Mertz claims bronze

Times Reporter  

 

Kevin Mertz fell short of qualifying for the 2015 Chicago World Triathlon Grand Final when he competed in the provincial triathlon in Banff on Sept.6. He did, however, claim bronze in his age group.

Mertz said he was well rested for Edmonton, where he competed at the 2014 World Triathlon Grand Final on Aug. 27-29. He also competed in the 2013 event in London, England.

In Banff, he felt that he did not the energy to compete for a higher position, due to an illness that kept from performing at a higher level. 

“Overall I was sixth (in the race) and then I was third in my age group. It was the provincials as well so third for my age group was fine, I had hoped to place higher I guess but it was not necessarily my race day,” said Mertz.

“I just wasn’t feeling great. I was feeling kind of tired but just managed to push through and squeaked out a third place so that’s not too bad at all,” said Mertz.

The Banff track had all sorts of interesting additions in it and Mertz was really thrilled to participate in it.

“It’s a really neat course, you swim into Two Jack Lakes which is just icy cold, I think it was 12 degrees and it was a wetsuit demanded race,” said Mertz. “You then bike around Minnewanka loop which is beautiful rolling hill which is half up hill and half down.”

The run portion was down the Bow River and up to the Banff Springs Hotel and back in town again.

Only those who won gold in the age groups in this race qualified for the Chicago event, but Mertz will have more opportunities in the new racing year.

“There will be other opportunities to qualify. Next season they will open up other races that people will have the opportunity to qualify for (Chicago) as well,” said Mertz.

He is planning to take some time off and relax but plans to compete in some aquathons over the winter in preparation for the 2015 races.