Our host Lynn Vera has a lovely dog named Charlie. On our way back from Durham we spoke to Lynn and offered to watch him while she and her husband were busy being VIP's. We were very lucky to get some free dog therapy and Charlie was happy to get all the attention. We headed down to the lawn to watch the elite racers and met a family that was also staying in the Roker House. The Mom has acted as an official for other races and the daughter, Jade, used to work for the World Triathlon organization. jade turned out to be a huge resource for us to explain the ins and outs of these races. She knew of many of the athletes and their relative standings in the league. She also explained some of the tactics. For instance she told us that if you are not the best swimmer, you should position yourself behind a good swimmer and swim in their wake. Likewise team members may take the lead during the bike ride to allow a team mate to conserve energy for the upcoming run. She also told us that wetsuits are not mandatory above a certain temperature but that the contestants all agree either to wear them or not to wear them.
Charlie had to take a full tour of the apartment
Still sniffing
Found the happy place
The camera stations are manned
The color guard is on the way to the podium to help award medals
When the race is over, folks still have to get their bikes and other kit back to where they are staying
Race official with his measuring wheel
The bobbies are here
The BBC helicopter helped us monitor where the racers were
Crowds on the jetty to watch, one of the nicest ways to see the swim
The Men's Elite swimmers
They are spread out more than the others were
Until they get to the buoy
What a fabulous day for a race!
The crowds are out
A tight group
Funny spectator responses
Lean into it
The elites were taking the corners so much faster than other racers
Intensity
Look at the rainbow of shoe colors
After the race cool down
Lynn and Ernie coming over to pick up Charlie
They live across the street but could only cross for 10 minutes before the the street was closed again for the next race
