Why UCSB Triathlon Club is Going All In on Wildflower 2025

UCSB Triathlon Club is showing up in a big way for Wildflower this year. With more than 40
members already registered, they have the largest collegiate turnout of any team and are ready to
bring the energy. Ahead of race weekend, we caught up with the team to hear what’s fueling their
excitement, what they’re most looking forward to, and how they’re getting ready for one of
triathlon’s most iconic weekends.

This year marks Wildflower’s return after a five-year break, and UCSB Triathlon Club wasn’t
going to miss it. Their coach Matt, who co-founded the Baylor University Triathlon Team and
has raced everything from sprints to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, played a big role
in getting the team excited. According to UCSB Tri’s co-president, James Pflaging, coach Matt’s
energy has definitely helped motivate more people to sign up this year.

The club has built a strong culture around accessibility and inclusion. They pride themselves on
welcoming athletes of all skill levels, and they put a big emphasis on making the sport
approachable. Wildflower felt like a perfect fit for that, with multiple course options that let
athletes race based on their comfort and ability. On top of that, since most collegiate races
require long travel days, having something so accessible from Santa Barbara felt like the perfect
opportunity for the team to do something big together.

But for UCSB Tri Club, it’s not just about race day. “Our team is just as excited about the
camping and group bonding that comes with this iconic weekend. We’ve organized full-team
camping trips in the past, so the setup at Lake San Antonio feels like a perfect fit for our vibe,”
said UCSB Triathlon co-president, James Pflaging. “Wildflower offers a full weekend experience
with camping, live music, and other activities, making it much more than just a race.”

Team bonding is a huge part of UCSB Triathlon Club’s culture, and Wildflower is the perfect
place for it. This year, the team is traveling together in organized vans with trailers for their
bikes, making the trip feel even more like a shared experience. Because of how many athletes
they have registered for the event, they were given a reserved group campsite so the whole team
can stay together for the weekend. Between the racing, camping, and just being out there as a
group, they’re set for an unforgettable Wildflower experience.

Whether they’re chasing PRs or finishing their first triathlon, UCSB Triathlon Club is ready to
make the most of Wildflower 2025. The energy they’re bringing says it all, and we can’t wait to
see them out at Lake San Antonio soon!