A very strong field lined up for the 2011 Rev3 Knoxville triathlon and Matty Reed and Leanda Cave took the titles. With the water temperature right at 67 degrees, the swim was wetsuit legal for the Pros and the age groupers, and cooler weather in general was appreciated by most.


All images are © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

The early bird catches the worm indeed. Leanda Cave was the first Pro in transition right at 5:30am.

Aussie Annabel Luxford setting up her transition area including her ITU ready race rig.

Defending champion Matty Reed can seemingly do all of this now in his sleep.

As the sun was rising Julie Dibens was enjoyed a moment of serenity.

Almost time to head to the swim start, but Amanda Lovato and Leanda Cave have a moment to smile for the press.

At 6:45am some Pros had to hustle to the swim start.

With 2 minutes to race start these 2 Pro males were still on the floating pier.

Becky Lavelle was riding in second position after Julie Dibens and Annabel Luxford went off course.

Pedro Gomes on twisty and reasonably hilly Rev3 course.

David Thompson on his way to 7th place.

At the end of the day it was 5t place for Joe Gambles.

Matty Reed said after the race that he did not feel good on the bike, but it certainly did not show. He was near the front of the race all day.

Brian Fleischmann was first out of the water and in the end grabbed 4th place.

The fastest bike split of the day belonged to Cameron Dye.

After taking a wrong turn Julie Dibens clawed her way back to come into transition in third place.

Leanda Cave was first back in T2.

Matty Reed caught Cameron Dye late in the run and successfully defended his title here in Knoxville. Dye finished second 9 seconds adrift.

Race winner Leanda Cave honored Jon Blais with a Blazeman Roll.

The win would have been nice, but no sour grapes here.

Annabel Luxford ended up 7th, but had a smile with winner Leanda Cave.