First out of the water from the 1660-meter open ocean swim, 37-year-old Jimmy Riccitello held the lead the whole race, finishing first in 2:25:56. Here he is closely followed by the Costa Rican Roberto Machado and the American Mary Ellen Powers. Riccitello, a veteran triathlete who "likes the rough stuff," called the course "very hard." Many athletes lost their way on the final 11-kilometer run through hilly pastures, where they suffered under the blazing suno. Nevertheless, Riccitello concurred with fellow invited triathletes Tinley, Montgomery, and Powers: "This is fun. We’ll be back." Last year’s winner, the Venezuelan Evencio Geant, placed fifth.