INDOOR Open Water Swim at Richmond Sprint Triathlon

Set Up Events staff with Virginia Triathlon Series sponsor Doug Landau after the Richmond Sprint race today

The Virginia Triathlon Series, produced by Set Up Events, scored another “first” today.  By moving the Richmond Triathlon Club Sprint Triathlon to the Greater Richmond Aquatic Partnership (“GRAP”), Greg Hawkins & Company were able to treat swimmers to a 400m open water pool swim!  Starting in groups of 10 or less, athletes were able to swim in a pristine warm pool, around buoys in front of a large grandstand. This new venue was the home of the 2008 Olympic Trials pool.  GRAP has, in addition to a “warm up” pool and full locker room for post-race clean up, a 50-meter, 7 foot+ all deep pool.  Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau enjoyed the format, but got buried by the competition despite fast transitions and working hard on the run.  His “Achilles Heel” was the bike, where even after dismounting after leaving the transition area, he never overcame a rubbing front wheel and was passed repeatedly.  While most would be satisfied finishing in the top 20%, Lawyer Landau vowed to do much better next time, as finishing off the podium was not the plan for this VTS sponsor.

The Richmond Triathlon Club Sprint Triathlon was very spectator friendly with a 2-loop run around the Richmond Kickers soccer complex. The bike course was a mix of rolling hills and flat sections and is a “big ring” course throughout. There were a number of teams from all over the Commonwealth represented at this multisport event, including the Richmond Triathlon Club (RTC), the Virginia Tech “Hokies” Triathlon Team, Endorphin Fitness (led by Michael Harlow) and Central Virginia Endurance (“CVE”). Capping it off were lots of post-race give aways, great food by “The Meatball Guys,” and massages.  The race sold out this year, and will likely be very popular for years to come.