Posted: March 19, 2005

Triathlon: Nevada Qualifier Kicks Off The Inaugural "Best Of The Us Amateur Triathlete Competition" On April 3

Murphy And O'Gara Top The List Of Favorites

(St. Paul, MN - 3/17/05) BBSC Endurance Sports and "Best of the US.." management invite Nevada's avid triathlon community to participate in the inaugural LVTRI on April 3. This Olympic distance triathlon kicks off the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition." For more information on the LVTRI, visit www.bbscendurancesports.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.co.

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Silver State, as the LVTRI is the official Nevada Qualifier for the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition." The fastest male and female resident amateurs will advance to the "Best of the US Championships" in picturesque Gilford, NH on August 20, where they'll race head-to-head with the winners of the other 49 state qualifiers.

In order to insure that all states will be represented at the Championship, a 5-deep passdown system will be in effect. If the "Best of the US.." state champion is unable to attend the championship, his or her slot will be offered to the next in line, and so on.

Below are some of athletes that set the tri standards in Nevada. We hope to see them on the LVTRI starting line on April 3. Keep in mind that every new season produces new stars. Don't be surprised if a heretofore unknown, or two, upsets some of the established elites.

DANNY MURPHY (Las Vegas)

Murphy is a multisport pioneer in his region. He's enjoyed stellar, and occasionally dominating, results over almost two decades of racing. His 2004 highlights include wins at Pumpkinman, the Las Vegas Triathlon, a 2nd at Utah Summer Games and a 6th (1st Nevadan) at the USAT SW Regional Championships.

GIAMPAOLO SESTO (Las Vegas)

Sesto's 2004 resume features wins at Land Rover Rage in the Sage Sprint and St, George Sprint, and a 2nd @ Lake Las Vegas.

JOSH RANDALL (Elko)

Randall is young and has a bright future. Last year he cracked the top 5 at Lake Las Vegas.

COLEEN O'GARA (Las Vegas)

Colleen had a great year in 2004, winning at Pumpkinman, placing 3rd @ Lake Las Vegas behind national talents Emily Deppe (MN) and Deborah Leyh (CA) & finishing 4th (1st Nevadan) at Land Rover Rage in the Sage.

KAREN LASKO (Las Vegas)

One of her region's top masters, Karen turned in several outstanding efforts in 2004, including her win at the Kokopelli Half IM, a 6th at Pumpkinman, a 7th at Land Rover Rage in the Sage and an 8th (1st master) at the USAT SW Regional Champs.

LISA LOCATI (Las Vegas)

Lisa outraced strong competition in 2004 at the Lake Las Vegas Triathlon. In fact, she cracked the overall top 10.

CYNDEE PLATKO (Las Vegas)

A win at Land Rover Rage in the Sage Sprint and a 2nd at Pumpkinman highlight Cyndee's 2004 scorecard. She was the first female Nevadan (8th overall) to cross the finish line at the USAT SW Regional Championships last year.

JACQUELINE ARCANA (Henderson)

Her strong season in 2004 produced a 2nd @ Las Vegas Sprint, a 3rd @ Pumpkinman and a 5th at Land Rover Rage in the Sage.

KIM JEFFERSON (Henderson)

A look at Kim's 2004 resume demonstrates that she is one of the most underrated masters in the West: 2nd overall at St. George, 3rd overall at Lake Las Vegas and 4th overall at the Las Vegas Triathlon.