Locals shine in McCall off-road triathlon

McCALL — Sandpoint triathletes Jamey Yanik and Jeff Smith had stellar races at the recent XTERRA Wild Ride Off-Road Triathlon in McCall, finishing second and third overall, respectively, out of more than 100 racers.

Yanik, who used to race cross country mountain bikes professionally for the Giant factory team, finished the race in 2:21.56, to win his 30-34 year-old age group. He finished the 3/4 mile swim in 24:00, the 25 mile mountain bike ride  with more than 3,000 feet of climb in 1:18.56 and the six-mile trail run in 37:40.

“I like the challenge; super demanding,” said Yanik, who does about 8-10 triathlons a year, on what he loves most. “Regardless of place, you’re pretty much satisfied. It’s self-rewarding.”

Smith, a very strong swimmer, came out of the water in 21:24, before clocking 1:23.41 on the bike and 40:11 on the run, beating the 17 other competitors in his 25-29 year-old age group. Both he and Yanik claimed Idaho State championships.

Smith and Yanik train together on occasion, each trying to learn from the other’s strengths. Both plan to compete in next month’s USA Championships in Ogden, Utah, before heading to Maui in October to compete in the World Championships.

“I’d like to win my age group in Utah, and I think I have a pretty good shot,” said Yanik. “At Worlds, I don’t know what to expect.”