Posted: March 30, 2005

Triathlon: Former USAT Triathlete Of The Year Tops Long List Of Favorites At "Best Of The US Amateur Triathlete Competition" Florida Qualifier

(St. Paul, MN - 3/30/05) Exclusive Sports Management, producers of the Coca-Cola Sprint Triathlon Series, and "Best of the US.." management invite Florida's thriving triathlon community to participate in the 2005 series kick-off event in St. Augustine on April 30. This sprint distance triathlon is part of the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," and promises to be one of the most competitive races in the program. For more information on the Coca-Cola Classic Sprint Triathlon - St. Augustine, visit www.familyfitnessweekend.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com.

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Sunshine State, as the Coca-Cola Classic Sprint - St. Augustine is the official Florida 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 Florida. We hope to see them on the Coca-Cola Classic Sprint starting line on April 30. 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.

MARC BONNET-EYMARD (33, Winter Garden)

Like Reback, Bonnet-Eymard earned US Triathlete of the Year Honorable Mention honors in 2004, a year in which he won approximately 10 races, including Escape From Fort DeSoto and Half Floridian. His runner-up effort at the venerable St. Anthony's Triathlon was also impressive.

ROBERT SKAGGS (39, Tampa)

Like Reback, Skaggs has enjoyed great success in Coca-Cola Series racing over the years. Robert's 2004 resume was highlighted by his victory at St. Anthony's.

BORIS FERNANDEZ (31, Key Biscayne)

Fernandez's breakthrough performance in 2004 was turned in at the USAT National Age Group Championship, where he finished 4th overall and garnered a silver medal in the 30-34 category.

MARTY GAAL (32, Orlando)

A podium finisher at St. Anthony's in 2000 and 2001, Marty's career resume also includes a 3rd place overall finish at USAT Nationals in 2003.

Other names to keep in mind, include STEPHEN GODLOVE (16, Orlando), KEVIN GROGAN (30, Clermont) and super master PATRICK HIGH (42, Sebring)

LINDA NEARY-ROBB (41, Juno Beach)

Neary is the Queen of the Florida Tri Scene. Her resume features four wins at St. Anthony's, three medals in World Championship competition (2 golds, 1 silver) and more Coca-Cola Classic Series victories than anyone. In 1996 she was named USAT Triathlete of the Year and has received Honorable Mention consideration for that award on two other occasions (1995 & 2003). Also in 1996, she was named Triathlete of the Year by Triathlete Magazine.

LOTTE BRANIGAN (31, Vero Beach)

Only Neary has more Coca-Cola Classic Series wins over the last 3-4 years than does this talented Danish transplant. Branigan's career scorecard features a win at the Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon (2002) and a bronze medal effort at the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships (2002).

KASEY CARROLL-BASSO (34, Bradenton)

Last year's runner-up at St. Anthony's, Kasey has cracked the top 5 at that event five times. Her favorite distance is half iron and her career results are stunning. She earned USAT Triathlete of the Year Honorable Mention honors in 2000.

ASHLEY CARUSONE (20, Gainesville)

This All-American NCAA swimmer and triathlete, took a few years off after winning the 2001 Under 20 Triathlon World Championships in Edmonton. At barely 16 she beat the swim time of every person at the World Championships and won her division by a whopping 1:30. With the 2004 Olympic swim trials behind her she looks to regain her place on the podium in the sport of triathlon.

For more information on the "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," contact Jerry at 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com.