Molina Returns to Top Form With Triathlon Victory at San Clemente

The return of Scott Molina has made things a bit tougher in the U.S. triathlon series this season.

Molina breezed to victory Sunday in San Clemente, which was the ninth race of the 11-event tour. He pulled away from the competition during the cycling portion of the race and was never challenged.

Molina finished in 1 hour 50 minutes 8 seconds. Scott Tinley finished second in 1:51:03.

Paula Newby-Fraser won the women’s competition in 2:06:43. Janet Stamper finished second in 2:07:32.

Molina, once ranked as the top triathlete in the world, had not won a U.S. triathlon series race since winning the national championship in 1986. His best finish on the tour in 1987 was second in Miami.

Last year, Molina didn’t compete in the U.S. triathlon series because of fatigue.

But Molina, 29, has looked anything but tired this year. His victory Sunday gave him three first-place finishes in eight races during the current tour.

“The only thing I can count on anymore is my running,” Molina said. “I never know how well I’m going to do with the cycling and swimming. So far, everything has gone well for me.”

Molina came out of the 1.5-kilometer ocean swim with the pack, but quickly established himself during the 40-kilometer ride. After 20 kilometers, he had a comfortable lead and was never challenged.

Molina said that he has benefited from competing in tough courses this year.

Besides being the first ocean swim on the tour this year, the San Clemente cycling course included several steep inclines.

Brad Kearns was third (1:52:31), his highest finish on the tour. Steve Fitch was fourth (1:52:51) and Curtis Alitz fifth (1:53:20).

Newby-Fraser, who finished second in the Japan Ironman competition last week, also found the course challenging. And she was able to take advantage of the inclines to pull away from the field during the cycling.

“I think I was in better shape today because I raced in Japan last week,” Newby-Fraser said. “I wasn’t training like everyone else was; I was traveling and resting. I felt fresh today.”

Renee Goldhirsh finished third (2:09:12), Colleen Cannon fourth (2:11:18) and Terry Martin fifth (2:12:44).