Jessey The Elf wins Ironman VR8
Canadian triathlete who has had his name changed and his ears surgically pointed topped last weekend's virtual race.
Last weekend Ironman started the “Challenger Division” – a more regulated division of its Virtual Racing series. Earlier today, after revising the results from last weekend’s race, Ironman declared Canadian Jessey The Elf the winner of the virtual 3 km run/ 40 km bike/ 10 km run race.
The goal of the Ironman VR “Challenger Division” is to provide a more competitive atmosphere for those looking for that experience during Ironman’s Virtual Reality races. Athletes competing in this division must “complete their activities outdoors or on the Rouvy augmented cycling reality platform.”
“Ironman VR8 will allow us to begin testing the regulatory parameters and data that will allow for credible and fair competition,” Ironman posted on the event website page.
Jessey The Elf finished the event in 1:36:57. The original leaderboard had him in second, but according to social media posts today:
“After @ironmantri verified the results of the Top 10 Athletes for a more honest and accountable race, some athletes were moved to the ‘unregulated’ ‘Classic Division’ – and @jesseytheelf ??♂️ was moved from 2nd ? to 1st Overall ? in the ‘Challenger Division.'”
Originally named Ben Sayles, Jessey The Elf did his first triathlon at age 15 and has been a mainstay on the Ontario scene ever since. He has had his name officially changed and his ears pointed “to become a real Christmas Elf.”
A few years ago he and his Hungarian Viszla, Hunter Bauxbaum, were entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest 5 km with a dog. He’s also a two-time Aquathlon world champion.
According to his ambassador page for the Multisport Triathlon Series, he likes to race every weekend throughout the summer. Like thousands of triathletes around the world, he’s turned his sights on Virtual Racing during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
