The “Race Like a Viking” Team: Valhalla + Valkyrie Race Team, celebrated Ironman Texas 2024 in big fashion last weekend, following up a strong weekend of racing at the Texas 70.3 race in Galveston at the beginning of April.
The team had 19 athletes compete in the race. In addition, Valhalla + Valkyrie team members covered 60 volunteer shifts, totaling 248.5 hours. Nine pros/athletes were homestay hosted and four team members served as Volunteer Team Captains for the race.
“This is our Super Bowl,” said team owner Steve Hardy. “Triathlon is our passion and it’s evident from our involvement. It’s not just about on-course performance for us.”
The team finished in the Top Ten for all teams competing in this year’s Ironman Texas race.
The weekend was kicked off with a team breakfast at Black Walnut Café sponsored by the team. The team tent was on the race run course, on the waterway, and was full throughout the day with team members cheering on athletes.
“IMO, Saturday’s was perhaps the best team atmosphere I’ve seen at the tent since moving to TX in 2018. So much fun!” said Jorge Martinez, E3 Coaching.
Notable team member performances:
Jana Richtrova; top overall amateur finish
Kate Looney; second place AG finish (behind Jana Richtrova)
Katie Benjamin: first-time IRONMAN finish; accepted a roll-down slot to the 2024 IRONMAN World Champions in Nice, France
Sheri Bell: accepted a roll-down slot to the 2024 IRONMAN World Champions in Nice, France
Shara Maddox: Ironman PR
Much more racing to come in 2024, but the Texas 70.3 and 140.6 are the best way to start off the tri season!