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Energetic TNT triathletes lace up for a cause

By JESSICA MUNDIE
Published January 31, 2007

New members of Team in Training attended last Saturday's Suncoast Chapter Kickoff at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, and they received a warm welcome to the multisport season from triathlete Robin Hawke, who worked to organize the event.

The local TNT triathletes, cyclists and marathon runners have raised more than $17,000 in just a few short months. Coaching sessions and kickoffs for this dedicated bunch resemble pep rallies, where the high energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

TNT athletes participate in various triathlons, cycling events and marathons around the country, raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds research to find cures for blood cancers," said TNT's Pinellas County Triathlon coach, Lewis Bennett. "These athletes have raised more than $695-million for cancer research. You almost can't believe what they have done for people."

Bennett, an accomplished Ironman triathlete and USA Triathlon coach, volunteers for this cause every triathlon season, in addition to organizing free workouts and clinics for multisport tri-newbies in the Largo area. For upcoming camps and clinics, or to receive Bennett's weekly training updates, visit www.trilewis.com.

CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS: City of Largo Recreation supervisor Lance Riddile has enjoyed a hugely successful 2007 Florida State Cyclocross Championship Series at Largo Nature Preserve on East Bay Drive.

Known to riders as "Largo Lance," Riddile has treated hundreds of Florida's USA Cycling racers and spectators to their first glimpse of multi-lap cyclocross racing, complete with dismounts, jumps, barriers, water crossings and fast grassy sections.

Skipping Super Bowl weekend, the final chance for all categories to race and enjoy the podium celebrations will be Feb. 11 and spaces for Riddile's "Party Like A Belgian!" awards party are filling up fast. Many riders plan to attend the awards party in ethnic costumes, and the cowbells will be ringing all around the course for the last races on Feb. 11.

Leaders in the cyclocross championships series include: Paul Kavan Team Neptune Cyclery of Tampa; Elizabeth Morse-Hill (Team Orlando/Ford) of St. Petersburg; Hank Campbell (Team Chainwheel Drive) of St. Petersburg; Sheila Lopez (Team Outspokin) of Largo; Brad Andringa (Team Revolution Bicycles) of St. Petersburg; John Johnson (Team Bicycle Outfitters) of Largo; Sean Morey (Gator Cycling Team) of Tampa; Ted Lee (Florida Bicycle Sports Team) of St. Petersburg; Cody Sandford (Chainwheel Drive Junior Team) of Clearwater; EJ Addler (Team Revolution Bicycles) of St. Petersburg; Frank Lopez (Team Outspokin) of Largo; Ken Odum, Grayden Odum, Brandy Odum and Savannah Odum (Chainwheel Drive Junior Team) of Clearwater; Robin Kavan of Tampa; Kurt Leverett; Tommy Kindelspire; Michelle Blake; Dillan Parrott; Connor Williams; Luke Brannigan; Will Willis; Cathy Bester; Patti Rowlett; Mike Hall; Frank Mandaro; Jack Rich; Tom Murray; Eddie Mullally; Dennis Claire; and Drew Edsall.

SUBARU WOMEN'S TRIATHLON: Race publicist Sherri Simonetti has announced a date and venue change for the popular all-female event, which benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

The Subaru Women's Triathlon weekend will be held March 24-25 at Fort DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde.

The triathlon will feature two distances of competitions: sprint (swim .75K, bike 20K and run 5K) and super sprint (swim .375K, bike 10K and run 2.5K) for females ages 11 and older.

For details, including the 10 slots for the St. Anthony's Triathlon, log on to www.uswts.com

Times correspondent Jessica Mundie can be reached at sptimescycling@yahoo.com.

[Last modified January 30, 2007, 23:06:39]