It is probably superfluous to say that Gord Avann loves speed. Those who race in the HSBC Series, have already come to this realization, since they regularly witness him zooming past them during the bike leg, leaving behind a trail of dust. But his need for speed precedes this sport.
Prior to multisport, Gord professionally raced snowmobiles, ATV’s, motocross and personal watercraft. He still snowmobiles for a TV show where he tests new products. In addition, for ten years, he raced road and mountain bikes at a very high level, but became frustrated with its racing scene. Eventually he discovered the world of multisport to be quite opposite. The people were friendly, and the venues were excellent for both competitors and spectators. He was hooked.
Gord did three relay races before racing solo (he recommends relays to those interested in taking the multisport plunge), and after three years of successful duathlon racing, he couldn’t resist the attraction of triathlon, doing his first at Lakeside in 2007.
“I swam a total of twenty-five feet and panicked. I finished with my head above water or on my back. I was very embarrassed, Gord admitted, “I could never have imagined how open water would have messed me up so bad. But I went from my first disaster to swimming the Calabogie Soloman (4000 metres) in one year.
Despite considering his swim and run to be a weakness, he won the HSBC overall series for his age group (45-49) in both the triathlon and duathlon categories, and he qualified for the sprint triathlon World Championships. Clearly, his cycling prowess allowed him to achieve these accolades, but what makes Gord so fast on the bike? His racing background certainly has something to do with it but there are other factors involved.
“I am a Spinervals addict. I have many of the DVD’s and have use them daily in the winter, Gord revealed, “when spring comes I really ramp up the bike and regularly put in three hour rides, three to five days a week.
Attempting to push the envelope further this season, Gord will continue his trend of doing as many HSBC races as possible (he often races back to back days), will toss in a few half iron distance races, and will face his greatest challenge yet, Ironman Lake Placid in July.
“It has been my dream, I know it will be a very tough day, but my goal will be to finish and hear those words (You are an Ironman – from announcer Mike Reilly), said Gord. He adds, “The HSBC series has been my preference from my first event, the crew is very friendly and they always make feel you as a you are their priority.
Loving the sport as much as he does, Gord typically arrives two hours prior to each race to help other athletes with their bikes and to settle himself. Truly appreciating the accomplishments of his fellow competitors, his ultimate goal is to be able compete as long as legendary World Champion Jimmie Georgas (still going strong at 80 plus).
“Many people can’t imagine, or comprehend, this is the only sport that a age group athlete can line up on the beach and race the same course and time as the hero’s and Olympians of the sport, said Gord. “I absolutely admire that, and learn from it.