Former pro cyclist now tackling triathlons
SANDPOINT — Calling himself a full time doctor and part time athlete, Jonathan Fisher is nonetheless one of the top triathletes in the region, parlaying a background in professional cycling into newfound success at Olympic distance triathlons.
Fisher, 33, used to race bicycles with and against the likes of Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie, while competing on the U.S. professional circuit and racing in places like Belgium and France. He had numerous top 10 finishes, and said his biggest strength was racing over the rough cobblestone streets.
The Minnesota native eventually gave up competitive racing to attend medical school, recently completing fellowships at Detroit Medical Center, another in Baltimore and finally at Harborview in Seattle. He’s currently the new foot and ankle specialist at North Idaho Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Fisher just recently began racing in the 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run Olympic distance triathlons, finishing fourth out of more than 500 racers in Minnesota and also notching a top 10 finish at Hayden Lake. He continues to learn the nuances of the new sport, including dealing with what has become a familiar — if not humbling — scenario.
“Coming off the bike in first place then getting passed in the run,” he said with a laugh about the toughest part of triathlons. “It’s really a runner’s sport, and they have the advantage.”
Fisher has been working with Sandpoint swim coach Mike Brosnahan to improve on the first discipline, and is hoping to eventually morph into the more grueling Ironman distance triathlons, joining the small but successful ranks of Sandpoint triathletes. He said it wouldn’t be tough to finish the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26 mile run race, but his competitive streak won’t let him try one until he’s ready to contend.
Right now he’s settling into a new professional life as a podiatrist, and enjoying the ability to train at three disciplines instead of just one.
“I don’t have to go out and ride my bike for five hours,” he explained, noting he currently trains about 15 hours a week, about the limit his professional life will allow. “I love the cross training aspect of it.”
He’s also thankful for the sponsorship support of Pend Oreille Surgery Center, which enables him to attend the triathlons.
“They’re very supportive in the fitness and active lifestyles that a lot of people in Sandpoint have,” said Fisher. “It’s a new service that is not waiting to give back to the community.”