Sandpoint triathlete wins Bozeman XTERRA

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Sandpoint professional triathlete Jeff Smith notched his most impressive finish so far this year, dusting the competition by more than 10 minutes at the Bozeman XTERRA Race at Hyalite Canyon on Sunday.

Smith conquered the 1,200 meter swim, 20 mile mountain bike ride and 6 mile off road course in 2:11.38, which set a new course record. Smith had the fastest time in both the bike and the run, the former featuring more than 4,000 feet of climbs, and was second out of the water, showing no let up despite the race being at more than 7,000 feet elevation.

“I really didn’t even look at my watch the entire race,” says Smith, who works as a trainer at Coldwater Creek. “I just went by feel and tried to stay smooth.”

Smith is beginning to hit his stride as the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon approaches, a race that draws some of the top triathlete in the Northwest on Aug. 9. Smith has high goals for the race, essentially in his back yard.

“I’m from Idaho,” he explains. “I plan on going all out to keep an outsider from taking the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon title.”

The following week is the West Championship XTERRA race in Ogden, Utah. Smith continues to excel at both the road and off-road varieties of triathlon, each of which require a slightly different skill set and attitude.

Smith is halfway through a busy race season, which has included a third place finish at the Walla Walla Triathlon, fourth at Portland’s Blue Lake Triathlon, 13th at Lake Stevens and 19th at Boise. He feels he’s peaking at just the right time for the biggest races.

Smith is going to be holding some weekly swims, rides and runs around Sandpoint and has a schedule of events at his website: www.trijeffsmith.com. He invites any and all athletes to open water swims and trail runs around Sandpoint, hoping to help increase the awareness of exercise and healthy living.

“Exercise should be fun and not a chore,” he says. “Sandpoint has so many beautiful places, and I would like to help introduce others to its true beauty and all it has to offer.”