Canadians win in Monterrey and Richmond
Brock Hoel and Martin Sobey are victorious
In Monterrey, Mexico, Canada’s junior athletes stole the show with four top ten finishes, including a gold medal in the men’s race. Brock Hoel of Kelowna, BC won his first-ever CAMTRI event in 56:53. On a slippery course, the racing was stop and go. “It was really a matter of who could stay upright on the bike today, and get to the run unscathed,” said Hoel. “Despite sliding a tonne on the corners, I never crashed on the bike.”
Hoel began the run 40 seconds behind the leaders but quickly closed the gap to cross the finish line first. “It became a mental fight,” said Hoel. “I’ve trained extremely hard for this race. I knew it was going to take an amazing run to win the race, and that’s what I’ve been focusing on for the last six months – building to this moment. I’m absolutely stoked and thankful for this victory, and those who supported me along the way including my coach Luke Way.”
Filip Mainville (CAN) finished fifth, posting a time of 57:37 – 18 seconds off the podium. In the junior women’s race, Colette Reimer was the top Canadian in eighth (1:06:31). Alexandrine Coursol finished tenth in 1:06:50. In the elite men’s race, John Rasmussen was the top Canadian in 11th (1:46:27).
In Richmond, Virginia, Martin Sobey was victorious in the elite men’s race (52:38). The win was the first of his career on the CAMTRI circuit. “I am happy to see that the program my coaches and I have in place is paying off. I am thrilled with how the day went and even more excited for the rest of the season,” said Sobey. He was quickly followed by Charles Paquet in third (52:45). Victoria’s Aidan Longcroft-Harris finished fifth place in 53:07.
In the women’s race, Karol-Ann Roy finished fourth in 59:57 – 28 seconds off the podium. Four other Canadians rounded out the top ten from seventh to tenth – Laurin Throne, Elisabeth Boutin, Cassandra Dalbec and Ariane Lalancette.
