I thought it was weird that no one mentioned the first big Challenge race of the year. It was a half distance race with some big names Pete Jacobs, Brad Kahlefeldt, John Polson, Josh Amerger, etc. It was a great race with some tactical bike riding till Amberger put to hammer down in the last 6-10 miles to put a 1:30 into the field. Kahlefeldt had a great run to overtake Amberger, who held strong for 2nd, Sam Appleton took 3rd, and Jacobs came across 4th. Got a first hand report from Amberger (who might chime in here) who said it was a great race and for him personally a great start to the season. His garmin was out so he was flying blind on the bike (power-wise) yet seemed to make the most of it.
Potentially a great race, I think they did a great job for this first year (of course they had done it before, just not under the challenge umbrella), I will probably do it next year, which is one of the reasons I came down to watch yesterday (along with a nice week-end with family in the Bay, and my son doing the splash and dash on Saturday).
Elite energy did a good job organising this race for the athletes. I just have one comment, as a spectator (and this is not only for this particular race, but most all triathlons where I’ve spectated really).
I keep hearing that triathlon is not a watchable sport (especially on the slowtwitch forum), but I think we (as a sport in general) do a poor job at making it so.
Shout out to organisers: just tell us about what’s happening during the race, first with maybe a build up pre-race with talk of the pros, what they did last and earlier this year, palmares, etc, what we can expect from them during this race, how tactics will probably unfold taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of the pros racing on that day, etc, then please give us regular updates and splits and how you see the race unfold. Create some interest.
After the swim, basically everyone goes for breakfast or something, and I can’t blame them, no updates whatsoever. Even the two speakers must’ve gone for breakfast. I was there, almost alone, waiting for some info :-). Ended up asking the race director directly, who didn’t really know himself, or didn’t want to talk about it too much, fair enough, he’s busy making sure the race goes to plan. At least they had some good music.
Rant over 
Oh, and interesting words from Brad Kahlefeldt at the finish, on how he finally found his position on the bike. That means trouble for other long course athletes in the future? His run is definitely top notch at 70.3 (and his ITU swim pedigree means he starts at the front at the beginning of the bike).
Also great to see Ben Sanson exit the swim first. Sent me back to the early 90’s, back to the future.
I’m with you here. I’ve got no issues in regards to the running of the race, but there was definitely an atmosphere lacking before & after the race that could be worked on for next year. No music, no PA commentary before the race…that kind of thing. But well done to Elite Energy, they’ve got the main part dialed, now just to work on the smaller things. I’ll be back next year I think!
Congrats Josh on a great race. I was really happy for you, and looks like your run is as strong as it’s ever been. Well done!