March 6, 2006. Florianopolis, Brazil - The USA trio of Andy Potts, Matt Reed, and Brian Fleishman swept the Men's Fast Triathlon today in Florianopolis, Brazil. A unique format of 250meter swim, 4,000meter bike, 1400meter run, is done three times with a 15 minute break between each race. The Fast Triathlon is one of the longest running enduro-format events in the world. Team USA won the teams division with Brazil in second and Canada in third.

Potts won all three races, with Reed finishing second and third in two of them. Fleishman was fourth in two of the races. Fleishman turned in a true team performance against the strong Brazilian contingent to help the team secure the win.

"I am not super happy with my individual performances but I am happy to hold on for the team and help them win today. We are a strong country in triathlon and we are showing it," Fleishman said.

"This event is really a team thing," Reed said. "Andy performed great and was solid in each race. I am struggling with some back pain so the pressure was really on Brian to bring it home." All three live and train in Colorado and coming from winter was not an easy task.

"We all felt the heat and sun," Reed said. "It was hard to come from cold Colorado to humid summer here in Brazil. But it was really fun to win the teams race."

Potts showed he is coming along well with winter training.

"This is a good early season test to see where I am. It's a great way to start a season of new things and shows there are good things to come," Potts commented.

The team worked well together and Reed too felt this race is a good early season event.

"I am happy with my form so far. This really did not test me today as I am hindered by a sore back from an injury a few days ago. It was good to race this style and I look forward to the 2006 season," Reed said.

Potts and Reed head Down Under to the Mooloolaba World Cup at the end of this month.

For more information on Andy Potts and Matt Reed:
www.andypottstri.com
www.mattyreed.com