Bermuda’s next generation of multi-sport talent made a massive statement on the international stage, delivering a series of resilient performances at the prestigious Flatland Cup in Iowa, USA.
Facing a highly competitive field in West Des Moines, a squad of nine young Bermudian triathletes went toe-to-toe with elite regional prospects across draft-legal formats. The day was highlighted by a superb podium finish for Rory Shepherd.
In the Draft Legal Youth Male division, Shepherd produced a tactical masterclass to secure third place overall. After staying firmly within striking distance during the swim and bike legs, he unleashed a blistering sub-nine-minute run to clock a total time of 33:03.780. Teammate Rohan Roopra also impressed in the same category, fighting hard to finish 11th.
The Youth Female race saw an exceptionally close battle between training partners Riana Robinson and Elena Bortoli. Elena Bortoli laid down a phenomenal marker in the water, exiting the swim over 50 seconds ahead. However, Robinson rallied back with a powerful bike transition and run leg, eventually pipping her teammate at the line by a mere eight seconds to lock out 9th and 10th place respectively.
The high-octane Junior Male category saw Gianluca Bortoli lead the Bermudian contingent with a stellar 10th-place finish, showcasing his strength with a swift 17:08.450 final run. He was followed by Dylan Eiselt in 16th and Jasper Lau in 41st. In the Junior Female division, Carina Bortoli (42nd) and Madison Schindel (48th) showed superb endurance across the longer junior distances against a world-class field.
