Episode 140: Lake Placid Breakthroughs, Boise Battles and Nicole Falcaro Joins the Crew

Send us Fan MailThis week on Another Triathlon Podcast, Josh (@joshmvernon) and Fede (@fedemultisport) are joined by guest co-host Nicole Falcaro for a full breakdown of Ironman Lake Placid, plus a look ahead to Ironman 70.3 Boise.Nicole was on the ground in Lake Placid, watching the race unfold on course and getting insight from athletes after the finish. She shares what it was like to be there, how lonely and exposed parts of the course can feel, and why time gaps matter so much for the pro women racing long-course.The crew breaks down Paula Findlay’s impressive Ironman debut, Marten Van Riel’s dominant men’s win, Matthew Marquardt’s strong second-place performance, Ben Kanute’s late battle with Jason West, and the Kona qualification stories that shaped the day.They also look ahead to a surprisingly stacked Ironman 70.3 Boise field, with Sam Long, Vincent Luis, Jackson Laundry, Matt Hanson, Ari Klau, Cam Wurf, Hannah Berry, Jackie Hering, Grace Alexander, Lydia Russell and more set to race.Highlights• Nicole Falcaro joins as guest co-host• Fede’s rough week of Yankees losses, Argentina heartbreak, FTP struggles and gel problems• Josh’s SuperTri Long Beach weekend and training update• The impact of first-timers, para athletes and community energy at SuperTri Long Beach• Nicole’s decision to travel last minute to Lake Placid• What it’s like to spectate and give splits on the Ironman Lake Placid course• Why Lake Placid can feel lonely for pro athletes• Paula Findlay’s Ironman debut and Kona qualification• Marta Sánchez backing up another strong Ironman performance• Rachel Zelenskis returning to form after a tough couple of years• Tamara Jewett’s fight and another fast marathon• Chelsea Sodaro validating for Kona• Sam Skold qualifying for Kona as a pro after racing there as an age grouper• Marten Van Riel’s dominant men’s race• Matthew Marquardt’s strong day and solved cramping issues• Ben Kanute’s late move past Jason West• Jason West pushing until the wheels came off• Rudy Von Berg quietly putting together another strong result• Trevor Foley’s difficult day and Pro Series implications• Kona slots rolling deep on both sides• Ironman 70.3 Boise preview• Jackson Laundry’s return to racing• Why Boise could become one of the best 70.3 races of the season• Nicole’s recovery update after labral repair surgeryRace BreakdownIronman Lake PlacidIronman Lake Placid delivered a huge day of racing, with Kona slots, Pro Series points and course records all part of the story.On the women’s side, Paula Findlay made her Ironman debut and looked right at home. Nicole saw her on course and talked about the composure Paula showed throughout the day, even while asking for time gaps and trying to stay fully aware of the race behind her.Paula’s bike strength was always expected to suit Lake Placid, but the big question was how she would handle the marathon in her first full-distance race. She answered that with a steady run and a major win, securing her Kona slot in the process.Marta Sánchez backed up another strong Ironman performance, while Rachel Zelenskis impressed after a tough stretch with injury and recovery. Tamara Jewett once again showed her fight with the fastest run of the day, and Chelsea Sodaro got herself to the finish to validate for Kona.On the men’s side, Marten Van Riel took control early and never really looked under pressure. He swam near the front, took command on the bike, and ran strong to win with a new course record.Matthew Marquardt had another excellent race, finishing second after riding incredibly well and backing it up with a strong marathon. The crew also talks about his cramping issues, what he believes caused them, and why Lake Placid was a big confirmation race for him.Behind them, Ben Kanute and Jason West gave us one of the best battles of the day. Jason pushed hard and looked like he might run onto the podium, but Ben stayed composed, smelled blood late, and moved past him for third.The race also had big Kona qualification implications. Several athletes already had their slots, which meant the rolldown went deep and gave a few major names the ticket they needed.Ironman 70.3 Boise PreviewIronman 70.3 Boise is shaping up to be much more exciting than expected.On the men’s side, the field includes Sam Long, Vincent Luis, Jackson Laundry, Ari Klau, Matt Hanson, Cam Wurf, Leonard Arnold, Sam Osborne and more. With several athletes still chasing 70.3 Worlds qualification, the race could be aggressive from the start.The crew talks about how a possible wetsuit swim could change the race dynamics, especially for someone like Sam Long. If the swim keeps the field closer together, Boise could turn into a massive run battle with four or five athletes still in contention late.Jackson Laundry is another major name to watch as he returns from injury and comes into the race after a strong training block. Nicole gives some insight into where he’s at and why this could be a good race for him.On the women’s side, the start list includes Hannah Berry, Jackie Hering, Hannah De Vet, Grace Alexander, Lydia Russell, Kate Curran, Rebecca Clarke and Lisa Perterer, who is currently listed to back up after Lake Placid.With several strong runners and athletes coming in fresh, the women’s race could also come down to who has the legs late.Quickfire Q&AGuest co-host of the week?Nicole Falcaro joins after being on course at Ironman Lake Placid.Biggest Lake Placid takeaway?Paula Findlay looked completely ready for full-distance racing in her Ironman debut.Best men’s storyline?Marten Van Riel dominating the race and Matthew Marquardt proving he can execute without the cramping issues.Best late-race battle?Ben Kanute running past Jason West for third after Jason pushed himself right to the limit.Biggest Boise question?Can the wetsuit swim keep Sam Long close enough to make this a true run battle?Most interesting Boise comeback story?Jackson Laundry returning to racing and potentially being right in the mix.Follow the show📸 @anothertriathlonpodcastHost, Jenna-Caer Seefried, @jennacaerJosh, @joshmvernonFede, @fedemultisportGuest co-host, Nicole FalcaroPresented by @maunaapparelSupport the showStay connected with us! 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