Swimming And Diving Assistant Finishes Third in the Columbia Triathlon
5/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
May 24, 2007
Limkemann on Columbia and Other Triathlons
COLUMBIA, Md.--Even through many hardships, Pitt's assistant swimming and diving coach Eric Limkemann competed in the Columbia Triathlon and finished third with an overall time of 1:57.57, improving his time from last year by over a minute.
The race opened with a 1.5K swim. Limkemann started strong, leading the way until he made an early turn at the wrong marker.
"I realized no one else made the turn with me," Limkemann said, "so I had to make a u-turn to catch back up with the group."
Despite how costly that mistake could have been, Limkemann was able to make up the difference and finished the swim in 16:47, leading the triathlon by 30 seconds.
After a good transition, Limkemann started the 41K biking phase with the rain and cold weather setting in. He also had to deal with an uncomfortable ride as his seat tilted downward the rest of the race.
"At this point, I was a little tense but I worked hard to maintain my lead."
Limkemann continued to lead until mile five, when unfortunately his chain popped heading up one of the hills. He had to dismount and manually fix his chain, when he was passed by the eventual winner, Greg Remaly. Limkemann finished phase two in 1:03.27.
Limkemann felt confident he could make a push during the 10K run but the two racers he trailed proved to be strong, as well. He finished the running phase in 35:47 and maintained his position finishing the triathlon in third place.
The next race for Limkemann's is the 2007 Rincon Triathlon ITU Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico on June 10.