Posted: May 4, 2006

Multisport: Duathlon Nationals Set for Mason, Ohio

Colorado Springs, Colorado - A strong field of elite and age-group duathletes are slated to showcase their skills at the USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships in Mason, Ohio this weekend.

The event features an elite race – including Junior and Under-23 competitors – on Saturday, May 6, with age groupers taking the course on Sunday, May 7. Up for grabs in each race are qualifying spots for the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, July 29-30. Complete qualification criteria can be found at http://www.usatriathlon.org/Events/world_champion_qualifiers.htm.

A large international contingent will be on hand in Mason, including representatives from France, Belgium, Australia, Kenya, England, Japan, Switzerland, and a strong list of competitors from the U.S.

Highlighting the male elite lineup is Anthony LeDuey of France, who was ranked No. 1 in the ITU World rankings for 2005. Americans Tim Menoher (Erlanger, Ky.) and Eric Schwartz (Boulder, Colo.), who finished 1-2 at this event a year ago, are both back to battle for the title, with 2005 top-10 finishers Tom Jeffrey (Richmond, Va.) and Josh Ritchie (Uniontown, Ohio) set to return.

The female elites include the entire podium from 2005, including winner Talis Apud-Martinez (Austin, Texas), second-place Jennifer Padilla (Clifton, N.J.), and third-place finisher Julia Stokar (Zurich, Switzerland). Kathryn Kasischke (San Diego, Calif.; fifth place in 2005) will also compete.

Elites will be racing for a $5,000 prize purse to be split among the top five men and women.

Among the close to 350 age groupers on the start list, there are 11 champions from 2005 returning: Suzanne Huelster (women 30-34), Kristin Villipoto (women 40-44), who is moving up to the 45-49 category, Mary Kitzig (women 45-49), Cheryl Hart (women 50-54), Linda Lamm (women 55-59), Graciela Val (women 65-69), Pat Fossum (women 70-74), Ron Vankoughett (men 60-64), Sean Ion (men 20-24), who is moving up the 25-29 category, John Sensinig (men 70-74), and Edwin Bixenstine (men over-75).

Both age groupers and elites will complete a 10k run, 40k bike and 5k run. The course will start just outside Mason Stadium.

For more information and a complete age group start list, go to www.usatriathlon.org.

USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 1,800 races and connects with more than 60,000 members each year, making it the largest multi-sport organization in the world.

Please visit USA Triathlon’s web site at www.usatriathlon.org.

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