Washington, CT: The Nutmeg State Half Iron race which is slated for September, 23rd 2007 will feature top pro athletes. Among them, is 2007 Ironman Lake Placid winner **Alex **Mroszczyk-McDonald, who busted onto the national elite age-group scene most recently being the US champion, age-group champion and 5th overall finisher at the 2006 Ironman Wisconsin in a time of 9:33. Six weeks later he finished the Ironman World Championships in a time of 9:23.
2005 Ironman Lake Placid winner, Tony Delogne, will also be racing. Besides winning an Ironman, Delogne’s streak of victories spans two continents and includes wins at other half iron triathlons including FirmMan, Mooseman and, the Patriot Half. He also won the Zoffingen Powerman Short Course race in Switzerland, was 3rd in the Belgian National Junior Championships, and finished second in the Super Prestige (National) race series (also in Belgium).
Another favorite is Jordan Rapp. Rapp was 2nd against a stacked pro field at the 101 Triathlon this June in California and is focused on this distance having taken 17th at the 70.3 World Championships last year. Rapp also won the torturous American Zoffingen in 2005.
The athletes will need a big lead on the bike to hold off Tim Snow. Snow went to the Ironman World Championships as a pro in 2005 and has twice run 1:15 at half iron races this year and 3:00 hours at Ironman’s in Arizona and Idaho.
All of the pros will have to battle local star Eric Hodska. The 7-time Kona vet has numerous wins and recently celebrated his 40th birthday with a 40 mile run in training. Hodska won the Nutmeg State Half Marathon this April.
The race, which will take place in and around Washington, CT, is located in the foothills of the untouched Berkshire Mountains. The race will feature a 1.2 mile swim in the pristine spring-fed waters of Lake Waramaug, it then continues to a 56 mile ride through tree lined roads of this quiet area of New England and ends with a 13.1 mile run. Those interested may follow live-updates on the race website.
The Nutmeg State Race Series was developed to benefit local charities and athletes of all ages and abilities. Race Director, Amanda Braverman noted, “I grew up here. I train here. I had to share it and find a way to give back to the place I love.” She continues, “To date, we have donated over $96,000 local charities through these races. It’s exciting to hold events that not only benefit my fellow athletes, but also the host communities.” The Series is also offering over $40,000 in cash, prizes and giveaways.
This battle in the Berkshires with feature a special award for the fastest male and female bike splits sponsored by Cannondale, a local Connecticut company. Matthew A. Cappiello Jr. of Cannondale said: “Cannondale is excited to help sponsor this event, and offer the Bike course prime for the fastest male and female bike split. I have waited for 20 years for a Half IM to take place in CT. What better place than the foothills to the Berkshires to challenge the athletes to perform at their very best.”
Cannondale will also be giving away a new mountain bike to one age-grouper and will be on hand the day before the race with its famous demo-truck which allows people to try out the different Cannondale bikes. For more information please visit: www.endureitmultisports.com
