Ultraman 2003: Day Two Report

Back to main 2003 page

After a grueling six mile swim and 90 mile bike ride up to Volcano, the athletes in Ultraman Hawaii had revelry this morning at 5:00 a.m. Today was day two of the round-the-island triathlon excursion, and start time was 6:30. And the morning greeted our intrepid athletes with a dank, gloomy drizzle.

But this gang still had plenty of spunk. Tom Rodgers led the charge down the hill, cashing in the well-earned potential energy from 4,000 feet of ascent the day before. In hot pursuit were Alexandre Ribeiro, Tony O'Keeffe, and Gary Wang, all eager to claim bragging rights for today's 171 mile bike race. Meanwhile, Shanna Armstrong and Lauren Fithian were the first women, pacing each other in close formation down the highway to the east coast.

Along the legendary red road, a twisty turny one-lane drive snaking past the palm trees and leaping waves of the east shoreline. Back up to the eastern city of Hilo, as the sun broke gloriously through the clouds. Tom Rodgers gave up his role as rabbit, being passed first by Alex and then Tony. The vehicle driven by Lauren's support crew ground to a halt just outside of town. So in a spirit of Ohanna which is legendary to this race, Lauren's support was ferried first by Shanna's team, and then by Cory's

On the coast north of Hilo, an enthusiastic tail wind urged everyone on towards the town of Wimea. A free ride. There was nothing for the athletes to do but run the spinnaker up the mast, lash themselves to the rudder, steer hard to port, - and enjoy the 30 m.p.h. trip back towards the west side of the island. First crater to the right, and straight on till evening.

And soon they were there. Up over the Kohala mountains at 3,500 feet, and then a drenching descent to the day's finish line in Hilo. Alexandre Ribeiro had built his lead to almost an hour, with Tony, Tom and Gary al duking it out for second place. Yoshihiro Chijimatsu winding up another successful day in his quest for a 13th Ultraman plaque. And a full field of other athletes, all celebraing their own victories

So what will tomorrow bring? The ultimate stage of this three day journey is the double marathon over the lava-strewn desert that embraces the road back to Kona. When we arrive at the finish line tomorrow, the circle will be complete. But many strange things can happen along the way.

Day 2 results: (swim day 1, bike day 1, bike day 2, total)

Alexandre Ribeiro: 2:40, 5:04, 7:55, 15:39
Tony O'Keefe: 2:45, 5:36, 8:08, 16:29
Thomas Rogers: 2:48, 5:49, 8:23, 17:01
Gary Wang: 3:25, 5:18, 8:31, 17:15
Martin Raymond: 2:31, 5:55, 9:28, 17:55
Jamie Patrick: 2:25, 6:08, 9:52, 18:26
Shanna Armstrong: 2:46, 6:28, 9:31, 18:46
Cory Foulk: 3:34, 6:57, 10:08, 20:40
Lauren Fithian: 4:08, 6:59, 9:38, 20:47
Suzanna Degazon: 3:51, 6:49, 11:02, 21:42
Yoshiiro Chijimatsu: 3:36, 7:32, 11:22, 22:31
Rob Kaspar: 4:26, 7:34, 10:51, 22:52

Distances:

Friday, November 28 - 6.2 mile swim; 90 mile bike ride to Volcano
Saturday, November 29 - 171 mile bike ride to Hawi
Sunday, November 30 - 52.4 mile run back to Kona

Updates daily by Michael Schiff
www.ultramanworlds.com
This report may be redistributed. Author retains copyright.

2003 Race | Race Results | Photographs | Participants