Starting next month, we will begin a series of race previews to highlight upcoming races in the region. The articles will be written by Bob Mina, an age-group triathletes from suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many of you may already be familiar with Hurricane Bob from his monthly columns in xtri.com. The monthly articles will combine Bob’s unique perspective and brand of humor with important race information, course descriptions and helpful tips. This month, Bob gives us a preview of what we have to look forward to in the months ahead.

USA Triathlon recently released its Duathlon and Triathlon rankings for 2001. The rankings include nearly 12,000 athletes, a 27 percent increase over 2000. Special congratulations go out to region member Erik Scott, 31, from State College, PA. Erik was named Male Duathlete of the Year by USAT. The highlight of his season was a 1st place finish at the Duathlon Short Course World Championships in Rimini, Italy. He also had great performances at the National Duathlon Championships, Blackwater Traverse Duathlon,, Lighter Than Air Duathlon and the Shamrock Duathlon where he won the race. To view the complete USAT rankings, visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/fs_rankings&results.htm .

New Jersey triathlete Clarinda Brueck was one of just 26 torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame over the 40-mile route in New Jersey. Brueck, who lost her left arm below the elbow, has competed in the Hawaii Ironman four times. Also carrying the Olympic torch was Arlington, VA triathlete (and USAT-MA Board member) Melissa Merson.

We wish to extend congratulations to the 29 men and 15 women from the region who were recently selected by the editors and staff at Inside Triathlon magazine to its 2001 All-American Team. Read on to view the complete listing of honorees.

“Here’s to the Winners…those who move mountains”.

For athletes heading to Florianopolis in May for Ironman Brazil, Endurance Sports Travel is offering complete travel packages starting at $950 for seven days and six nights.
The package includes roundtrip airfare, free bike passes (guaranteed until March 1), a choice of three oceanfront hotels, transfers to and from the hotel, buffet breakfasts and dinner, daily local transportation, translators and the help of a bicycle mechanic. Endurance Sports Travel also offers a variety of tours for after the race to locations such as Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls (the world's largest waterfalls), Bahia and the Amazon.
For more information, visit http://www.endurancesportstravel.com .

Ironman Brazil will be held on May 25th and has 50 Kona slots up for grabs. To learn more, visit the race website at http://www.ironmanbrazil.com .

Ironman racing will return to the place it was born this August with Ironman: 1978 Revisted, an Ironman race that will travel the original race course on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

The race will be held on Sunday, August 25 and will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a charitable organization that helps disabled athletes purchase handcycles, wheelchairs and other equipment. The field is limited to 100 athletes and, as in the early days of Ironman racing, a support crew will be allowed. Entry fees are $1,250 per person, with $1,000 of that fee going to the CAF as a charitable donation. Fundraising materials such as postcards, videos, "Friends asking Friends" email software and fundraising kits will be available through CAF. For more information, visit http://www.challengedathletes.org .