jbm@mtuxo.UUCP (j.macchione) (10/21/85)
I recently competed in the World Championship Triathlon held in Nice, France. I found it to be a wonderful experience. This was particularly true whenever we came upon a small town in the hills as everyone in town was out to cheer the racers on. At least I assumed they were cheering for us as they spoke french and I only english. I would reccomend doing a European race to anyone who is capable as it is a very unique experience. This was not tarnished by the fact that I was pulled off the course with 6 miles to go in the run due to the race time limit of 9:30. The most dissapointing aspect was that, in a race where drafting was banned most french riders had formed pace lines. Also, many of the riders had stat- ioned teamates along the course to join in the pace lines. A typical french pace line had 3 racers and 2 'helpers'. I must say that I never saw an American stay in the draft for more than a minute. Despite the help it was quite obvious that the french were far superior to the riders I come across in triathlons in the US. Results: Mark Allen US 4th straight win Scott Tinley US Unknown form Holland Scott Molina US Women: Erin ?? New Zealand Linda Buchannan US Julie Olson US