Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
Eric Schwartz (duathlon)
on
June 9, 2002
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta
Alpharetta, Georgia
Sunday, June 9, 2002
5k run, 30k bike, 5k run - draft legal for pros
$6,000 purse. www.dannonduathlon.com
Note- Results were updated midday on Monday, June 10. Michael Smith and Erik Prince were each given a two minute penalty for crossing the dismount line. The results have been adjusted to reflect those penalties.
Pro Men (first 5k, T1, bike, T2, second 5k)
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15:27, :29, 42:39, :23, 16:50
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15:26, :29, 43:57, :24, 16:41
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15:26, :27, 43:49, :25, 17:00
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15:26, :30, 43:57, :28, 16:53
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15:50, :46, 44:35, :35, 17:02
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15:58, :37, 44:47, :38, 17:17
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7. Leroy Popowski 1:20:06
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16:23, :44, 45:02, :51, 17:07
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8. David Boutillier 1:20:23
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15:45, :28, 45:59, :28, 17:46
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16:08, :32, 47:24, :38, 16:56
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10. Michael Smith 1:21:40
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15:36, :29, 46:08, :30, 16:59
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16:01, :37, 47:23, :43, 17:03
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16:24, :38, 47:50, :37, 18:04
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16:15, :31, 47:18, :36, 19:37
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16:41, :40, 47:31, :36, 18:03
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1. Andrea Ratkovic 1:26:32
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17:47, :45, 49:07, :36, 18:19
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18:52, :34, 48:12, :34, 19:10
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3. Marjan Huizing 1:27:31
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18:12, :39, 48:47, :36, 19:20
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18:11, :33, 48:56, :26, 20:22
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5. Melissa Hopkins 1:32:11
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18:17, :47, 52:16, :42, 20:10
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Nearly 500 athletes from 31 states came to Alpharetta to see the site of the 2002 Duathlon World Championships, and the 2003 & 2004 Duathlon National Championships.
With an early 7am race start, the pro women started 5 minutes in front of the men, and the pro men started 20 minutes in front of the age groupers so they would complete one loop of the bike before the age groupers started their first loop. The conditions were near perfect, with very little wind and mild temperatures.
Pro Women
Only six pro women started, and Andrea Ratkovic led the women through the out-at-back 5k run in a time of 17:47. Marjan Huizing, Anne Preisig, and Melissa Hopkins were about 30 seconds back, and Lauren Jensen was another 30 seconds behind them. But Jensen rode strong to catch the leading three women, and a group of four formed for the draft legal bike. On the last 5k Ratkovic took control, finishing with an 18:19 5k to win by 48 seconds over Jensen, who had the second fastest final run. Huizing was third, Preisig was fourth, and Hopkins finished 5th.
Pro Men
Fourteen pro men started and several of the men were in the hunt at the halfway point of the run. But after the turnaround a mile hill broke up the group. Travis Kuhl led Greg Watson, Tyler Johnson, and Eric Schwartz up the hill. With Kuhl pushing the pace, the group remained together, and separated from the field, until T1.
Watson and Johnson had better transitions and rode together for the first 5 miles. Kuhl and Schwartz rode together about 10 seconds behind. On the longest hill on the course, just as Kuhl and Schwartz were about to catch the two leaders, Watson attacked. Johnson had trouble with his pedals and couldn't respond. Riding alone, Watson slowly gained ground over the remainder of the bike, finishing with a 1 minute gap. Johnson broke away from Kuhl and Schwartz with about two miles to go on the bike, giving him a 10 second lead over the pair into T2. The next group behind them lost ground throughout the bike and came into T2 about 1:40 down. Watson's lead was never threatened as he earned his 20th Dannon win. Kuhl made up the small deficit to Johnson to finish second, and Johnson held off Schwartz to finish third.
First year pro Justin Henkel made a break away near the end of the bike, which helped him finish fifth. He didn't realize until after the crossed the line that he also earned a slot to the Duathlon World Championships. The top four pro men and women qualified for the US team. Tyler Johnson plans to race in the Under 23 division, meaning his slot for the senior race passed down to Henkel. Watson, Kuhl, Schwartz, and Henkel all plan to race Worlds in this same location on October 19.
Craig Reese finished sixth and 41 year old Michael Smith finished seventh. He barely missed the lead group on the bike, finishing the first run just 10 seconds back. Smith, from Indianapolis, won the Blacksnake Duathlon in Indiana on Saturday before driving to Atlanta for the Dannon Duathlon.
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 10, 2002
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Wow, what an event! Hats off to Bill Burke. I raced this in the 45-50 age group, my fifth du. I was especially greatful for the stagered start, it was really great to get a chance to watch the pros hit their first transition. These guys fly! There were several hundred of us cheering from the parking lot above the transition area, we had a perfect view. Did anyone else catch the first guy out on the bike do his version of the "pony express" mount. Looked great, but I don't think I'll be trying it any time soon. Thanks again for the opportunity to compete and the chance to see the pros in action.
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by mratkovic on June 10, 2002
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Way to go SIS!!!!! You did it again! YOU are awesome, GO, GO, GO!!! lOVE YOU, MICHELLE & BRANDON
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by libra2 on June 10, 2002
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We are SOOOO proud of you! You are an inspiration to us all! Love, Dad-Alison-Nicole
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by RUN1FAST on June 10, 2002
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I just wanted to say this was the best dannon race i've done so far, and I hope to do many more. I also want to thanks Bill Burke things went really well. It was awsome to have a big crowd of people yelling and cheering as we (the pro men/women) came into T-1.
Thanks for coming out!
TYLER JOHNSON
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by veloman on June 10, 2002
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What happened to the "homeboy" big John Phillips? I hope you aren't injured?? Great racing, and congrats to those who made TEAM USA.
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 10, 2002
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I know this has been beaten to death, but I hate to see draft legal racing take place, especially for World's! Yes, it makes the race more exciting to watch for some, but not all. People are placing ahead of others, because of this format and otherwise wouldn't. Let's work on spectators and get them to better appreciate individuual human performances and not so much the visuals (seeing a pack fly by). Draft legal duathlon is TRUE duathlon.
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by KIWINICK on June 10, 2002
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I will not to be anonymous in my response to the last comment.
I hope you are joking, but I fear that your sense of humor is not that sublime. This draft legal qualifier was in direct response to USATriathlon's mandate to put the best teams possible together for world championships. It so happens that the ITU runs its elite world championships; junior, U-23 and senior elite, in a draft legal format. They, the world governing body of which the USAT is a member, have decided that this is the best format to decide who are the best athletes in their sport. You may not agree, that's OK. But, your whining will not change their decision and it certainly will not help the USAT select the best possible team.
Lament if you must, but elite duathlon and triathlon are draft legal and will be so for the foreseeable future.
As for changing the outcome, at Wrentham it was Watson, Johnson, Kuhl. In Alpharetta it was Watson, Kulh, Johnson. Not exactly the apocalypse is it.
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 10, 2002
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I think you meant the "best drafting team"? I do agree, if World's is going to be draft legal, then we should we should send our best at that format. Though, my point was that this format (draft legal) doesn't always reward the best individual/solo performance. Because of this, I will not give these races as much respect. Watson pretty much rode by himself most of the way. His lead would have been greater, if drafting wasn't allowed. It would have been terrible to have seen him caught by a pack, after such an incredible individual effort. We see it with Benny all the time. Oh, and I wasn't whinning %^$#@! I am not a pro and haven't to loose.
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by KIWINICK on June 10, 2002
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In this context I certainly did mean draft legal, as that is the format being qualified for. What did you mean when you said, "Draft legal duathlon is TRUE duathlon."
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 10, 2002
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Comparing the results of Dannon Alpharetta to the French Draft Legal Duathlon (also 5k,30k,5k) should give us some hope that our guys are on track. Our top three finished 1:15:47, 1:16:55, and 1:17:05. The Euros, led by Benny went 1:15:34, 1:16:17, 1:16:25. Looks close to me. Cross your fingers.
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by QRKID on June 10, 2002
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I've never chimed in on this before, but being new to the sport and always seeing the constant bickering between people on the drafting issue is disheartning. I would actually be for drafting, coming from a running backround as I do. I do however feel that you race what are the rules on the day wether it be draft legal or not. My only race, Powerman Alabama, is non drafting and that is the way I rode it and I can honestly say that I did not draft. You can be assured however that if the race was draft legal, as it was at Dannon Alpharetta (pro), then I would be on the first wheel that I could of. Call me what you want for this attitude but when in Rome do as the Romans do. If you don't care for draft legal, don't do races that are draft legal and stick to non drafting.
Also as for the comment that the best people are losing out in draft legal races, that is not true. What is true is that the better runners are doing well and the bike oriented people not so well. The exact same happens in non drafting races just the other way round, so why suddenly is non drafting fair for the runners in the sport. This is about running AND cycling so why should the good cyclist always win which seems to be the attitude of people who are anti draft legal. If I want to do better in non drafting events I need to concentrate more on bike training and if you want to do better in draft legal try running more. This can be accomplished ala Mr Watson. From my observations it seem that Greg Watson is a stronger cyclist than he is a runner, but he obviously realised that he would have to be a better runner to be competitive in draft legal races so he has worked at it and now he can be effective in whatever format is being raced on the day.
Basically both formats have thier pro's and con's depending on who you talk to, so lets all just get on with each other race the races you want and the way you want.
Best of luck to all.
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by Just-Du-It on June 11, 2002
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Great race in perfect weather. Bill you did a great job with the city and coordinating to make everyone happy. The pros were amazing to watch and a great bunch of people ! The age groupers have some phenomenal talent in the ranks as well !
As a relative newcomer but an avid follower, I have to say this is a great sport to be in. Not everyone will always be happy and that's too bad but - like any sport - focusing on strategy, planning and training can get you the results you realistically hope for.
Good luck all !
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by ALLEZJOHN on June 11, 2002
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To answer the question... "homeboy" John Phillips is not injured, and very fortunate & thankful of that. I've no interest in draft legal racing...although it sounds like it was a great race, just not my cup of tea. I'll just say that Sunday, I enjoyed a very long training day in the mountains...
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 11, 2002
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I don't agree that a draft legal race favors a certain type of athlete (runner vs biker). It depends on the race distances, course and race tactics (drafter vs a puller). I don't have a problem and welcome different formats (draft legal, off-road,...), to make things more exciting and attract more people to the sport of duathlon. Though, my point is still we shouldn't have draft legal races determining "World Champions". I want the best INDIVIDUALS and INDIVIDUAL efforts to come out ahead. I believe this sport as well as triathlon was originally intended to be about INDIVIDUAL efforts.
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Anonymous post on June 11, 2002
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Tyler Johnson rocks! The future of duathlon has arrived. Keep pushin' doggy!
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RE: Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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by KIWINICK on June 11, 2002
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Allez, I thought you were a USCF Cat. 2 rider on a pro cycling team. If so, why would you not want to ride a draft-legal race? If you don't compete in the qualifiers, your trips to Worlds are over. You can do it, get with the program mate!
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by norseman on June 11, 2002
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I have to say I was a little disheartened by the hills I saw the day before the race. I thought they would be the death of me. But once the 1st run got underway they were not too bad. The bike was really fun as well. You were able to climb to the top of the hills and then rocket down the backside of them. All in all this was a great race!!! Defiantly put this on your calendar for next year.
Hearing what happened at Powerman Spain/Eagleman and the traffic “issues” at races we have in the US, it will be a great day in the States when we have closed bike courses in our autocentric nation. Hopefully, this will be the case at Worlds in Oct. I imagine it would be, just have not heard any talk on it. I heard that at Worlds last year in Rimini, Italy the bike course was closed for 3-4 days prior to the race taking place. What a concept! Cheers.
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Dannon Duathlon Alpharetta Results & Story
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Anonymous post on June 11, 2002
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That is a crock of &^%$! That cost Mike Smith $150! Yes, rules are rules and you have to draw the line, pros should know better....... Though, I doubt it gave him an unfair advantage, if any, or risked injuring anyone. Let's be a little more flexible. I think I remember a story of Jimmy Ricotello (sp) being DQ'd for crossing a line or something silly and missing out on first place and ton of $ and/or a car?
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by KB on June 11, 2002
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FYI....Allezjohn is a UCI PRO Cyclist, not a cat 2. Since it is a UCI division III pro cycling team we only have professional cyclist. :)
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by s_datewood on June 11, 2002
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Speaking for women since nobody else ever seems to. It's like they don't even have a women's race. andrea is the future of duathlon AND triathlon. The women should all do well at Worlds. I'm rooting for them!!
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by KB on June 12, 2002
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"IT" is the Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team. For more info on the team check out the web site; www.thebeanteam.com.
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by kemptonslim on June 12, 2002
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Given that draft legal races are the province of pros only, listening to the debate about draft-legal vs. non-draft-legal races is to me like watching CNBC and listening to millionaires debate which tech stock IPO is the best buy. It's the elite arguing with the elite.
These are both games in which I can't play. If I want to invest in the stock market, I'm going to invest in a mutual fund. If I want to participate in a draft-legal race, I'll whip out my USCF license (Cat 5-wannnnh!) and line up at a road race.
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by KIWINICK on June 12, 2002
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All of you who have been involved in the draft/don't draft debate, take note. JON GARDNER "GETS IT"!
Thanks Slim.
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Anonymous post on June 12, 2002
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KB, you say that Allez is a UCI Pro cyclist. If that's the case why does thebeanteam.com list him as the multi-sport guy? I didn't know that multi-sport was a UCI deal.
Saul Gershenstein
Brussels
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