Jordan Jones takes 11th at ITU Mazatlan Continental Cup, MacKenzie 26th

All photos courtesy of Beth at FatBusterMack.com

Team Riptide had it’s first real test of the season at the ITU Mazatlan Continental Cup in Mazatlan, Mexico. After narrowly escaping a winter storm in Denver the day prior to the race, the team was excited to start the race.
First on the schedule was the women’s elite race with Amy Dannwolf. Dannwolf had an off day but was still able to complete her first ITU event, a format where athletes can be lapped out during the bike leg.
Next up were the men, facing a hot 11:30am start. Dan MacKenzie had the best swim of Riptide athletes, getting out of the water just after the main chase pack. Next out were Matt Balzer, with Jordan Jones on his heels. Following behind were Ryan Borger and Cyrus Severance, both in their first ITU events.
On the bike, Riptide used team tactics to forge ahead. Unlike most triathlon races, ITU racing allows drafting on the bike. Jones and Balzer teamed up, en route to 2 of the race’s 8 fastest bike splits, while forming a large pack including MacKenzie along the way.
Onto the run and it was crunch time. Top 20 finishers within 5% of the winner’s time gain valuable ITU points that go towards possible Olympic Trials qualification. Balzer, Jones, and MacKenzie were in striking distance around 30th place. Jones was poised to strike, running through much of the field and into 11th place for his first ITU points. Mackenzie held on for 26th along with Balzer in 36th. Borger, cramping in the heat, finished 40th. Jones’ finish vaults him to around a top 20 ITU ranking among US athletes.
Results can be found here: http://triathlon.org/results/program_results/2010_mazatlan_itu_triathlon_pan_american_cup___/1535/