Not even tendonitis in the quad that has kept her from a full
training schedule for months could stop local triathlete Cristin
Reichmuth from competing in this weekend
’s World Championships in Ibiza, Spain.
Not even tendonitis in the quad that has kept her from a full training schedule for months could stop local triathlete Cristin Reichmuth from competing in this weekend’s World Championships in Ibiza, Spain.
“My doctor said I would have to take four months off of training (for recovery),” said Reichmuth, who left for Spain on Thursday. “Triathletes often race injured. It’s what happens when you train 15-20 hours a week. Injuries come with the job. Unfortunately, I was already registered for Spain and I’m not one to quit. So when duty calls, I just grin while gritting my teeth.”
Reichmuth – a 1992 Live Oak grad – has qualified for the World Championships four years in a row, but this will be her first time participating. Reichmuth said it was her sponsors who made the trip possible.
She is currently sponsored by the San Francisco Triathlon Club – which will be paying for her events and racing gear for 2003 – as well as PowerBar, Profile Design-Bike Aerodynamics, Rudy Project Helmets and Sunglasses, Spokesman Bicycles-Santa Cruz, Gold’s Gym, Gilroy Health & Fitness, Hidden Springs Farm, Kawahara Nursery, and Habing Family Funeral Home. The local triathlete is also supported by the three families – the Otts, Silvas, and Monahans.
The experienced triathlete received the honor of co-captaining Team USA in this year’s competition. The selection process for the male and female team captains rests on the USA Triathlon Team Director Tim Yount.
“It’s quite an honor to be chosen,” Reichmuth said. “I feel I’m a shoe-in for the position because of my love for the sport, my knowledge of the athletes’ needs, and I’ve been told I’m a great cheerleader.”
Team USA is sending 96 athletes to Spain – 42 of them are women.
“Team USA typically does well because of the excellent facilities the US athletes train at and the high importance our country places on sports,” Reichmuth said. “As for placing, Spain is going for a 1-2-3 overall sweep, but they said the same thing at the Tour De France, and we all know who won that little bike race – Lance (Armstrong).”
The last triathlon Reichmuth competed in November at Treasure Island, San Francisco – where she was the first American and the fourth woman overall to cross the finish line.
“As with any triathlon event, I just do what I can do with what I have. What I have is dependent upon the weeks and months prior to the event,” Reichmuth said. “The only difference is that on raceday, I use some Simple Green to clean the grease off my bike, wear my racing suit, and put the fake tattoo on to help the intimidation factor.”
Reichmuth’s quad injury has kept her from training at the highest level required for her to stay in top condition. But the garlic warrior promises to give her best.
“Because of the inability to train, mentally I’m waivering,” said Reichmuth, who returns on May 13.
