Balzer 10th at Vineman 70.3

By: Riptide Multisports

Riptide Elite Team member Matt Balzer finished 10th at Vineman 70.3 on Sunday.  Balzer began racing the half-Ironman distance earlier this year, after focusing entirely on the Olympic distance for several years.  Though still trying to navigate the technicalities of such a long event, including managing nutrition and proper pacing, Balzer proved this weekend that he is emerging as a strong contender over the long distance event.

Balzer exited the water in 7th place and rode strongly for the 56 mile bike.  The heat and tough course slowed him a bit on the run, but he was able to hang in for a  top-10 finish, no easy feat in the competitive 70.3 events.

Balzer will race next at the Pyramid Lake Triathlon in Pyramid Lake, Nevada where he’ll be defending his 2009 title as Overall Champion.

Full results from Vineman 70.3 are available here.