The Tribune

THE Bahamas once again dominated the competition in the 3rd Caribbean Triathlon Age Group Championships in Miami over the weekend. The 21-member team made it three straight years the Bahamas has had the most medal finishes.

The Caribbean Championships are held every year in Miami as part of the Mack Cycle Multi-Race Miami Triathlon which makes it easier and cost efficient for the island nations to get to and compete. Other countries included Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, US Virgin Islands, Aruba, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and Bermuda.

The competitors fought through strong winds and rain during the race which saw several athletes being rescued in the swim and falls in the bike portion.

National champion Jorge Marcos made his debut at the championships and came second overall in the sprint distance event, while Gustavo Mery and Simone Bertoldo finished second and third overall in the Olympic distance event.

National runner-up in the ladies Julie Salas finished 3rd overall in the women's sprint distance. Other highlights include Cameron Roach winning the Masters category, Lori Roach winning the ladies overall Aquabike and youngest competitor Kami Roach winning the girls' 12-13 sprint distance.

Out of the 21-member team, 19 made podium finishes (one withdrew due to illness). Two team members who made CARIFTA also competed - Benjamin Derbyshire and Kami Roach - which is scheduled for September 28-29 in Tobago. For the first time this year there will be a Long Course Caribbean Age Group Championships (70.3 mile distance...the same as a half ironman) in the US Virgin Islands in December. The Triathlon Association is also looking to host another local event in September. "The team was greatly helped by Bahamasair, the national flag carrier, who provided transportation of the bicycles which was one of the reasons we were able to carry such a large team," said a press release.