Aug 27, 2012

In only his 5th triathlon since moving from professional running, Nick Stanko earned his USA Triathlon Elite/Pro card with a 3rd overall amateur placing at the Lifetime Chicago Triathlon.  Since placing 3rd overall (Pro/Am) at the Grand Rapids triathlon earlier this summer, Nick had a string of bad luck in his last 3 races.  He was actually leading the amateur Rev3 Wisconsin Dells half Ironman on the bike leg two weeks ago before a mishap took him out of the race.  He used the string of bad luck for motivation this weekend, though, and made it count.  Coming into T1 he had given up some time with a 26 min swim, he made most of that up on the bike though with a 58:51 - 40k.  He then got to work using his strength on the run to chase down 4th place and run a 32:45 - 10k and finish 3rd. Only Pro race winner, Hunter Kemper, ran a faster 10 k. 

From now on, Nick will be competing in the PRO division after not even a full season of races.  Nick still has lots to learn, but has a great future in triathlon, especially at the long course distances.

PCG Coach: Stephen McGregor