Ben makes World Cup debut, wins at South Beach

Apr

Posted in Garmin Gps on April 15, 2009

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Garmin-sponsored triathlete Ben Collins shares his training and racing experiences with the Garmin Edge 705 and Forerunner 405. This week, we’re letting the press release below tell Ben’s story of winning his first title since turning pro.

Colins Debuts in Mooloolaba World Cup & Wins at South Beach – In back to back races Ben Collins showed excellent strength, racing his first ever World Cup in Mooloolaba Australia, then winning the Nautica South Beach Triathlon just one week later.

In Mooloolaba, Collins showed no fear for the most talented professional field he has ever raced. After a great swim in the Mooloolaba River, he found himself comfortably in the main pack on the bike. Collins followed every attack (and lead several of his own) during the 40km draft-legal bike leg of the race. Although he never did establish a breakaway, he did show his competitors that he is strong and willing to work hard for a lead.

Those attacks had a price, but Collins was still able to run his way to a 17th place finish, which is the second best World Cup debut of any American triathlete (Andy Potts and Ethan Brown were 19th and 15th, respectively, in their debuts).

Seven days later, and half way around the globe, was the Nautica South Beach Triathlon presented by Toyota. Collins started the urban Miami race alongside an international professional field, as well as a media-luring group of celebrities – all came together for a Triathlon benefiting Saint Jude’s Hospital.
The race consisted of a half-mile ocean swim in front of the art deco South Beach waterfront, a 19 mile bike over some of Miami’s iconic causeways and 4 mile run along the boardwalk and beaches. Collins separated himself from the pack during the swim and never looked back. His swim and bike splits were the fastest of the day. In his own words:

“Miami is a wonderful place to race! I worked hard on the swim and into the bike legs, but after establishing a comfortable lead I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the moment. This was my second time racing the South Beach Triathlon, and it’s definitely a race I would like to keep on my schedule. It’s fun to watch the celebrities come out for a big event like this and to see everyone enjoying themselves while supporting a great cause.”