Paula Wins Challenge Beijing and John Reed Wins in Karlovy Vary!

Paula Wins Challenge Beijing!

It was an exciting first stop of a big race block! Challenge Beijing was the first of three three races Paula plans to compete in this month, before the UCI Cycling World Championships and T100 Ibiza.

Paula's race schedule has been centered around T100 and 70.3 distances, making her decision to commit to a non-draft Olympic-distance race across the globe a bit unexpected. As it turns out, the choice to race Challenge Beijing was actually a fairly easy one. This race really celebrates its athletes, offers a generous prize purse, and promises an exceptional race experience. While Paula has been enjoying time at home, Beijing seemed too good of an opportunity to turn down, so she sent it! 

"As much as it’s hard to be so far from home, it’s not lost on me how insanely cool and unique it is to be able to see China and race in these beautiful places of the world. Thank you @challengefamily for the hospitality and opportunity!"

Race Recap

A gray and humid morning with temps hanging in the 70s. The previous day's rain held off for the most part, but the mist stuck around. Paula lined up alongside Sian Rainsley (GBR), Amelia Watkinson (NZL), Olympic Silver Medallist Julie Derron (SUI), multiple-time 70.3 Champion Ellie Salthouse (AUS), and Lucy Byram (GBR). There were no wetsuits in sight as the water temp of the Gui River was about 21.9°C / 72 °F, just slightly above the wetsuit legal limit (71.5°F). The six athletes lined up on pontoon in swim skins and took off with the start gun. This swim looked different from most of Paula’s previous races. There were no lead or chase packs, just THE pack! The six athletes quickly spread out into a single file line. Paula hung comfortably in the middle, taking the slight advantage of the wake from the leaders. The pack stretched out heading into T1, but not by much. Paula exited the water about 40 seconds behind the leader and made the long 500m run into transition alongside Lucy Byram. 

While the course didn’t have any crazy turns, climbs, or descents, it did have puddles - lots of them. The weather definitely demanded some technical riding from the athletes in order to avoid any slips, but other than that it was a great course for Paula to show her strength. By the halfway point, Byram was in the lead with Paula just a few seconds back, looking smooth and stable despite the heavy mist. The two built their 1 minute lead into nearly 2, and played cat and mouse for a bit before heading back into T2 and beginning the run.

Everything was drenched as athletes splashed through ankle deep puddles you’d expect to find at a steeplechase event. Luckily wet socks weren't an issue, as professionals rarely wear socks for an Olympic distance event in order to speed up their transitions!

"...racing with no watch, no socks (hi blisters)"

Paula was not fazed and showed some stellar puddle technique as she and Byram started the run. It was go time! Paula quickly took the lead, while Lucy Byram hung on her shoulder. After appearing to settle into the pace, Paula kicked it up a notch and slowly started to stretch a gap. The excitement at this point in the race was electric. In non-draft Olympic races, timing surges can be tough. An early surge can separate the winner from the chasers, but once you commit, you can’t let up. The pace looked fast, but Paula seemed to be in total control with every step.

Unaware of where a fast-charging Julie Derron was, she kept the pressure on and looked strong all the way to the tape. The feeling of the finish line tape is becoming very familiar this season as this marks Paula’s third win in a triathlon following 70.3 Mont-Tremblant and 70.3 St. George.

"I took an 11 week break from racing this summer (intentionally), so naturally I had a bit of doubt in myself and feeling that my preparation was not as good as it should be. But what I’ve learned from 17 years in the sport is that a little rest, paired with my competitiveness & a lot of years of hard work, can bring out performances that surprise me (like this one!). It was a bit of a short course throwback - racing with no watch, no socks (hi blisters), and just going as hard as I could."

With the win in Beijing secured, Paula has already shifted her focus towards her next race: The UCI Time Trial World Championships, in Gossau Switzerland! Eric is on his way to meet her there now. From there, team TTL will make their way southwest to Ibiza for another T100 race! It will be a busy month with some big goals, but we looking forward to the journey and are so stoked to see Paula's unreal season continue!

PODCAST 🎙️

Last week on the Pod, we discussed:

😡A heated debate: How do you handle a cancelled race?

🥇Qualifying for WC as a fast age grouper

🔍How to find the right coach

🛟 Open water wetsuits vs triathlon wets suits

🍽️ What to eat before a swim workout

🚀 Power difference on gravel vs TT bike

🚲Different kinds of bar tape

🤔Mechanical vs electric shifting

⭐Advice for a 10 year old triathlete

🏁Would Paula ever fully commit to cycling?

Another Electric Race

John Reed also competed this past Sunday, but in an Olympic distance, draft-legal World Cup race in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Typical of many other World Cup races, it was not clear who the winner would be until moments before the finish. If you haven't watched on TriathlonLive, you're missing out!

It had an 'end-of-summer feel,' with athletes throwing every plan, tactic, and idea at the wall.

This was John’s tenth race of the year and he has been putting in the work all season. His previous best result was back in May where he rounded out the podium, finishing in third at Huatulco World Cup. This first-place finish has been a long time coming, so it was very exciting to see John represent TTL on top of the podium after giving it his all in every race!

This course is iconic,” said Reed. “Honestly, probably the hardest race I’ve ever done in my life... You can’t go easy.

Just like Paula, John timed his surge perfectly, taking and holding on to the lead within the last few minutes! Massive congrats to team TTL for such an exciting weekend!