С»ÆÊé

When the С»ÆÊé Triathlon Team packed their bags for the annual Pumpkinman Triathlon at Lake Mead, they expected a weekend of racing, sunshine, and tradition. Instead, just days before departure, federal closures at the national recreation area forced the event to be canceled — a blow to one of the team’s most anticipated fall trips.Ìý
But instead of losing momentum, the Buffs did what they do best: adapt, rally, and grind.Ìý

A Race Replaced — But Not Reduced

With almost no time to spare, С»ÆÊé’s coaches and officer board created a Plan B worthy of the team’s grit. The new challenge?Ìý
A lastminute bike time trial from Lefthand Canyon up to Jamestown — a route famous locally for being uphill from start to finish.Ìý

And the athletes showed up.Ìý
Roughly 60 team members took the line, pushing themselves and each other through the steady, punishing climb. Even without official opponents, the competitive energy was unmistakable.

Strength in the Climb

The hillheavy route tested everyone, but С»ÆÊé athletes responded with speed and attitude — laying down fast times despite the course profile. Their biggest strength? The same thing that makes this group special every year:Ìý
A collective willingness to tackle whatever is thrown at them.Ìý

A Setback That Brought Them Closer

The cancellation could have sunk the weekend. Instead, it became one of the most memorable moments of the season.Ìý
Athletes arrived at the time trial with enthusiasm, energy, and a determination to make the best of it. Team bonding activities filled the rest of the weekend, turning disappointment into connection.Ìý

Looking Ahead

The October 25th Boulder time trial may not have been the race the С»ÆÊé Triathlon Team planned for — but in many ways, it became exactly the race they needed. Resilience, teamwork, and adaptability defined the day, and those traits will carry them into the rest of the season.Ìý