79°
Bryan French is a 33-year-old civil engineer and a lifelong Fairfield resident. He is single. Valentin Lopes, 28, grew up in Brazil and owns the Sunshine painting company in Bridgeport. He is married. What could they possibly have in common?
More than one might think. Both are members of the growing triathlon fraternity, which now embraces more than 150,000 men and women worldwide. As an Ironguides certified triathlon coach, Lopes works part-time at Trifitness Fairfield in the Brick Walkwhere Bryan trains. They've developed a warm friendship during their months of training together. This weekend, both men will put their skills and powers of endurance to the test at the Ford Ironman in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 25, they will be among an estimated 3,100 competitors who will jump into the cool waters of Lake Mirror for a 2.4-mile swim. Then, after exchanging their wetsuits and goggles for bicycle gear, they will embark on a 112-mile ride through the hills and dales of the Adirondacks. For the third and final leg, they will gather their remaining strength and run 26.2 milesthe traditional distance for a marathon.
If they do exceedingly well, they will complete this grueling trek in 10 hours, perhaps less. "My best time is nine hours, 45 minutes, but I'll be happy with 10 hours," said Valentin, who competed in the Ironman World Championships for the first time on the Big Island of Hawaii last October. He placed 29th in his age group (25-29) in a field of some 400.
Bryan has similar ambitions, saying, "I'd like to come as close to 10 hours as possible."
"The real goal," Valentin chuckled, "is to finish the race before midnight."
The Lake Placid Ironman is a status eventit's among the 26 races in the world that serve as qualifiers for the world championships in Hawaii. Seventy top finishers from their respective age groups at Lake Placid will earn a slot in this year's worlds at Kona on the Big Island.
To earn a return trip to the worlds, Valentin says he will have to finish among the top five in the 25-to-29 age group. Bryan believes there are seven to eight slots in the 30-to-34 age group that will lead to Hawaii.
Why do they devote so much time and excruciating effortand, yes, moneyto the sport? "I like the challenge of it...you're pushing yourself to new limits. Each time you're surprised at how much you grow," Bryan responded
"It does take you away from your friends and family," he admitted. "I had a busy lifestyle before the triathlon. It's tough to juggle because it's such a time commitment."
In addition to his surveying work with Rocco V. D'Andrea, Inc. in Riverside, Bryan is a youth group advisor at First Church Congregational, the owner of a three-family home and an uncle.
Valentin, who says he "grew up watching (Ironman events) on TV," also cites the challenges of the sport. "I had the dream to do it professionally, but it's not easy to support a family," he said. "It's not realistic"pause, a big smile"but still a dream."
Early on, Helena, his wife of two years, was supportive of Valentin's triathlon treks, but, now, he says, "she complains it's so expensive and it takes so much time."
Expensive? Valentin's triathlon-specific bike, a Felt, set him back $10,000. Bryan has invested a more modest $4,000 in his Scott bike. The entry fee for each at Lake Placid is $450, which covers the competition, a pasta dinner and the awards luncheon. Transportation, lodging and other meals are additional.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.
