The PTO World Championships at Challenge Daytona promised to be an incredible event – it certainly delivered. Battling it out on the Daytona International Speedway, the top 40 professional male and female athletes threw down for a slice of the $1.15 million prize purse.
Coming out on top after a 2k swim around Lake Lloyd, an 80k bike ride and finally, an 18k run around the speedway was Canada’s Paula Findlay in the women’s event and Norway’s Gustav Iden in the men‘s event. Findlay completed the event in 3:24:55 whilst Iden crossed the line in 3:05:06.
There were also celebration-worthy performances from several Zone3 athletes. Amelia Watkinson picked up her largest paycheck to date finishing 5th in a time of 03:31:50. Kimberley Morrison was also thrilled with her performance, finishing in 13th in a time of 03:36:31. Morrison was second fastest on the bike leg behind Findlay, averaging a whopping 27 mph.
In the men’s event, Tom Davis, racing in a custom Aeroforce-X, finished in a highly respectable 12th place crossing the line in 03:07:57. Initially aiming for a top 20 finish, 5k into the run Davis found himself leading the pack. However, at the 10k mark, he found himself fighting for survival. Whilst frustrated, he looks to use this performance as motivation and something to learn from for the 2021 season. Elsewhere Adam Bowden and Pieter Heemeryck both finished in the top 20, crossing the line in 15th and 18th.
Here at Zone3 we would just like so say a huge thanks to Challenge Family and the Professional Triathletes Organisation for putting on such an incredible event. It’s given so many athletes, amateur and pro, the opportunity to race in what has been such a difficult season. To all Zone3 athletes, congratulations to all of you for laying everything you had out there on the course, we can’t wait to see what you bring in 2021.
