McMahon wins Pan Am Bronze

While both targeted first place and an automatic berth on the Canadian Olympic Team, Victoria’s Brent McMahon and Kyle Jones finished third and fourth respectively at today’s Pan American Games Triathlon.

McMahon and Jones set themselves up nicely for the win, setting the pace during the 40 km bike, and with McMahon leading the way onto the run with Jones close behind. However, it essentially came down to a foot race between four men.

Brazil’s Reinaldo Colucci came out on top by outrunning everyone (31:43) to win the Pan American Games gold medal in 1:48:02. The USA’s Manuel Huerta had the second best run of 31:50 to win silver (1:48:09), and with the third fastest run (32:10) McMahon took bronze (1:48:22) – adding to his 2007 Pan American Games silver medal. Jones finished just off the podium in fourth (1:48:45).

“I did everything I could to come out of here with the gold but I just came up a little short,” said McMahon. “I put everything out there today and I’m super happy to win a medal for Canada.”

“This medal means a lot more than the silver in Rio,” added McMahon. “It has been a long, hard and tough road back to get to my top fitness. I believe I am faster now than I have ever been. Things have come together so well and I’m just so glad as Canadians we came out of here with a medal. We are still one of the top-ranked countries and still have a shot at qualifying three athletes for the Olympics.”

“I am pretty disappointed because I expected to win today and I wasn’t able to deliver,” said Jones. “It wasn’t a bad race. I just felt like I was in fourth gear all day and couldn’t find that next gear on the run. It is a little frustrating.”

Men

1. Reinaldo Colucci BRA 1:48:02

2. Manuel Huerta USA 1:48:09

3. Brent McMahon CAN 1:48:22

4. Kyle Jones CAN 1:48:45

5. Diogo Sclebin BRA 1:49:49

6. Tyler Butterfield BER 1:50:03

7. Jason Wilson BAR 1:50:09

8. Felipe Van de Wyngard CHI 1:50:14

9. Michel Gonzalez CUB 1:50:47

10. Matt Chrabot USA 1:50:58