Posted: April 15, 2005

Triathlon: Noblin Among Favorites At The "Best Of The Us Amateur Triathlete Competition's" Mississippi Qualifier

(St. Paul, MN - 4/15/05) Wendy Bourdinl, director of the Heatwave Classic Triathlon, and "Best of the US.." management invite Mississippi's thriving triathlon community to participate in the 2005 Heatwave Classic Triathlon in Ridgeland on June 4. The international distance Heatwave Classic is part of the inaugural "Best of the US Amateur Triathlete Competition," and promises to be hotly contested. For more information on the Heatwave Classic, visit www.heatwavetri.org or www.bestoftheustriathletes.com.

A special invitation is extended to the elite amateur athletes of the Magnolia 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 Mississippi. We hope to see them on the Heatwave Classic's starting line on June 4. 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.

JOHN NOBLIN (39, Jackson)

Noblin has been the top Mississippi finisher at the 2004 (3rd) and 2002 (2nd) versions of the Heatwave Classic. He was victorious last season at Tri4God and 4th--1st Mississipian--at Heart-o-Dixie.

Other challengers include JOSEPH CURRO (35, Clinton), BRANDON GUILLORY (24, Hattiesburg) and DESHON DAVIS (35, Meridian).

In the women's resident amateur competition, look for ANNA MONROE (23, Jackson), CATHY HENDERSON (32, Flowood) and Ridgeland's own JOPI DUKE (36) to be very competitive.