The much-anticipated battle between Americans Andy Potts and Matt Reed only lasted until the 8-km mark of the bike course, where Potts clipped an age-grouper’s pedal and was sent tumbling to the pavement. The crash came shortly after Reed had passed Potts for the overall lead.
Matt Charbot, who went on to finish second behind Reed, was riding just behind Potts at the time of the wreck.
“We were going really fast when it happened,” Charbot said. “Andy looked down for a second right when the much slower age-grouper drifted into his path.”
Potts was taken by ambulance to Northwestern University Hospital. He was kept overnight although there are no reports of serious injury.
Reed never relinquished his lead from early in the bike and went on to post a 33:16 run split en route to the win. Chrabot finished 57 seconds back of Reed to secure second, while fellow American Tim O’Donnell posted the best run of the day (32:59) to take third.
In the women’s race, American Sarah Haskins exited the swim in front and never returned the lead. She broke the tape in 1:59:48, 35 seconds ahead of Sarah Groff. Defending Chicago champ Becky Lavelle used a strong bike leg to nab the final spot on the women’s podium.
2009 Chicago Triathlon
August 30, 2009 – Chicago, Ill.
1.5-km swim, 40-km bike, 10-km run
Women
1. Sarah Haskins (USA) 1:59:48
2. Sarah Groff (USA) 2:00:23
3. Becky Lavelle (USA) 2:02:45
4. Rebeccah Wassner (USA) 2:04:11
5. Jenna Shoemaker (USA) 2:07:31
