ITU Sport Development Athletes Shine in Costa Rica

Leonardo Chacon of Costa Rica and Elizabeth Bravo of Ecuador, both ITU Sport Development athletes, came home with wins at the fourth edition of the Condovac Coast Triathlon in Costa Rica on February 28.

Chacon was dominant from the start of the men’s race, taking the lead out of the water and never looking back to finish in 2:02:09. The 25-year old appears to be having his best year to date, having previously finished third at the Salinas ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup in February. His next competition will be the Central American Games in Panama City, Panama.

“We will seek to be on the podium, ready to represent our sport and country well,” Chacon said after his win in Costa Rica.

Behind Chacon, Xterra triathlon star Rom Akerson of Costa Rica finished second in 2:05:02. Rounding out the podium on the men’s side was Ernesto Espinoza, also from Costa Rica, finishing in 2:09:34.

Bravo was equally as dominant as her fellow ITU Development athlete in the women’s race, leading throughout to stop the clock in 2:29:00. It was Bravo’s second win of the 2010 season, as she was also victorious at the Vina del Mar ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup in Chile this January.

A total of 347 athletes took place in what is quickly becoming one of Costa Rica’s biggest triathlons.