Hundreds of brave souls left the comfort of their beds in the early hours of May 25 to take on the gruelling 2025 Victoria Ironman 70.3.
Held annually in May, the triathlon pushes athletes of all ages, from seasoned pros to first-time competitors, to their physical and mental limits.
While this year香蕉视频直播檚 1.9-kilometre swim was cancelled due to an algal bloom, participants still had to power through a 90-kilometre bike ride across the Saanich Peninsula before completing the race with a 21.1-kilometre run around Elk and Beaver Lakes.
The race began at 6:30 a.m., and Los Angeles香蕉视频直播� George Hoffman was the first of 872 participants to cross the finish line, with a time of 3:32:44.
Although he has more than 20 triathlons under his belt, this one was especially meaningful for the American, as it was the first time he was crowned race champion.
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香蕉视频直播淚 worked so hard for so long and it's been a dream.香蕉视频直播�
Having competed across North America and beyond, Hoffman admitted he has a soft spot for the Vancouver Island race.
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香蕉视频直播淩unning on dirt is just a whole different beast,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淟uckily it's pretty packed so you can get some good footing, but still, you're kind of always dodging rocks and roots, so that's tough.香蕉视频直播�
Although a tad disappointed not to do the swimming portion, Hoffman remained unfazed, and quickly readjusted mentally before the race.
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A few minutes later, finishing third with a time of 3:34:22, Victoria香蕉视频直播檚 own Julien Forgeois crossed the finish line. Originally from France, he has been calling B.C.香蕉视频直播檚 capital city home for the past year.
Having started training for triathlons just over six years ago, Forgeois was proud to compete on local ground in what he described as a high-calibre competition.
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Saying that he was 香蕉视频直播渞eally satisfied香蕉视频直播� with his performance, Forgeois explained that, like Hoffman, the running portion was the toughest part of the event, despite the course香蕉视频直播檚 beauty.
香蕉视频直播淭he most challenging part was definitely running on the gravel, because you don't get the kick at the end that makes you faster,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淚t takes a lot of energy to get to the same pace, but it's beautiful.香蕉视频直播�
As the first Canadian to finish the race, the triathlete said he now has his eyes on Nice, France, in September after qualifying at last year香蕉视频直播檚 Ironman 70.3 in Penticton.
Canada香蕉视频直播檚 Marley Beckett was the first woman to finish the race, clocking in at 4:03:55.
For more information about the May 25 race and for race results, visit