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Sam Appleton put on an incredible performance at 2020's highest-profile triathlon of the year, the PTO Championships at Daytona.  FInishing 6th  overall, Appleton spent a large part of the day leading the race both on the bike and run, before being caught by the world-class runners at the Olympic level of triathlon, with the exception of Ironman Matt Hansen (chapeau!), who posted the fastest run split by a significant margin. Swedish middle distance and Ironman specialist, Sara Svens, had a good day (not a great day by her own standards) and demonstrated that even though not at her very best, she can still place 8th in the world against some seriously strong women.  Paula Findlay from Canada took a well-deserved win for the $100k prize purse on the women's side, while Gustav Iden took Gold in the Men's race.   Well done to Nikki Bartlett as well for a top 20 (16th) in what's been a highly challenging year for athletes to train and prepare properly for big races.  The PTO Championships represented the first big event of the new Professional Triathletes Organization...and they delivered.  Prize money, logistics in an unprecedented environment of restrictions, high-level TV (streaming) production coverage - impressive for their debut and certainly a sign of what's to come for the professional side of the triathlon.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Appleton on pole position on the bike

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Dr. Svensk's finished 8th overall