George and Silivie Pierce embarked on their second National Duathlon Championships in Breckenridge, CO which consisted of a 3k snow run and 6k nordic skate ski.
https://breckebeiner.com/duathlon/
In 2024 George won his age group and was the National Champion and Silvie was second in her age group. Both competed in a 15k nordic ski the next day George placing first in his age group but Silive beating him soundly by 22 minutes! The 2025 race was held at a high elevation nearly 9k feet with snow and 17 degrees at the start line. Due to the recent snowfall, the running on snow was treacherous, soft and caused many participants to take a tumble. George and Silive paced each other in the run and Silive got out faster from transition to the ski. The ski course was on new snow and fairly fast for all. Silive ended up winning her age group as did George repeating last year’s National honors. As a result of the placing, both George and SIlive qualified for the TEAM USA 2026 World Championships. Date and place to be determined.
The Pierces flew two days after the race to Italy to compete for TEAM USA in the World Winter Duathlon Championships held in Cogne, Italy, https://triathlon.org/events/2025-world-triathlon-winter-championships-cogne There were 400 athletes from 21 countries in participation. Duathlon for elites, juniors and age groups were held Friday and Saturday and the run/ski/bike triathlon was held on Sunday. The duathlon distances were 6k run and 12k ski that was built on two man made overpassees that made the course very challenging. The altitude was moderate at 4500 feet and seemed like sea level after doing the race in Breckenridge at nearly 9k feet. Most noteworthy, Silive at her first World Championship event ended up winning the silver medal in her age group and George was top ten. The competition was top level in all races, the weather perfect and the snow conditions challenging for both run and ski being soft. The organizers were very gracious and held an opening ceremony with dancing and lighting of the cauldron for the events.
The Pierces will take some time off and then get ready into training for the events next year.
We thank the Cloverlane Foundation and Gerry specifically for his generous support that made this trip a race for the US veterans and those fighting for their health and wellness.
