The Saipan-based triathlete recorded three hours, 20 minutes, and 42 seconds to rank 16th in the women’s professional category of the 2011 XTERRA World Championship at Maui, Hawaii.
“Sometimes [it’s a] great race, and sometimes [it’s] not. Today was not for me but I’m still happy about my results even though I almost quit the race,” Carey told her avid peers and supporters back in Saipan.
This year, she was joined by cyclist Rennan “Butch” Sublemente, who placed 43rd in the 35-39 age group of the men’s division. He posted 3 hours, 41 minutes, and seven seconds.
The annual event was transferred to a new venue this year, and was relocated to Kapalua at Maui’s northwest coast.
“The new course is really safe,” described Carey in an email just days before the race.
“There is no rocks at all, so no crashes and no injuries. It has a very nice surface just like our Saipan trail. I think the run is harder and more challenging than the bike. It will be a good challenge against the hills.”
Carey, who had an opportunity to see American cyclist and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, once again trailed Suzie Snyder (3:19:18) at the finish line. Snyder had earlier joined the 2011 XTERRA Saipan Championship, ranking fourth in the women’s pro division while Carey placed fifth.
Carey completed her 1.5-kilometer swim in 25 minutes and 24 seconds and posted 1:53:45 in her second leg (mountain bike). She ended the 9.8km trail run in 1:01:33.
This is her third time to compete in Maui as a professional.
Meanwhile, four-time XTERRA World Champion Conrad Stoltz of South Africa failed to reach his fifth title after not completing his final leg.
Austrian pro Michael Weiss topped the list with 2:27:00 and Lesley Paterson ruled the women’s pro division at 2:45:59.
Armstrong, who retired from competitive cycling last February, timed in at 2:36:59 to rank 20th in the men’s pro division.
The race included 675 professional and amateur athletes from 28 countries.
“I have train hard and come back here next year to be in the top 10. Thank you so much for your support,” said Carey, still optimistic after the event.
