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
