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Cycling/Triathlon

Clearwater triathlete one to watch in the new year

By JESSICA MUNDIE
Published January 3, 2007

The first week of a new year provides area cyclists and triathletes with the time to map out plans for the new season.

Even if central Florida's weather sends multisport enthusiasts swimming, cycling and running indoors, many cyclists say they have started making entries in their new training logs, which may have been given as holiday gifts.

One of the most ambitious triathletes to watch this year is former Transylvania University swimmer Marni Rakes Team Amino Vital, who recently moved to Clearwater from Lexington, Ky.

Last November, Rakes topped off her second triathlon season when she became the female 18-24 champion in her Ironman debut at Ford Ironman Florida Triathlon in Panama City Beach. Rakes, 23, won in 11 hours, 47 seconds, gaining more than 40 minutes on second place in her division.

Rakes earned a qualifying slot for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Oct. 2007.

"I had a great 2006 tri season, but I don't have a coach," Rakes said. "But if I had one, it would probably take my training to the next level. I would like to work with someone who specializes in Ironman training. I'm lucky to have a great exercise physiology and sports nutrition background."

Last season, Rakes qualified for the Boston Marathon, won the Clearwater Beach Patrol Ocean Mile Swim, and won her division at both Sand Key Triathlon in Clearwater and Top Gun Triathlon at Fort DeSoto Park.

"Training is going really well for me right now," Rakes said. "I took a couple of weeks off after Ironman Florida and now I will start building my base for Ironman World Championships. I also have to get my speed ready for all the shorter races. I love training here in Florida and I love this sport."

PROFESSIONAL CYCLING: Italian cyclist Ivan Basso signed a two-year contract with the Discovery Channel team, former team of Lance Armstrong. The Italian Cycling Federation dropped an inquiry into Basso's alleged involvement in a Spanish drug scandal.

Basso, 29 (formerly a member of CSC/Tiscali), stood atop the Tour de France podium several times - placing third overall in 2004 and second overall in 2005. In 2002, Basso won the white jersey for best young rider while a member of Fassa Bortolo.

STATE CROSS SERIES: Final preparations are under way for Florida's second annual Citrus City Florida State Championship Cyclocross Series, which begins Jan. 14 at Largo Nature Preserve, near East Bay Road and Highland. These races are sanctioned by USA Cycling and all rules apply. Racing for most categories, including boys, girls, juniors, and men's and women's beginner, sport and expert.

Championship points races will be held Jan. 14, 21 and 28, and Feb. 11. To race or volunteer call Lance Riddile at (727) 518-3021 or e-mail Riddile at lriddile@largo.com .

CHILLY WILLY: Florida Race Place directors Joe Fernandez and Fred Rzymek announced the opening of registration for Chilly Willy Duathlon, Feb. 11 at 8 a.m. at Fort DeSoto Park. Race distances are run 5 kilometers, bike 10 miles and run 5K; it is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Awards for top three in male, female, age divisions and relay teams.

Last year's winners were Eric Hall, 27, of Tampa in one hour, one minute, 17 seconds; and Kathy Frailing, 38, of Largo, in 1:10:15.

For more information call Val Tavanese at Outspokin Family Bicycles at (727) 518-2329 or log on to www.chillywillydu.com.

[Last modified January 3, 2007, 07:00:48]