23 Triathletes Compete In Florida Event
The Bermuda Triathlon Team has once again proven their mettle on the international triathlon stage with some stellar performances at the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge this weekend.
A spokesperson said, “Twenty-three young Bermuda athletes showed off their skills in swimming, biking and running against competitors from across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with notable top ten finishes from Jacob Wright, Sanchez Smith, Gianluca Bortoli, Dylan Eiselt and Carina Bortoli.
“Jamie Bedford and Ollie Hayward competed in the highly competitive U25 National Triathlon Development Race for promising athletes aiming for elite status. Both boys put in strong bike and run legs, with Carifta Gold Medal winner Bedford, finishing the race in 34th position in a time of 1:02.09. Hayward, one of the youngest triathletes racing, crossed the line in 54th out of the 78 competitors.
“Carina Bortoli raced in the Age Group Draft Legal Women’s race and showed her running prowess by finishing the race in 5th position in her age group. Bedford and Bortoli combined on Sunday for the Mixed Team Relay where male and female athletes raced over a shorter course. The Bermuda duo finished in 35th position.
“The Youth Race on Saturday saw 20 Bermuda triathletes of both sexes compete in a massive field of 88 competitors. Luca Bortoli was the first finisher from the island in 7th with Sanchez Smith chasing him in 8th. Ella Shepherd finished 13th amongst the girls.
“The following day, Jacob Wright showed exceptional determination in the Youth Boys race on Sunday, coming out of the water in the top group and leading for much of the bike leg. A gutsy run saw him finish the race in 5th position in a time of 34: 26. He was closely followed by a slew of Bermudians with Sanchez Smith in 8th, Dylan Eiselt in 10th , Jens Drea in 11th, Rory Shepherd in 12th and Gianluca Bortoli in 13th. In the Girls race on Sunday, Ella Shepherd was the first Bermuda athlete across the line, finishing the race in 38.56 in 16th position, Kelise Wade was next in 27th position and Sofia LeClerc in 31st.
National Youth Coach, Neil de ste Croix, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, stating, “Our success in the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of each team member. We faced a tough field of competitors, and each team member gave it their all. This weekend’s success not only represents our individual achievements but also highlights the strength of Bermuda’s triathlon community.”
The Bermuda team was comprised of Jamie Bedford, Carina Bortoli, Elenor Bortoli, Gianluca Bortoli, Lucas Bule, Zara Bule, Makao Butterfield, Isla Cooze, Jens Drea, Dylan Eiselt, Spencer Haldeman, Ollie Hayward, Jasper Lau, Jacob Leclerc, Sofia Leclerc, Riana Robinson, Rohan Roopra, Ella Shepherd, Rory Shepherd, Sanchez Smith, Dominic Wright and Jacob Wright.
