2002 CajunMan Triathlon The 2002 version of the CajunMan Triathlon was a big success. The weather, which looked like it was going to be the story of the day, turned out to be a nonevent. It sprinkled all day Friday and Saturday at the race site, as we picked up the tail end of Tropical Storm Fay. Waking up race morning, the forecast was a 60% chance of precipitation. As competitors arrived at the site, word was received of heavy rains in Baton Rouge, New Iberia, and the Atchafalaya Basin. The clouds were threatening, and the winds gusty. The decision was made to start the race 15 minutes early to try to beat the approach of the storm. But, surprisingly, nothing ever came, and the winds died down to near calm. The sun never broke through, and it was actually quite cool for a South Louisiana triathlon. I don't think the temperature got over 78 degrees throughout the race. There was an excellent article on the race in Monday's (Lafayette) Daily Advertiser. It was placed on the front page of the Acadiana section, complete with huge color photo of 4 or 5 triathletes wheeling their bikes out of transition. Try this link to read it on line. It's an unexpected bonus to have that sort of coverage, and it will likely serve to further increase our sport's growing popularity. As noted in the article, John Deshotel was the overall winner and state champ and also cooked all of the delicious Cajun food served at the event - jambalaya, gumbo, potato salad, red beans and sausage. Deshotel's splits were 11:13 (1/2 mile swim), 47:29 (20 mile bike), and 19:20 (5 km run), all of which gave him a comfortable 1:23 cushion over second place Neill Rowland from Lake Charles. As a point of reference, the day's top individual triathlete splits were recorded by Patrick Fellows (10:13 swim), Eddie Corcoran (47:23 bike), and Ryan Gallup (16:54 run). Deshotel is the area's top triathlete and winner of many races throughout the south, but had never before won his hometown race and was thrilled to do so. I know from firsthand experience (I spent a night as the head onion chopper, among other chores) how much time he spent in the days before the race preparing the food and performing other tasks, making his win that much more impressive. The women's winner was 41 year old Lynnie Terry from Houston. In only her third triathlon, newcomer Ashley LaSalle from New Iberia was second overall female and, as the first Louisiana finisher, was designated Louisiana state champ for 2002. She has the look of a future champion, no doubt about it. Kathi Bourgeois gets the award for most tenacious performance. The 48 year old was competing in her first ever triathlon. She flatted early on the bike, but fixed the tire, even though it cost her half an hour, and finished the race, looking very strong coming across the line. The ½ mile swim course in the MSTC lake was laid out by Ben Elder and his able staff. A GPS was used and it is believed that the course was accurate to within two percent or so. The 20 mile bike leg features a tour along Bayou Tortue Rd. with its moss-covered oak trees. There are a couple miles of rough road, but it is mostly flat, fast, and smooth with a few very gentle hills. Although the bike course is not closed to traffic, it was so well marshalled by the police that it may as well have been. I think I saw 3 or 4 cars the whole time I was out there. The 5k run is on one of the airport’s service roads. The absence of any shade on the run is often a factor but not this year. The post-race party featured a genuine Cajun band, as well as food (Semolina, Casa Ole) and drinks for all. Massages were available to sore competitors. Thanks to the many assistants and volunteers who helped out with set-up, tear-down etc., etc. It was great to see that practically all of the local triathletes - some of whom were resting up for September 15's Ironman Wisconsin and consequently could not compete - came out to help, as well as many of the Cajun Cyclists. Kudos to Race Director Russell Bex, his wife Darcee, and his band of assistants for the great race they put on year after year. I heard lots of favorable reviews from those in attendance. And the race packet gets better every year, rivaling those from the big name races up around Shreveport. Lots of good stuff in this year's - I especially liked the bumper sticker and tri decal. Russell also does the Opelousas Duathlon every spring, and is even now planning a December 7 half-marathon for Lafayette. So, see you next year........
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