The 30th AVIA Wildflower Long Course Triathlon, May 4-6 at Lake San Antonio in Bradley, California, gives United States amateur athletes their last chance to punch a ticket to the 2012 ITU Long Distance World Championships July 29 in Spain. Also see: Video of the 2012 Wildflower Triathlon and festival
The top five competitors in each amateur age group will be eligible for Team USA. If someone in the top five isn't available, the opportunity will roll down as far as 10th place to round out the team. Also read: San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz
The Wildflower was chosen as a qualifier for the second year in a row because of its reputation as a rugged challenge with a topflight field. According to Jeff Dyrek, USA Triathlon National Events Director, "Wildflower was chosen because it attracts some of the best long course athletes in the country to the race every year."
The 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile Wildflower long course on the rural hills of central California is generally consdiered one of the toughest and most beautiful triathlon venues in the world. It annually draws a sold out field of thousands of amateurs and a select field of the best professionals in the world.
The Wildflower also includes a three day festival where more than 7,500 elite and amateur triathletes and 30,000 spectators come together for camping, listening to live music, and enjoying food vendors. The solidarity, music and scenery have helped build its reputation as the "Woodstock of triathlons."
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