Triathletes awaiting start of fall season

For many locals, there's nervous anticipation as the first of the fall Ironman events approaches.

The last long run in preparation has been completed by athletes, racing wheels will be installed on their aerodynamic bikes, and the competitors hope thousands of yards in the pool pay off.

First up is the inaugural Ironman Wisconsin, scheduled for Sept. 15 near the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

After that, it's the Great Floridian Triathlon in October in Clermont, then Ironman Florida on the first November weekend in Panama City Beach.

Some Wisconsin participants such as attorney Pete Dubbeld are seasoned Ironman athletes, having experienced the 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles of biking and 26.2-mile run.

Dubbeld, 54, has raced in Ironman's version of the Super Bowl, the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii each full moon in October. So has Mimi Hutcheson, 48, a physician from Lutz, and Dave Rowland, 40, a North Redington Beach dentist.

First-timers, or "tri-newbies," are celebrated and cheered during the various awards ceremonies. None surpass Kona's laser and slide show. But all the events have their unique flavor, and the finishers say they're thrilled beyond expectations.

Tom Bozich, 50, a St. Petersburg real estate investor, is among the many close-knit St. Pete Mad Dogs headed to Wisconsin next week.

Bozich has a travel trailer, which is big enough to carry all the group's bicycles. He will drive, and his wife, Janie, will fly to meet him.

Bozich competed in Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach for his birthday in November, and Wisconsin will be his second race. He says the excitement is there again.

"We hear there are hills, but the cooler weather may help us get through it," Bozich said. "Our group has ridden up in San Antonio, so we did our hill training.

"Lanny Bussey and Bryan Bartlett drove up there and actually rode the Wisconsin course last month," Bozich said. "They videotaped it and everything. I think we have prepared well. We have all stuck together, giving each other encouragement."

The fastest Florida masters in Wisconsin probably will be Rowland and age-group champion (top 45-49 male in Kona) Joe Bonness, 46, of Naples.

Florida's best female on race day may be Jennifer Hutchison, a St. Petersburg dietitian. She likely will win one of the precious 80 qualifying slots that are awarded for Ironman Hawaii 2003.

A relative newcomer, Hutchison, 34, astounded the group in October by finishing Clermont's Great Floridian Triathlon in 11 hours, 51 minutes, 20 seconds as the fourth overall female.

"Lanny and Bryan are taking all the St. Pete people out to dinner the night after the race," Bozich said.

"They will roast everybody with the yellow bow ties they brought back, kind of a cheesehead's award dinner in Madison. But we are going to surprise Lanny with a special award. It's his first Ironman."

The other locals joining the full field of 1,500-plus competitors from 21 countries and 46 states are: John Voorhis, 48, and David Weismantel, 36, both of St. Petersburg; John Devine, 38, Bradenton; Karen Ortega, 44, and Mark Van Osdal, 42, both of Tampa; and Bruce Page, 55, Sarasota. For information, go online to www.ironmanlive.com.

CLOSER TO HOME: Fred Sommer and CFT/Sommer Sports will travel from Clermont to play host to the St. Petersburg Triathlon on Sunday at the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.

Race distances will be a .5-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride and 3-mile run.

There will be an expo from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Sunday's first wave enters the water at 7:30 a.m.

Fans will be looking for Largo's Mike Hofstetter (Lou's Bicycle Center) to make his move in the bike segment, challenging the fast-running Picciano brothers in the elite division.

Bill and David, both 36, of Jupiter, may have the family advantage, but they know that Hofstetter, 36, has pure power on the bike. Gainesville's Amanda Hall, 16, is registered to compete in the elite women's class, expecting to show why she is among the most talented new USA Triathlon juniors.

For information, go online to www.triflorida.com or call Sommer, (352) 394-1320.

TARPON SPRINGS TRIATHLON: Elites and rookies will line up for the quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride and 3-mile run Sept. 14 at Fred Howard Park.

Packet pickup and registration is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 37611 U.S. 19 N in Palm Harbor. To contact the host hotel, call (727) 942-0358.

The Tarpon Springs Rotary Club is involved in the annual event, and there will be a kayak, running-shoe and bicycle giveaway.

For information, call the Chamber of Commerce, (727) 937-6109; or e-mail jboyle@altavistasports.com.

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