Two top finishes at Ironman 70.3 Vineman
Held in Sonoma County, California, Ironman 70.3 Vineman has become one of the most popular and competitive long course triathlons in the world. Beautiful weather welcomed the 21st annual edition of the race this past weekend.
With a prize purse of $50,000 on the line, the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Vineman always attracts a strong field. Rolf Prima athletes Graham O’Grady and Jesse Thomas would have their work cut out for them come race day. Coming off his recent win at Rev3 Portland, O’Grady started off with a fast swim pacing himself on the fast feet of Andy Potts and exited the water second, only three-seconds behind Potts. Exiting with a small chase group, Thomas made his way to transition just minutes behind the main group.
Once on the bike, both O’Grady and Thomas fought to keep up with the blistering pace set by Chris Leito. Entering T2, O’Grady sat in ninth, just minutes behind the leader, with Thomas in 12th. Making up time in the run, O’Grady took the fourth fastest run split to secure a strong fourth place finish. While Thomas, pounding out the fastest run of the day, ran a 1:11:12 for the half marathon taking 10th overall.
Graham O’Grady and Jesse Thomas will next race the Rolf Prima Tri at the Grove on July 24th, held at Cottage Grove Lake, Oregon. Both O’Grady and Thomas will race on relay teams supporting the fundraising efforts for the Daughterty Aquatic Center and Cottage Grove Boys and Girls club. Two-time Ironman Champion Kate Bevilaqua will join them at Tri at the Grove racing as an individual and as a fundraiser for the groups. .