Beals takes fourth at Ironman 70.3 New Orleans

Amid a star-studded field, Ontario’s Cody Beals took fourth at Ironman 70.3 New Orleans on Sunday in a time of 3:43:14. Despite a fast swim of 20:21, Beals left the water in a small pack including fellow Canadian Trevor Wurtele and Ben Hoffman which was almost 90 seconds behind eventual winner Andy Potts. Beals used one of the fastest bike splits to close the gap and ran a 1:17 half marathon to come within reach of Australian Tim Reed who took the final podium spot in 3:42:36. American Matt Chrabot was second in 3:40:30 and Pott’s winning time was 3:39:40.

Beals was happy with his race. “It was both a thrill and a relief to race again after seven solid months invested in training. I was confident that my fitness in all three disciplines was at an all-time high, but it was still a surreal experience to find myself racing alongside some world-class triathletes,” he told TMC.

“From the gun, I did not feel good and the suffering intensified with every step out on the hot, humid run course. I drew upon some recent discussions with my coaches about how feeling good is not imperative to racing well. Beyond the result, I’m more satisfied with some much-needed improvement in my mental game,” Beals explained.

Next up for the rising star is Ironman 70.3 Texas next weekend with fellow Ontario-native Lionel Sanders.

Trevor Wurtele grabbed seventh in 3:50:20 while Jeff Manson took 16th, Jordan Monnink took 19th and Dylan Gleeson was 20th.

American Sarah Piampiano won the race with a comfortable two minute buffer on second in 4:15:17. Danielle Mack and Katy Blakemore fought hard near the line with Mack taking second in 4:17:16 and Blakemore in third just eight seconds later. Canadian pro Alexandra Gordichuk finished 12th in 4:30:55.

Toronto’s Sjaan Gerth was the top Canadian age group finisher, winning his 30-34 age group in 4:01:31.