a time of 36:33.

Top 18 and under finishers were Robert Fry Jr. (35:19), and Amy Atkinson (36:56). In a continuing display of the success of the Tough Kids Multi-sport Series, Michelle Ysrael (10), Brian Tsuji (11), and Cora McClelland (9) jumped right from the recent youth-only events into the Stick-N-Back giving a preview of the future of triathlon on Guam. They finished in 38:01, 40:52, and 45:55, respectively.