NI SPIN Tri Team @ the Cy-MAN

By John Johnson

North Iowa SPIN Tri team members Steve Schurtz and Madi Johnson participated in the Cy-Man Triathlon in Colo. The Cy-Man is sponsored by the Iowa State University Triathlon club.

It felt like Fall on Sunday morning and the temperature gauge on the truck read 58 degrees when we arrived at Hickory Grove park near Colo. Many of the participants had their wetsuits in hand at check-in but Madi does not have one so she was set to go in her tri-suit. After her warm-up swim she reported “gross, but warm” water.

Madi was in the fourth wave which was all women under 40 and competed in the ‘Women, 19 and under’ age group (Madi is 14!). She has become more aggressive in the swim event and goes out fast instead of fighting through the crowd. She was third out of the water in her heat. Hunter Callanan (Soon to be a NISPIN Member!!!), another North Iowan and Steve’s niece, was first out of the water a full minute out front – a very impressive swim!

The bike portion was a three loop circuit (15 miles total) around the park and included some nice rolling hills. It was nice for the spectators as we were able to see the racers out and on each circuit. There were some interesting moments and one very close call with vehicles on the course as they were not allowed to close the roads. Madi suffered a bit on the bike as her mileage has fallen off with the start of High School swimming but managed a respectable 18.6 mph average.

The run portion circled the lake and, I was told, was very scenic.

There were approximately 360 participants in the event and was well run from my point of view. Like always, the transition area was very crowed but everyone managed through the process and was accommodating.

The North Iowa SPIN had another good showing. Our only mistake was not packing Madi’s NI SPIN jersey to wear after the event. However, she did enjoy wearing a Hawkeye shirt during the awards ceremony! (I am sure Steve will be adding some comments as well.)

Women:
19 & under: Madi Johnson - 1^st Place
30 – 34 Hunter Callanan - 3^rd Place
Men:
55 – 59 Steve Schurtz - 5^th Place

Cy-Man Photo Set