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Event to be held at Devil's Thumb Ranch
WINTER PARK, Colo. (Feb. 1, 2007) -- More than 110 athletes will descend upon Devil’s Thumb Ranch outside Winter Park, Colo., for the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championship on Sunday, Feb. 4. Race time is 9:30 a.m.
Colorado has the majority of competitors in the event – which will also serve as the Pan American Championship – but strong contingents from New Mexico and Wyoming, and even representatives from Alaska, will be on hand.
The event will also serve as an International Triathlon Union Continental Cup event and as a world championship qualifier for age groupers and elites. The top two in each age group will qualify for worlds in Flassen, Italy on March 4.
The men’s and women’s races should be highly competitive with a strong group of athletes from various multisport disciplines on the start list. Highlighting the list is 2006 Ironman Canada Champion Jasper Blake (8:33:58). Blake competed at last year’s World Championship in Norway. Joining him are Brian Smith (XTERRA Milwaukee Champion), Mike Kloser (former World MTB Champ, Eco-Challenge Champ, 2002 USAT Winter Triathlon National Champion), Josiah Middaugh (XTERRA standout), Gretchen Reeves (professional mountain biker), and Heather Best (won the January 14 race at Devil’s Thumb Ranch).
“Reeves and Best are strong on the women’s side, and the men have six to eight who will contend for the top three positions,” said race director Barry Siff or 5430sports. “We’re delighted to have Jasper Blake here and Mike Kloser, but right now Brian Smith should be considered the favorite.”
Perfect weather conditions since the January 14 race on the same course have allowed the snow conditions to properly harden for this event. The bike course will be much more rideable but more challenging, while the ski course will be more “moderate” compared to the “easy” course for the last race. The run will again be pretty flat. Each course will involve two loops, making for a great event for spectators.
“The course looks terrific. We’re expecting great temperatures and weather conditions for this event,” said Siff. “We have a much harder snowpack than the last race, which is especially good for the bike. The course is much more difficult and it will certainly reflect the level needed for a championship event.”
For more information, go to USA Triathlon Winter Nationals page or visit 5430sports online.
To see what Winter Triathlon is all about, see the video produced by Inside Triathlon at the January 14 race. Visit: www.insidetri.com.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,000 races and connects with more than 85,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world.
Website: USATriathlon.org
About 5430sports
5430 Sports is a leading developer and organizer of sport-based events. With a focus on multisport endurance races, 5430 produces high quality, premiere races for the beginner, as well as elite competitors.
Website: 5430sports.com
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