The PTO Tour’s first event, the PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton, Canada, took place on July 23-24. The US$1 million women’s and men’s elite races saw some tough battles.
On July 23rd, Ashleigh Gentle won the pro women’s event in Edmonton, marking the inaugural outing for the PTO Tour. Having won the US$100,000 first prize, Gentle said “I didn’t start the sport of triathlon because of money but I have bills to pay; I’m an adult and the opportunity that the PTO has given us here is one I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Edmonton’s own Paula Findlay came second to take home US$70,000. Third-place-getter Chelsea Sodaro, who won $50,000, rounded out the pro women’s podium.
On July 24th, in the men’s race in Canada, Gustav Iden won the inaugural PTO Tour event. “It’s unbelievable to win here,” said Iden, who beat his Norwegian team mate, friend and rival Kristian Blummenfelt, who finished second after having struggled with cramping quads on the run. Third place and the final podium spot was secured by Aaron Royle.
Iden went on to say “the money is obviously important; but to fight a class field and come away with the victory that means more to me than the money and I’m so happy that the PTO managed to gather all of the high profile pros here at one race. I’m really driven by racing the best, not just going for a fast time; so to race the best in the sport here in Edmonton is so cool.”
With first place, Gustav Iden took home US$100,000 to be the first-ever PTO Canadian Open men’s champion. Kristian Blummenfelt was second, only 27 seconds behind – securing US$70,000 and a Norwegian one-two. Aaron Royle took third and a $50,000 paycheck.
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