AlphaWin Napa Valley Triathlon: Race Review

Spring racing always feels like a reset button to start your season, and last year’s AlphaWin Triathlon in Napa delivered exactly that. Set in the heart of wine country, this race combined a challenging, honest course with a calm-but-focused early-season energy. I competed in the Olympic distance, but this race offered distances ranging from super-sprint to 70.3.

This was my first race of the year, and it ended up being a great test of fitness, execution, and mindset heading into a longer summer season. And a bonus - my brother joined me!

Race Weekend & Atmosphere

Napa in the spring is hard to beat. Cool mornings, rolling vineyards, and just enough sunshine. AlphaWin did a great job keeping the race weekend organized but relaxed — less frills and very spectator friendly.

The Swim

The swim took place in Lake Berryessa, with some of the coldest temperatures ever experienced in a race. The swim was almost canceled because it was too cold, but despite the temps, I’m glad the swim still happened. My wetsuit was quite the lifesaver!

As a former swimmer, I try to use Olympic-distance swims to settle in rather than sprint from the gun. This one felt controlled and steady, which was exactly what I wanted for a first race of the season.

The Bike

The bike course was classic Napa: rolling terrain, scenic views, and enough elevation to keep you honest. It wasn’t overly technical, but it required constant engagement between shifting and pacing.

Early-season races are always a balance between pushing fitness and respecting where you’re at in training. I focused on riding strong but controlled, keeping power consistent on the rollers and resisting the urge to surge too hard early.

The Run

The run course was just as scenic, albeit also a bit hilly. My legs were definitely fatigued from the hilly bike, but my main goal was to hold a strong steady pace without stopping and keeping good technique.

I finished 2nd AG and 4th OA, but what was the most fun was doing the race with my brother.

Final Thoughts

The AlphaWin Olympic Triathlon is an excellent choice for athletes looking for a well-run, scenic, and honest early-season race. Napa provides a beautiful backdrop, but the course itself demands respect and smart racing. They offer both a spring and fall race, but I personally enjoyed having this race kick off my season. It also is a great destination for a travel race, as you get to enjoy the wineries and nature in the area afterwards!