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.
