Windy City Wipeout: Podium Racing Takes Command in Chicago
Coming into the Supertri Chicago race, Podium Racing sat in third place overall after the season opener in Toronto. They weren't just looking to climb the ladder; they were looking to make a statement. And they did. With breathtaking individual performances and flawless team strategy, Podium Racing delivered a knockout blow, seizing control of the series and rocketing into first place overall.
The Alberto Gonzalez Show
The men's race wasn't just a win for Alberto Gonzalez; it was a history-making performance. In what might be the single most dominating race ever seen on the men's side of Supertri, Alberto led from the gun to the tape. He was untouchable, building an insurmountable lead through each discipline and making the rest of a world-class field look ordinary.
His commanding victory also earned the team a valuable short chute advantage. In a perfect display of team-first racing, that advantage was given to teammate John Reed. The tactical play worked to perfection, allowing John to secure second place and giving Podium Racing a stunning 1-2 finish on the podium.
Women Bring the Fire
Not to be outdone, the women's team delivered a powerful performance of their own, led by a spectacular win from Jeanne Lehair. She battled hard in a stacked field to take the top step, completing a clean sweep of the gold medals for Podium Racing on the day.
Adding to the excitement were the incredible debuts of first-time racers Gena Sereno and Desirae Ridenour. Any questions about whether they could handle the pressure of the big stage were answered emphatically. The newcomers showed they were more than up for the challenge, finishing an impressive 6th and 7th respectively and securing crucial points for the team.
A New Team to Beat
When the points were tallied, the result was a seismic shift in the series standings. The combined dominance of the men's 1-2 finish, Jeanne Lehair's victory, and the depth shown by the entire squad propelled Podium Racing from third place all the way to first. They didn't just win in Chicago; they put the entire league on notice. As the season progresses, one thing is clear: Podium Racing is now the team to beat.