Fiocca Takes the Rogue Womens Tri
by Tonyia Cone, 7/17/2006

On Sunday, July 9, 487 women swam, rode and ran to finish the first Rogue Women's Tri, held at the Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. Julianne Fiocca of Austin finished the 500 meter swim, 14.8 mile bike course and three mile run with a 1:10:28 chip time. Lisa Preeg and Cathy Smith, both masters, finished second and third overall, and the overall masters winners were Cindy Present, Mary Pape and Kristy Clarke.

"It was a fun course and I had a good ride. When I ride well, it gives me a chance to win," Fiocca, who has also won two half-Ironman distance triathlons, said. She finished the Rogue bike course in 38 minutes and 40 seconds, at a rate of 23 miles per hour.

Ruth England, race director and one of the co-owners of Austin's Rogue Training Systems, explained that she has long wanted to put on a women's triathlon.

"I love the energy at Danskin, but I wanted to do something that felt more local. I wanted to give women who finish Danksin another race to keep them going," England said.

The Danskin Triathlon was held June 11 at Walter E. Long Park at Decker Lake in Austin. Rogue offered a four-week extension program to women who trained for Danskin with their group, Iron Chicks, who wanted to race the Rogue Women's Tri. The Texas Ski Ranch was a natural progression for triathletes who participated in Danskin. England described the course as beginner friendly, and the off-road run course was a unique challenge. Even the weather cooperated; while it was hot, it was not as hot as usual for July.

"It was amazing to see all these women who are continuing to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. The volunteers were also amazing. They worked so hard and for so long; I really appreciate their enthusiasm," England said.

The Girls Empowerment Network, or GENaustin, was chosen to benefit from the race when a friend asked England to help find a way to raise funds for the group. England said an organization that helps junior high and high school girls appealed to her.

"Life is hard at that age, so any organization that helps girls at that age is so important. I could have benefited from a group like GENaustin at that age. I hope to eventually to help add athletic mentor to what they offer; maybe next year a mentor and mentee wave," she said.

Fiocca, who usually races half-Ironman distance triathlons, agreed that this was an important part of racing the Rogue Women's Triathlon.

"I ride with an elite women's cycling and multisport team and as women athletes who have careers and kids, promoting positive images for young girls and women is particularly important to us. I race a lot and triathlon is a great sport to be involved in and many of them are astute enough to have a benefactor of the race. I appreciate that Rogue did that, especially since it's a women's race," Fiocca said.

England said Rogue will offer the Rogue Women's Tri again next year, and may add a second one in August to make it a series. The group also has a series of three trail races in the spring and is having a 5k run on January 21, which England said, "will be a battle of the sexes."