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LARGE TURNOUT FOR STICK-N-BACK

  


Swimmer negotiate the currents as they head to one of the turnaround buoys in the 2010 Stick-N-Back race. (photo by Tara Tydingco).

(10 January 2010) One hundred sixty people showed up for the first race of 2010 - the most for this event since the GTF established this website back in 2002. The annual Stick-N-Back race routinely draws the highest number of participants because of its "novice friendly" distances.

With a 200 meter swim, 10k bike and 4k run, the event attracted a significant number of first-timers to the sport. But being the first race of the new year as well as kicking off the membership drive, seasoned triathletes also came out in droves.

With this many people in the water, it made for quite an interesting swim start as the short 200 meter course did not allow much space or time for the crowd to spread. Post-race reports of goggles being kicked off and bodies piling over each other at the buoys were expected. The slight current didn't help matters either. Fortunately, no race-ending injuries were sustained.

The first pack of leaders emerged after roughly 5 minutes and were quickly on their bikes. About a mile into the bike race, early front-runner, David Brennan was overtaken by Cameron O'Neal. O'Neal held on to the lead into transition.


Overall winner, Cameron O'Neal cruises in to the finish.

Top women's finisher, Chiyo Lombard, sets a torrid pace as she starts her run.

"I had to really work hard in the swim to stay with the lead pack and to try to avoid the 'chaos' behind me." O'Neal remarked. "Then I was pushed to ride a good bike leg to get as much time as I could because I knew there were some really fast runners looking to chase me down." he added. Indeed. Right behind him were Robert Cuen, Brennan, young speedster Brandon Fell and Jesse Izdepski - all gunning for O'Neal. In the end, O'Neal held on to his lead and crossed the line in 37:13. Cuen followed a little about a minute later, and 13 year old Brandon Fell passed Brennan in the final feet to take the 3rd spot in 39:34.

For the women it was local cycling powerhouse Chiyo Lombard taking the top honors with a time of 42:23. Maggie Greenwood claimed second in 49:05 and Dana Suess completed the women's podium places with a finish time of 49:23.