Macca Wins in the L.B.C.
MultiSport | September 21, 2009
Set against the backdrop of the world famous Queen Marry and Spruce Goose, the 1,400 plus athletes filtered into Long Beach an hour before the morning sun made its first appearance. The Long Beach Triathlon benefits C.A.R.E. (Comprehensive AIDS Resource Education) of St. Mary Medical Center, who offers an array of medical and social services for HIV/AIDS clients throughout Southern California.
With no hills, no wind, no waves and ocean waters reaching a rather warm 72 degrees, the conditions were primed for a quick day. The swim course was held within the local break-wall, making the ocean utterly dead flat and providing for a lightening fast swim. Australian and now ‘local’ Southern Californian, Chris McCormack took an immediate lead as he rounded the first swim buoy, turning north, paralleling the fan filled shoreline. It was a lead that McCormack spent the rest of the morning increasing with each discipline.
As always, McCormack’s transition from swim to bike was a display of perfection as he increased his lead out of the water and headed out onto the scenic 11-mile bike course. The two-loop route is a tourist dream, taking the athletes along Shoreline Drive, the Queensway Bridge and right past the legendary Queen Mary.
“It was incredible to race in the shadow of something so famous as the Queen Mary and on the same roads as the Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix,” stated McCormack after the race.
Well ahead of the course record, McCormack was quick to exit T2 and out onto the run. The 3-mile run course took place on the boardwalk between the Shoreline Village, the Marina and the beach itself. Looping the athletes through the large crowds three times before they return and finish right on the beach.
“The course was flat and fast,” said McCormack. “I wanted to race one last time before the Ironman World Championships to test my fitness." When asked of his day, McCormack stated, “I feel fantastic. I’ve always said I think races like these are what make our sport so amazing. Everyone here has their own goal, their own story, yet we’re all here doing our best, giving it everything we have on the day.”
The gracious champion spent the afternoon signing autographs, taking pictures and cheering on those who finished long after his record-breaking performance.
For more information on the World Champion, please visit www.ChrisMcCormack.com and don’t forget to sign up at www.MaccaX.com
