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

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!