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The inaugural Niagara Falls Barrelman lures top local talent

 

 

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On Sunday, September 21, more than 600 professional and age group athletes will participate in the inaugural Niagara Falls Barrelman Triathlon. The half iron distance race is poised to become one of the premier races in Canada. The race will take athletes  through the scenic Niagara Region, starting with a 2 km swim in the clear waters of the Welland Recreational Waterway.  The second stage offers a flat and fast 90 km bike course, which will take athletes on quiet roads out of Welland and into Niagara Falls . The Recharge with Milk Run Course is what makes this event truly special.  The half marathon will take athletes across the front of the American and Canadian Falls twice and athletes will finish past the Falls at Kingsbridge Park amid the expo village and Mill Street Beer Garden.

Its unique late season race date is sure to capitalize on the summer fitness of some top local talent including the quickly rising star Lionel Sanders who just finished fourth at his first Ironman 70.3 World Championship last weekend. Offering an open $5,000 prize purse, the race will also have three qualifying spots per age group for the 2015 ITU world Championships to be held in Motala, Sweden in June 2015.

 

Lionel Sanders Happy with his 4th place finish at 2014 Ironman 70.3 world Championship
Lionel Sanders Happy with his 4th place finish at 2014 Ironman 70.3 world Championship

Sanders told TMC, “I am very excited to race Barrelman. I think Niagara Falls is an awesome spot to hold a half-iron distance triathlon. The course is flat and fast, so I think we will see a lot of PBs over the distance. As well, Cody Beals will be racing, hot off his first 70.3 podium in Muskoka. We haven’t raced since Syracuse 70.3, so I am excited to go head to head again and see his improved fitness.”

Up-and-coming pro Alex VanderLinden will also be racing.  He insists, “Barrelman is going to be a fast race with the depth in Ontario–lots of guys could show up and be contenders…I think it is going to be an awesome point to point course with a fast swim and bike, and a challenging but scenic run.”

“The Welland cannel always provides calm waters, in a controlled atmosphere with a clear line for sighting and ample opportunity to swim fast, all while providing spectators an opportunity to view various portions throughout the course,“ says Angela Quick who is consistently first out of the swim, well ahead of her competitors.

Alex VanderLinden and Angela Quick
Alex VanderLinden and Angela Quick

Having just finish second at the Ontario TT Provincials this past weekend, former pro triathlete-turned elite cyclist, Paolina Allan is sure to tear up the bike course and is looking forward to racing this inaugural event. “Ontario is in need of a new, exciting race like this. Finishing up at the falls will be spectacular!” says Allan.

Credit: @paolinaallan
Credit: @paolinaallan

 

There is still time to enter visit: www.niagarafallstriathlon.com