2012 Formula 1 - Coronado
Written by: Timothy Carlson
Added: Sat Sep 29 2012
The Australians invented Formula 1 triathlon and for the early years of professional involvement in swim, biker and run, those races were broadcast throughout the country and were extremely popular. The idea was simple - create a high-adrenaline form of triathlon that is over in an hour - built for the ADD generation of TV watchers. Mix in very short segments that have the intensity of a 100 yard dash, swiftly changing leaders like NASCAR races, and watch the crowds go nuts with frenzied joy.
Sadly, the Formula 1 triathlons faded from Australian prime time TV and they never took hold in the U.S. - despite a spectacular debut at Oceanside, California in 1996 and another nice effort called Super Sprint Tri GP in 2010.
Giving proof that no good idea need be abandoned forever, triathlon race directors Lars Finanger and Mitch Hall decided to throw a Formula 1 pro triathlon revival on the Saturday before their classic Superfrog half Ironman distance event. Twenty pros, including 4 Olympians, showed up on the Coronado peninsula near the Navy SEAL training grounds and battled at warp speed until the matter was decided after 43 minutes and 52 seconds.
All photos © Timothy Carlson
Sadly, the Formula 1 triathlons faded from Australian prime time TV and they never took hold in the U.S. - despite a spectacular debut at Oceanside, California in 1996 and another nice effort called Super Sprint Tri GP in 2010.
Giving proof that no good idea need be abandoned forever, triathlon race directors Lars Finanger and Mitch Hall decided to throw a Formula 1 pro triathlon revival on the Saturday before their classic Superfrog half Ironman distance event. Twenty pros, including 4 Olympians, showed up on the Coronado peninsula near the Navy SEAL training grounds and battled at warp speed until the matter was decided after 43 minutes and 52 seconds.
All photos © Timothy Carlson
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