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Weekend roundup: Blecher continues podium streak in Europe, Killam second at Challenge San Gil

Blecher leads large group of Canadians in the Netherlands

Junior star Oliver Blecher has been making quite the statement this year, racking up wins and podium finishes around North America and Europe over the last few months on his quest to make it to the world championships in September.

Over the weekend he earned his second straight international medal, taking second at the Holten Junior Triathlon European Cup in a time of 56:48.

Matt Sharpe pulled out a top 10 finish in the fiercely competitive premium men’s race, placing ninth in a time of 55:24, just 10 seconds behind winner Raphael Montoya of France. Alesix LePage placed 13th, in 55:52. Jeremy Obrand, the final Canadian man racing, placed 36th. On the women’s side, Elisabeth Boutin placed 16th in the premium women’s race, in 1:04:25. Emy Legault and Veronique Demers placed 23rd and 30th respectively.

Nathan Killam earns first podium finish of the year at Challenge San Gil in Mexico

BC’s Nathan Killam was thrilled with a second place finish behind Italy’s Davide Giardini at Challenge San Gil on Sunday, overcoming a slower swim to deliver strong bike and run splits for a finishing time of 4:09:40 in the pro half distance race.. Killam, a long course pro triathlete and fire-fighter, has been racing internationally this year and placed sixth in a strong field at April’s Wildflower Triathlon.

Killam was the sole Canadian pro racing Challenge San Gil.

“One hell of a race at 6500+ feet at Challenge San Gil against some tough cookies,” he said on social media. “Left it all out there and came away with second place! After a sorry swim, I managed to throw down a solid bike split and move into second, and although I couldn’t make up ground to catch the leader, I held onto a solid second place. One spot better than last year, one spot closer to the top.”