Powerman Ohio
Sunday, May 21, 2006
8k run, 58k bike, 8k run
www.fatrabbitracing.com

Lucas, Ohio - Fat Rabbit Racing www.fatrabbitracing.com, the International Powerman Association, and the Malabar Farm State Park are pleased to announce that the Powerman Ohio duathlon will take place at the Malabar Farm State Park on Sunday, May 21, 2006. The Powerman Ohio Duathlon is part of the USAT Duathlon Long Course Grand Prix Series and is a qualifier for the International Powerman World Championship to be held in Zofingen, Switzerland in August 2006.

Many of the best international athletes will be competing for the $5,000 cash purse in the professional division of Powerman Ohio. The women's field is led by top United States athletes Anne Curi-Preisig (MA) and Rebecca Moore (VA). The men's field boasts a strong international field led by Richard Graeminger of Switzerland, Raphael Baugh of Australia, Glenn McNamara of South Africa, and Jason Spong of New Zealand and strong U.S field led by 2005 Powerman Ohio winner Josh Beck (PA), 2005 third-place finisher Joshua Ritchie (OH), and Kevin Danahy , runner-up at this month's 2006 USA Duathlon Championships. Several other top professionals round out the male and female pro field.

In the Age Group division, top U.S. Powerman finishers John McGarva (VA) and Ryan Jones (PA) will face a strong Ohio contingent led by recent TEAM USA qualifiers Ted Niedhardt and Joseph Monastra. But as Powerman Alabama and North Carolina showed don't rule out a fresh name taking the top spot.   Fresh off her victory as top age group winner at USAT Duathlon Nationals, Kiera Karas from Columbus, Ohio is expected to continue her win streak in the amateur ranks but look for her to be pushed by teammate Valerie Eck for overall honors.

The Mohican Valley Duathlon will feature a great race between top regional duathletes Alex Eversmeyer, Andy Schmitz, and Ryan Bates.

Powerman Ohio features an 8K run, followed by a 58K bike and closes with another 8K run. Powerman Ohio also features a shorter distance duathlon called the Mohican Valley Duathlon - a 4K run, 30K bike, and 4K run. There are no qualifying requirements to participation.

The event takes place at Malabar Farm State Park, home of famed author, playwright and conservationist Louis Bromfield. Athletes will experience a challenging run that features a .9 mile grade 7 climb up Mount Bromfield during the opening mile of the runs. The bike course features a combination of flat terrain and rolling hills on the roads in and around the Pleasant Valley and Mohican Valley area.