In a race that saw the lead go back and forth between Leanda Cave and Jenna Shoemaker, Cave had enough at the finish to outrun Shoemaker and win her second Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The victory improves on her recent second place finish at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, and indicates she is on her way to “doing what it takes to win in 2010”, as she stated in a recent interview with This Week in Triathlon. Over the winter, she changed coaches, training partners and consulted a nutritionist.
The race started with Mary Beth Ellis leaving the water first as she, Cave and Shoemaker made their way along the 1-mile run from the beach to T1. Former Ironman World Champion and 2004 Escape winner Michellie Jones exited the water two minutes later, but was never a factor in the podium chase.
Shoemaker, Ellis and Cave Head to T1
As the trio got to their bikes, Shoemaker had taken the lead. She extended her lead slightly with a quick transition, but the three stayed within sight of each other throughout the challenging 18-mile bike.
Shoemaker, Cave and Ellis Head to T2
Out of T2, Cave took the lead,and battled with Shoemaker up the 400 step sandladder that leads from Baker Beach to the Presido. The surging Shoemaker attempted to make up ground on Cave in the closing stages of the race, but ran out of real estate. Mary Beth Ellis rounded out the podium after slowing on the run while looking like she was experiencing some discomfort.
This is the third Escape win for Cave in the last 4 years, putting her in a tie with Andy Potts for the most victories over the race’s 30-year history.
Leanda Cave at the Finish with Jenna Shoemaker Trailing
Shoemaker said after the race that she was very happy with her result, improving on her 7th place finish in her first race here in 2008. She calls this her “favorite race”. According to Shoemaker, “you can’t hide anywhere on this course. It is pain from start to finish – what real triathlon is all about.”
Jenna also indicated that she is currently looking for a new coach. “Maybe this will get a good coaches’ attention”.
Jenna Shoemaker Happy With Her 2nd Place Finish
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