Posted: April 12, 2005

Triathlon: "Best Of The US Amateur Triathlete Competition" Arizona Qualifier Promises Hot Competition

(St. Paul, MN - 4/11/05) Tri Tucson, producers of the Sahuarita Lake Triathlon, and "Best of the US.." management invite Arizona's thriving triathlon community to participate in the 2005 Sahuarita Lake Triathlon on May 30. This sprint distance triathlon is part of the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," and promises to be hotly contested. For more information on the Sahuarita Lake Triathlon, visit www.tritucson.com or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com.

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Grand Canyon State, as 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 a few of athletes that set the tri standards in Arizona. We hope to see them on the Sahuarita lake starting line on May 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.

CHRIS MURPHY (Tucson)

On April 3 this University of Arizona triathlete decimated the field at the SW Regional Collegiate Championship in Las Vegas. His margin of victory was 9:29!

JUSTIN DAERR (Scottsdale)

If Justin didn't get his pro card this year, then this 2004 IT All American would join Murphy atop the list of favorites to win the Sahuarita Lake Qualifier. Daerr is a multisport vagabond and has turned in numerous impressive efforts at varying distances and locales over the last two years

BRANDON SULLIVAN (30, Phoenix)

Brandon came on strong in 2004. He won at Lake Havasu and placed 2nd at Firecracker.

THOMAS TAYLOR (29, Scottsdale)

Wins at Rio Salado and Mountain Man International were the highlights of Taylor's 2004 resume. He was also the top amateur and 4th overall at Dueces Wild.

GEORGE ESAHAK-GAGE (46, Phoenix)

Truly one of Arizona's multisport pioneers, this six time TT/IT All American has won approximately 35 races in a career that started almost 25 years ago. George was a consideree for USAT master of the Year in 2003. His 2004 scorecard features a win at Las Vegas and a 2nd at Mountain Man International.

Other Arizona challengers include JOE ZEMAITIS (25, Scottsdale), ROBERT LLOYD (27, Flagstaff), ALEX MANESSIS (32, Scottsdale) , BRIAN GRASKY (31, Avondale) and CRAIG PANSING (23, Tucson), who was victorious at the 2005 Tucson Triathlon on March 13.

ERICA JONES-MCCLURG (34, Phoenix)

No Arizona triathlete, male or female, has won more races in the last ten years than this four-time TT/IT All American. In 2003, she earned USAT Triathlete of the Year Honorable Mention status. Erica finished 2nd behind Canadian pro, Christine Jeffery, at the Tucson Triathlon last month.

JANE ESAHAK-GAGE (43, Phoenix)

This versatile four time IT All American has twice been a consideree for USAT Master of the Year. In 2002, she reached the podium at the ITU World Championships in Cancun, Mexico, and at the Hawaiian Ironman World Champs. Her 2004 resume features wins at the Las Vegas Triathlon, Mountain Man Sprint and Danskin Orlando.

LISA RIBES (26, Tucson)

Lisa's early and mid-season results in 2004 were solid, but not stellar. She capped her year, however, with stellar efforts at Tinfoilman, where she placed 2nd behind the formidable Erica Jones, and at the Soma Half IM, where she was top amateur and 3rd overall.

KRISTEN MCHARDY (Phoenix)

This North Carolina transplant made her presence felt on the Arizona tri scene in 2004. Her scorecard included a 2nd at Rocky Point and a 3rd at the Tempe Challenge (now the Pat Tillman Memorial Triathlon).

Other names to keep in mind include BRIDGET BLACK (39, Tucson), KRISTI WILLENBERG (25, Scottsdale), LINDSAY HYMAN (23, Tucson), YOLANDA POWELL (42, Phoenix), NICOLE LINSTROM (32, Tempe), MAUREEN MIDDLETON (34, Tucson), JANEL BOLEN (Tempe), SAGE GROSSI (28, Phoenix), EMILY EDGAR (24, Tucson) and SARAH LIENEKE-NICKLE (26, Tucson).