July Update

ByMike Neill

A lot has happened in a very short time at Human Powered Racing!

Nancy Carleton was crowned National Champion for the 7th time in her age group at the Apple Triathlon in Kelowna. After coming out of the water with a 2 minute deficit a strong bike allowed Nancy to pull back that time and then a great run sent her on her way to another victory. Congratulations Nancy.

A woman with short blonde hair is wearing an HPR triathlon bodysuit and flexing her right arm. She is smiling and posing in front of the HPR back drop with their logo on it in orange, which is a line in the shape of a jagged mountain range silhouette.

In the Standard Distance National Championship Crystal Bergeron had a great race in preparation for Ironman Mt Tremblant next month and finished on the podium in 3rd place.

Crystal Bergeron on the bike at 2019 Apple Triathlon in Kelowna

Closer to home, Human Powered Racing had a very strong showing at the Langford Triathlon. Jessica Gorges finished 2nd in her age group and 4th overall in the Standard distance event while Sooke Team Members Laura Hooper and Melanie Cunningham had great races to finish 3rd in their divisions. In the sprint event, Rhianon Hester also had a 3rd place finish. Way to go Team.

The 6th edition of XTERRA Victoria also took place this past weekend. Hosted by Human Powered Racing and presented by Arbutus Physiotherapy and Health Centre this years race took place under ideal conditions. Flat water, slightly overcast sky’s with a bit of rain on the run made for a great day. New Zealand had a great day here with Kiwi’s Sam Osborne and Samantha Kingsford taking the victories in both the men’s and women’s pro divisions.

Men’s Pro Division

  1. Sam Osborne
  2. Josiah Middaugh
  3. Karsten Madsen
  4. Branden Rakita
  5. Will Ross
Winner of XTERRA Victoria crossing the finish line

Women’s Pro Division

  1. Samantha Kingsford
  2. Suzie Snyder
  3. Melanie McQuaid
  4. Julie Baker
  5. Katelyn Button
Women's winner crossing the line at XTERRA Victoria

Representing Human Powered Racing on the day was Mark Hopkins who laid to rest the demons of a bad back and missing the time cut off in last years event to finish strong in his preparation for Ironman Whistler. Awesome Job Mark!

And last but not least, two members of the Human Powered Racing Youth team were racing in Kelowna in the Provincial Super Series. Congratulations to Sohphie Wood in the junior draft legal event and also to Ember Bruszkowski in the youth draft legal event. The next generation is coming on strong.

Human Powered Racing Hat and Medal