Boulder Peak Triathlon Boulder Peak, Colorado



Boulder Peak continues to be one of the best run "small" races in the country. The race offers a reservoir swim, a bike that makes you glad you train, a mostly gravel run, experienced race direction and even a good size expo. The Boulder Peak race has historically been a model for race directors around the country.

The highlight of Boulder Peak is a 42k bike that takes competitors into the foothills of the Colorado Rockies and up Old Stage Hill. Weaving up the grueling two-third mile 15-percent climb is not an option--ride it straight, or walk.
The back of a park sculpture provides the support needed for an early morning pre-race stretch.

 
A competitor strains to sight a swim lines as the sun rises over Boulder Reservoir.
Passing time between age group waves is made easier with a long-sleeve wet suit and the warmth of the Boulder sun.

 
Over-45 veteran and 14-24-year-old newbee women comprised the fourth of nine age group tri waves to hit the water. 
Tim DeBoom points to the first swim turn. He would lead the men early in the bike but be overtaken before the run and finish second to Conrad Stoltz for the second year in a row.

 
The final wave of the day belonged to the men pros. Starting nearly three hours after the 30-34 men entered the water, the pros would not be the last competitors off the course.

The path to T1 included a  short sprint across sand, grass and asphalt. Brian Fleischmann was the first male pro out of the water in 18:32. Fleischmann would also post the second fastest run time of the day in 33:58--just four seconds behind Tim DeBoom. But a middle-of-the-pack 1:04:19 bike would doom his hopes for a win and he would end the day in third place.

 

 

 

 

Brian Fleischmann leads Matthew Reed toward T1..
Riders start a mild climb out of Boulder Reservoir shortly after mounting their bikes. Sensibly staggered waves and a challenging bike course help keep drafting to a minimum. Even the pros at Boulder Peak compete in a non-drafting race, a refreshing reminder of how entertaining individual multi-sport competition can be.

 

After an initial warm-up climb, competitors will turn north toward the mountains in anticipation of Old Stage Hill.

 

 
Riders return from the mountains as spectators seek shelter from the Colorado sun.

 

Jo Garuccio 50-54, left, would finish the day as the top masters woman and with the third fastest age group bike of the day (1:12:42)

Heading out of T2.
Soon to be three-time-running Boulder Peak champion Conrad Stoltz straps on his race belt and heads out of T2. Just seconds ahead of Tim DeBoom at last year's race, Stoltz would finish the day with a cushy 0:2:11 margin.

By the time competitors begin the run up to the sandy bench of the reservoir the sun had warmed the morning air into the 80s. 
Nicole DeBoom waves to friends while celebrating her second straight victory at Boulder Peak in a time of 2:11:49, 4:30 ahead of second place pro woman Suzi Gallucci.

 

Keeping it a family affair, Tim DeBoom congratulates wife and Boulder Peak winner Nicole at the finish line.
As with all age group races the most anticipated moment of the day is the posting of results and the comparing of split times.

 

 

 

Irving Weiss, 83, was the final competitor to cross the line in a time of 4:58:23.

 
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