Amelie Kretz finishes second at ITU Mazatlan
A strong run secures a podium position in her Olympic distance debut.
Amelie Kretz of Blainville, Quebec, brought home silver at the 2013 ITU Pan American Cup in Mazatlan, Mexico.
Kretz, who is part of the National Development Team, trains with the RTC Guelph and is studying at the University of Guelph, completed her first Olympic distance race in fine style.
“I came here without any expectations because I didn’t have any experience in a Olympic distance triathlon,” said Kretz to Triathlon Canada. “It is really reassuring to see that I can do well in this distance. I still have a lot to learn, but I am really looking forward to my first year as a U23 elite.”
Kretz exited the water within reach of the race leaders but fell behind during the bike since she was the lone Canadian in the race and no one wanted to work with her to bridge the gap to the front – she lost over 3 minutes. Nevertheless, Kretz battled hard on the 10 km run (36:05) and moved up to second spot to claim the silver medal in her Olympic distance debut (2:12:26). Cecilia Perez of Mexico took the win (2:10:47).
“The water was very choppy and I came out in 3rd position. The bike portion was really frustrating because all the Mexicans did a team strategy against me, so they didn’t want to work with me on the bike,” revealed Kretz to Triathlon Canada. “I stayed calm and played their game. The run went well. I followed my coaches advice, and stayed at a comfortable pace for 7.5km and then attacked the last 2.5km to finish in second place.”
Women
1. Cecilia Perez MEX 2:10:47
2. Amelie Kretz CAN 2:12:26
3. Adriana Barraza MEX 2:12:48
4. Maria Eugenia Barrera MEX 2:13:07
5. Paola Diaz MEX 2:14:58
Men
1. Vinicio Ibarra MEX 1:55:28
2. Hahasiah Yosua Cervantes Martinez MEX 1:55:37
3. Reinaldo Colucci BRA 1:56:15
4. Crisanto Grajales MEX 1:56:16
5. Sergio Sarmiento MEX 1:56:58
