Get to Know our Team Colorado Kona 2018 Athletes

[ps2id id=’butterworth’ target=”/]SIMON BUTTERWORTH
*What kind of bike do you ride? Dimond, easy to spot, a beam bike
*Where did you qualify for the Ironman World Championships? Kona, won AG last year
*How many Ironman races have you done? 24
*How many times have you raced Kona? 13
*What is your favorite non-race activity on the Big Island – if you have not been – what non-race activity are you most excited about? Swimming in open water with the fish, and sometimes dolphins.
*What is your favorite bike training route? For a short high intensity workout the extreme south end of Alii Dr, all new road with wide shoulder and some hills that will get your attention.
*What is your favorite post workout/post race treat? A Guinness at Quinn’s (across the street from the King Kam) and ice cream at a new (last year) ice cream parlor behind Lava Java.
*What was one unexpected occurrence on your path to Kona? Started to develop arthritis in my joints in mid 40’s. Never dreamed I could complete a Marathon even after 4 years of short course racing. The knees somehow hang in there, just.
*Who do you think will win the pro men’s and women’s races this year? (Remember…we have several Colorado pros on our Team!) I would have to root for Rinni since I met her in Boulder when she first came here. And for similar reasons Matt Charbott who is a neighbor.
 
[ps2id id=’sankoff’ target=”/]JEFF SANKOFF
*What kind of bike do you ride? Trek Speed Concept with a custom paint job. Quite distinctive. Black with red maple leaves cascading down the top and down tubes (I am Canadian in CO for 15 years)
*Where did you qualify for the Ironman World Championships? IM Boulder
*How many Ironman races have you done? 4
*How many times have you raced Kona? First timer!
*What is your favorite non-race activity on the Big Island – if you have not been – what non-race activity are you most excited about? I am a diver so I would have to say anything SCUBA related. After the race we are staying on the island for a week and taking our kids on a Manta dive and a dolphin swim. I am pretty excited for them to do both of these things. Since they have given so much for me to be able to race and train, I love to give them whatever experiences I can that will reward them for their sacrifices.
*What is your favorite bike training route? For TT riding I really love the stretch of road between Sedalia and Palmer Lake. For road riding and climbing I love to do a loop from Morrison up to Meyers Gulch to Turkey Creek to Bear Mountain then down to Evergreen and back to Morrison.
*What is your favorite post workout/post race treat? Probably ice cream. Though I don’t drink very much during training and race season so a cold beer gets in there after a race every once in a while and is very much enjoyed.
*What was one unexpected occurrence on your path to Kona? There isn’t just one! My road to Kona is a story unto itself that spans my 17 years in triathlon and began when I told the friend who introduced me to the sport “Are you nuts?! I am never going to do THAT race!!! (Hawaii)” And now, here I am.
*Who do you think will win the pro men’s and women’s races this year? (Remember…we have several Colorado pros on our Team!) I’m Canadian so I have to pull for my boy Lionel though it is likely not the smart choice. Similarly, I would love to see Lucy Charles breakthrough and win even though I know it will likely be the Swiss automaton yet again (Ryf).