After a phenomenal 2011 amateur season Vanessa Berg met the qualification standard for her Elite (pro) card, and after some consideration she has decided to accept the challenge .  “I am excited and honored for this opportunity and step up to the next level and challenge myself”, says Vanessa.

Vanessa achieved several overall amateur placements in 2011 as well as qualifying for the Ironman World Championship.  She qualified for her  elite license at Oceanside 70.3.  This is the 32 year olds 6^th season in triathlon and 2012 will be her second season working with Coach Matt Russ. “Matt has been a big factor in the success of 2011 and helped me greatly develop and mature as an athlete. I am confident in his guidance for this new step in 2012.”   Although she understands racing pro will be a somewhat humbling developmental process, she also recognizes that it is a rare challenge that few will get to experience.  “Vanessa is highly analytical, accurate, consistent, and tactical athlete.  Her strength is definitely running off the bike but we are seeing steady improvement in all three disciplines.” Says Coach Matt Russ.

Vanessa is the second Sport Factory Elite Team member to achieve an Elite card in 2011; Anna Battiata qualified for her card at the Age Group National Championship placing 3^rd overall female and winning her age group.