September 16, 2007 (Vancouver, BC)

Linsey Corbin, of the United States, and Ukraine’s Team Timex Member Andriy Yastrebov reigned victorious at the inaugural Subaru Vancouver International Half Iron today. The beautiful view of Vancouver and the coastal mountains from Jericho Beach served as the perfect backdrop for the third and final stop of the Subaru West Coast Triathlon Series.

The event got a great start with the Kids Fun Run on Saturday afternoon along the beautiful shores of Spanish Banks. Then, at 7:30am this morning, Acting Vancouver Mayor and Race Chairman, Peter Ladner signalled the swim start at Locarno Beach. It quickly became a 3 man race with Yastrebov, Ironman Canada podium finisher Christopher Brown, and Victoria’s Trevor Wurtele all exiting the water together. The race stayed close on the bike and then narrowed down to Lastrebov and Brown racing side by side on the run. Lastrebov managed to gain a slight lead on the last loop of the run and held on for the victory in a time of 4:01:01. Brown of Calgary finished a close second in 4:02:43 with Wurtele rounding out the podium in 4:06:53.

The women’s race was full of drama and emotion with some of the pre-race favourites not being able to finish. Kelly Liljeblad, of Boulder Colorado, experienced back pain on the swim and was forced to retired from the race. Bree Wee of Kona, Hawaii was first out of the swim, and had gained a 6 minute lead on the bike when she suffered a flat ending her day. Linsey Corbin rode strongly and finished with a blazing run split of 1:18:14 to take the Women’s title and an incredible 6th place overall finish in a time of 4:20:29. In second place was Vermont’s Kim Loeffler and in third was Kristin Baker from Edmonton, AB.

“This is a great day. I was extremely happy with my performance, especially the run, and I am ready for Hawaii” said Corbin.

Yastrebov commented, “What and incredible race, especially for the inaugural event, so beautiful, and people here are so amazing.”

The shorter Sprint event was won by former Under 23 National Team Member Janet Nielsen and by local triathlete Ian McCormick.

The newly established Subaru West Coast Series organized by LifeSport, a coaching and training company founded by Ironman and Olympic coaches Lance Watson and Paul Regensburg, is fast becoming known as a world-class triathlon series held in beautiful venues. The 2008 Subaru West Coast Triathlon Series dates will be announced later in the fall.