Paducah's Knight again conquers Cape

For 13 years Barry Knight has been competing in the Steamboat Classic Triathlon in Cape Girardeau.

Knight showed why the steamboat is one of his favorite events Sunday, claiming the overall title for the fourth straight year. Knight's winning time of 1:14:06 was less than 15 seconds off his course record time in 2000.

"I had a pretty good race today," Knight said. "I was pushing for it. I felt good on the bike."

Finishing behind Knight was his training partner John Baker. Baker timed 1:19:12 and has become a common fixture behind Knight in the Steamboat Classic. Both are from Paducah, Ky. Third overall among the men's competitors was Tim Sandfort of Columbia, Mo., who finished in 1:19.34.

"Me and him are always real close together," Knight said of Baker.

Just a short ride away from his home in Paducah, Knight uses the event to prepare for larger meets like the Memphis in May Triathlon and many others he will compete in during the course of the year.

"I like to get some races in early," Knight said. "It's a good route. You know what to expect."

A challenging course

Knight, a former runner at Murray State University, said the steamboat course is a good runners course, and can be quite challenging with the amount of hills involved.

"If you're having a good day you can power through it," he said.

While the men's side had a familiar face on top of the leaderboard, a relative newcomer to the sport was the head of the class on the women's side. Kirsten Winkler, competing in only her third Steamboat Classic, won with a course record 1:26:19, beating the old record by nearly a minute.

Alicia Hamilton of St. Louis was second among women in 1:29.21 while Lizzie Sloan from the St. Louis suburb of Ballwin placed third in 1:33.27.

"I'm very happy with my time," said Winkler, who is from McKenzie, Tenn.

Fifth-year triathlete

Winkler, only in her fifth year on the triathlon circuit, said she really enjoys the steamboat course.

"I love it, it's great," she said. "Obviously this is the best I've ever felt here."

Winkler finished third last year in the classic, and improved her time by nearly eight minutes.

"I've been training a lot harder this year," Winkler said.

While Winkler admits the swimming portion of her race could use some work, she said the bike is where she excels.

"That gets me up there, but of course it always comes down to the run," she said.

Over 220 racers competed in the event, with awards going to the top five in each age division. The triathlon consisted of a 500-yard swim, a 15.5-mile bike ride and a five-mile run.

The only local individual winner was Nichole Thiele of Cape Girardeau, who captured the women's 20-25 age group in 1:45.55.

There were 10 different male age divisions and six separate female age divisions.