Here’s the full story, reprinted from Tri-Newbies.com. Note that Reed, the 2nd place finisher, won a sprint tri 1 day earlier.
Aussies Dominate L.A. Triathlon
Jay Prasuhn
9/12/2004
In a repeat performance from the Chicago Triathlon just weeks ago, the Australian duo of Craig Alexander and Emma Snowsill won the Los Angeles Triathlon under hot conditions, each winning in a very different way.
In Snowsill’s case, it was total domination. The reigning ITU World Champion stole the show from the start, exiting the waters of Venice Beach with nearly a minute lead on the pair of Kiwi Evelyn Williamson and former U.S. water polo Olympian Julie Swail. Another minute back was Canadian Olympian Samantha McGlone of Montreal.
While Snowsill grew her lead on the bik from the chasing Kiwi and American, it was McGlone who was able to match Snowsill’s pace, passing Swail and Williamson before the end of the bike. While Snowsill started the run under a hot, humid L.A. sun, McGlone gave chase just over two minutes back, riding her Athens fitness and heat acclimatization through the streets of L.A.
The difference would remain unchanged through the run, and Snowsill cruised in to an easy victory. McGlone claimed second, while Williamson tore away from a tenacious Swail to take third.
In the men’s race, several pre-race favorites came up with flat performances The most unexpected was that from two-time defending champion Craig Walton. Bedridden since finishing second at the Chicago Triathlon several weeks ago, Walton had less-than-hopeful expectations for his day’s performance.
That premoniton came to be, as he came out of the water in an uncharacteristic fourth position. From there, his day went, as he said “on one cylinder” during the bike before pulling the plug on the run.
Also experiencing a flat day was 2000 and '01 L.A. champ Chris McCormack. In the midst of Hawaii Ironman training, his trademark speed was absent as he slogged-but smiled-through the bike leg.
It was Matt Reed, the former New Zealander who recently retained U.S. permanent resident status via his marriage to Kelly Rees, who led throughout the swim and caught a wave to take a 25-second lead onto the bike.
A day removed from winning the Pacific Grove Triathlon, Reed kept the lead throughout the 40k bike to Downtown L.A. and started the run with the lead. But the chasing duo of Alexander and South African Conrad Stoltz had closed on Reed late in the bike.
While Stoltz too dropped out after the bike, Alexander cut the deficit to 41 seconds after one mile. By mile four, Alexander had the lead for good. Reed was far enough back to keep back McCormack, who moved up to third on the run. After a strong bike, San Luis Obispo’s Greg Remaly held on for fourth.
Alexander’s win gave him a trifecta first: victories at three of America’s major events this season: the Boston Triathlon, Chicago Triathlon and Los Angeles Triathlon.
Los Angeles Triathlon
Sept 12, 2004, Los Angeles, Calif.
1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run
(TIMES NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME-POSITIONS ONLY)
Men 1. Craig Alexander (AUS)
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Matt Reed (USA)
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Chris McCormack (AUS)
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Greg Remaly (USA)
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Francisco Serrano (MEX)
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Derek Kite (USA)
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Dan Alterman (USA)
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David Julian (USA)
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Allan Villanueva (MEX)
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Olivier Reithmeier (AUS)
Women
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Emma Snowsill (AUS)
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Samantha McGlone (CAN)
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Evelyn Williamson (NZL)
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Julie Swail (USA)
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Beth Carlson (USA)
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Desiree Ficker (USA)
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Lindsey Hyman (USA)
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Ruth Vesler (USA)
