Yesterday the women’s event Canadian Open, organized by the PTO, where some of the best triathletes in the world have been.

The test that has been challenged under the Formula 100 km(2-80-18) started at 6:30 p.m. with the swimming segment.

First out of the water was Vittoria Lopes with a slight advantage over a second group of Sara Perez, Lauren Brandon, Julie Derron and Ashleigh Gentle.

By the end of the first lap of the bike, Paula Findlay had moved from tenth to second with Lopes in sight. Findlay, recent winner of the Canadian National Time Trial Championship, quickly took the lead and pushed hard to outrun all competitors.

With 40km covered, Findlay went through the transition with a smile, his lead was 1h06 over Gentle, Ellie Salthouse Nicola Spirig and Lopes. Further on, pre-race favorite Emma Pallant-Browne was forced out of the race with a flat front tyre. Meanwhile, Jocelyn McCauley was riding alone 2h08 behind with Laura Philipp (PTO World #3) 2h40 from Findlay.

By the end of the third lap, Findlay held a 1:34 lead over the same chasing group, with McCauley and Philipp trailing a few seconds longer. When she returned to a cheering crowd at the end of the 80km bike course, the Canadian’s defense was up to two minutes ahead of Jocelyn McCauley, who dominated the bike to reach T2 in second place .

During the four-lap 18km race, Findlay maintained a strong pace, but Ashleigh Gentle, second at 1.3km, was the fastest on the course. While Findlay didn’t slow down, Gentle caught up with Findlay at around 7km.

Behind, Laura Philipp was in third place, but seemed to be working hard. Meanwhile, Chelsea Sodar, 10th in T2, came right on the shoulder of Philipp at 14 km.

Gentle continued her strong pace to victory in a time of 3:30:53 and a 1:03:17 race, the fastest of the day, to become the first PTO Canadian Open champion and claim the prize of $100,000.

Findlay was second in 3:33:16 and third was Sodaro who used his experience to pull away from Philipp and step onto the podium in 3:34:56 and a check for $50,000.

The Spaniard Sarah Perez he didn’t have his day and finished in 26th position.

“I just had the most amazing day today. It hasn’t been the easiest two or three years and I’m grateful to everyone who has continued to believe in me. I’m so proud of myself “, said Gentle.

“I didn’t get into the sport of triathlon for money, but I have bills to pay, I’m an adult and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity the PTO has given us here.”

Before winning today, Gentle was the #17 PTO in the world. This qualification will improve and you are virtually guaranteed an automatic qualifying spot in the international squad for the Collins Cup next month in Slovakia (August 20, 2022).

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