Brian Schroeder’s knees don’t allow him to compete in full distance triathlons anymore.
However, that problem won’t keep the Penticton resident from entering the 2015 Valley First Challenge Penticton on Aug. 30. The addition of the Aqua-Bike (a 1,900 metre swim and 90-km bike ride) has the triathlete glad to be back racing after a five-year absence.
“I’m looking forward to at least being part of the day from the other side,” said Schroeder, who has been volunteering and been jealous of athletes for four years. “Now I can be on the other side of the tape.”
Schroeder, who won Ultraman Canada in 2009 as part of a team, said he learned of the new race option two weeks ago. Kevin Cutjar, the co-owner for Challenge Penticton, said it was a late summer addition that he and fellow co-owner Michael Brown decided on in July. Cutjar said it is a feature of Challenge around the world and in North America, with Challenge Atlantic City.
“We thought it was a good opportunity for people to have another category that they could compete in without needing to run,” said Cutjar. “We will see how it goes this year and the feedback we get. It was popular in Atlantic City.”
Schroeder, who is among 10 competing in Aqua Bike, said participating is always more fun than watching. While the 60-year-old has no goals set for himself, he does want to see how he stacks up against the competition.
The third edition of Challenge Penticton, a 3.8-km swim, 180-km bike ride and 42.2-km run, takes place on Aug.30.