Midlothian, Va. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Triathlon team headed back down south on Sunday, tackling the Robious Landing Collegiate Cup in Virginia. Hurricane Helene took a toll on the course and canceled the swim portion of the event, so the race turned into a duathlon (run, bike, run).
It was a tale of two competitors with mixed results, as Hanna Jung decided to bow out of the day's events early due to a sore knee. However, with a little rest and rehab, Jung should be ready to compete fully at the East Regional Qualifer in two weeks.
Chanelle Russell had a good first run and was riding well on the bike, until wet roads created a slick surface and caused a least a half dozen crashes. Unfortunately, Russell was one of those who went down in the weather related collisions, but she got up quickly and returned to action. Sunshine finished the course strong, and although she might be a little sore tomorrow, Russell will be ready to go for Regionals as well.
STAC now begins preparations for the Women's Collegiate Triathlon East Regional Qualifier, which takes place at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, North Carolina on Saturday, October 12.