Yvonne van Vlerken

Another duathlete doing well in the world of Ironman.
Guess we cant blame her for going where the $ is?
Check out her website at: http://www.yvonnevanvlerken.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Duathlon Nationals Course Maps Available.

Check out the new course revisions for 2009.

http://www.duathlonnationals.com/

Duathlon National Championships Course Changes

Course maps are not finalized yet, but here are some of the key changes to the DuNat courses that were decided yesterday: On-road age group championships - The bike course will have three loops instead of four. Switchbacks and sharp turns have been taken out. - The run course will be all on-road. The first 10k will be one simple fast loop. It'll have rolling hills and will still be challenging, just less repetitive than last year. The second 5k will be the most scenic part of the course along the canal and will also be the most difficult. Off-road championships - Both run courses are new with the first 7 miler over hilly very challenging terrain. - The bike course will be the same one used in previous XTERRA competitions Overall, the changes that were made (less loops, twists and turns, etc.) were done in an effort to reduce congestion and make the courses simpler for the athletes, but also still very challenging. It's noteworthy that Mike Plumb, the Duathlon Commission Chairman and a 2008 competitor said the on-road courses are now 'a night and day difference' compared to last year.

Joerie Vansteelants Website

Here is the site of the heir to the Vansteelant duathlon throne after the untimely death of King Benny.
http://www.joerievansteelant.com/

Erika Csomor's Website

Here is Erika's site. She does do tri's but we wont hate her for that, she still likes du's as well;)
http://www.csomorerika.hu/

Where does Duathlon belong? Part 1

I've been in the sport of duathlon since the mid 1980's and have seen the rise and fall of the sport from its heyday in the late 80' and early 90's to its less than stellar showing currently.
I think there are a number of factors involved in this decline in popularity, the first being the marketing giant that is Ironman Hawaii. Ironman is etched upon the populaces memory as the ultimate feat of endurance with visions of people crawling across the finish line utterly spent and all the special interest stories and sensationalism that would make a reality TV producer salivate.
The Ironman ranks are filled with a plethora of type A personalities that have grown weary of yet another marathon so for them Ironman is the natural progression for putting another notch on their things to achieve list.
Can duathlon compete with this? Should it even try?
I think one needs to look to when duathlon was popular and try and regain some of that once again. The distances were short, typically a 5k run, 30k bike and a 5k run which with some training is achievable by almost everyone. Of course there were big time sponsors involved such as Coors and Dannon and maybe we need to find another company bold enough to take a chance on duathlon. I dont think it is realistic to think that you are going to have a field of 2000 plus athletes even it the larger metropolitan areas but I think 500 or so is a real possibility and if one markets it correctly that should be achievable. I think even shorter distances such as 2 mile, 12 mile, 2 mile may even be more popular.
Currently "short course" duathlon is 10k, 40k, 5k and is quite a daunting task for a beginner. Thats almost 10 miles of running not to mention 24 miles on the bike in between. To compete in such a race will take quite a bit of training and commitment that most either don't have the time or the desire to do.
Why cant duathlon be like the 5k is to the marathon. If someone has the time and money train for an Ironman, if someone has more modest fitness goals a duathlon could be just the thing they are looking for.
Anway, I think this article can be put in the "to be continued" catagory for now but I would welcome your thoughts.

USAT Announces 2009 Duathlon Championship Sites

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 9, 2008) -- USA Triathlon (USAT) has announced the dates and locations for its 2009 National Championship events.

Elite Long Course Duathlon Powerman Alabama Irondale, AL April 12, 2009

Short Course Duathlon National Duathlon Festival Richmond, VA April 25, 2009

Long Course Duathlon Auburn International Duathlon Auburn, CA May 31, 2009

Duathlon Nationals Registration Open.

Registration is now open for the National Duathlon Championships in Richmond, VA on April 25-26. No qualifying is necessary to compete in any of the events. 12 people per age group will qualify for the 2009 ITU Duathlon World Championships in North Carolina in September. Lots of changes and improvements are being made to make this the largest Duathlon weekend ever in the U.S. Check out duathlonnationals.com for more details and to register.

Powerman Florida Results

The results for this past weekends Powerman Florida are in.

First Male Elite across the line was John Phillips in a time of 2:24:04.
First Female across the line was amateur Gail Kattouf in a time of 2:32:24.
First Elite Female was Heather Gollnick in a time of 2:35.

Full results can be found at: http://powermanflorida.com/pdf/p.txt

Just in case you've been living under a rock

ITU announces 2009 & 2010 World Championship locations

The 2009 ITU Duathlon World Championships returns to North Carolina ten years after Huntersville successfully staged the 1999 World Championships. The 20th edition of the championships are slated for September 2009. Concord next year will mark just the fifth time the ITU Duathlon World Championships will visit an American city since 1990. Previous American sites include Cathedral City, California (1990, 1991), Dallas, Texas (1993), Huntersville, North Carolina (1999) and Alpharetta, Georgia (2002). Duathlon consists of a 10-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike and finishes with a 5-kilometer run.

In 2010, the world's best duathletes will travel to beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland. It will be the first time in history that a British city will host the ITU Duathlon World Championships. Last year Edinburgh staged the ETU Duathlon European Championships, which was won by local favorite Catriona Morrison. Over 850 athletes from 33 countries were in Gyor, Hungary for the 2007 ITU Duathlon World Championships.

Powerman Florida drawing near.

Last Chance To Register
You have until 5:00pm Thursday, Dec. 4th to sign up online for Powerman Florida or the Pasco County Sprint Duathlon. If you have not yet signed up, now is your chance! Registration will also be held on Friday, Dec 5th from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the San Antonio Sports Complex (event site).

2008 Powerman Rankings as of Nov. 9

Here are the top ten men and women in the 2008 Powerman series.
Women
1
Erika Csomor
HUN
1500
2
Jacober Maja
SUI
1250
3
Nyström Eva
SWE
1200
4
Lee Michelle
GBR
1000
5
Giger Michaela
SUI
900
6
Vlerken Yvonne van
NED
800
7
Parsons Michelle
GBR
700
8
Pliska Maya
SUI
700
9
Dermody Barbera
SUI
650
10
Svendsen Susanne
DEN
600


Men
1
Sutz Andy
SUI
1875
2
Pascal Schuler
FRA
1200
3
Vansteelant Joeri
BEL
1050
4
Duchene Dominique
FRA
1050
5
Ronnie Schildknecht
SUI
1000
6
Löscher Stefan
SUI
900
7
Aernouts Bart
BEL
875
8
Marc Widmer
SUI
700
9
Tanzer Alfred
AUT
650
10
Coddens Kris
BEL
600

Duathlon Survey from USAT

The USA Triathlon Duathlon Committee is investigating the possibility of a national duathlon series in 2009 or 2010. Before they develop the plan for possible activation, they would like to survey you first for feedback. Please assist the process by answering the five questions in the survey at the following link:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228JSTB7WKR

Powerman Florida December 6.

The field is growing! Whether you signed up for Powerman Florida or the Pasco County Sprint Duathlon, you can check who you will be racing against at www.powermanflorida.com. A full participation list has been updated under the Registration Tab. If you have not yet signed up, now is your chance! Online registration will be available until Thursday, Dec. 4th. Powerman Florida, the perfect reason to stay fit during this Holiday season!

Winter training pt.2 Cycling

Those of us who live in snowy regions can at times find it difficult to bike outdoors but depending on how adventurous you are it can be done.
The proper wardrobe is crucial if one is to cycle outside during the colder months. Winter cycling gear can be expensive but do some searching around on places such as ebay or bikenashbar and you can find some good deals.
Ok, here is my list of cycling essentials for winter riding.
1. Good base layer clothing (Craft etc....)
2.Windproof tights (bib style will keep you warmer)
3.Winter weight long sleeve jersey
4.Windproof insulated jacket
5.Lobster type insulated and windproof gloves.
6.Facemask/Balaclava
7.Neoprene insulated shoe covers
8.You may also want to invest in some bib knickers and an insulated vest for those not so cold days too.
Layering is important, I have found that a few lighter layers is much better than one heavy layer.
As far as you choice of bike, I feel that either a cyclocross style or mountain bike works best for me. The speeds are slower and tires have more traction for bad road conditions. A lighting system both front and rear are good ideas as well unless you plan on riding only during daylight hours.
Even with all of the gear above, some days its just too cold and miserable to get out and ride so thats where an indoor trainer comes in to play. You can go as simple or elaborate as you like in this department but it is a valuable training tool for a cold weather athlete.
I wish you luck in your training this winter season!

Winter Training Pt.1 Running.

Now that a large portion of the US is headed for the deep freeze of winter I thought it may be nice to throw out a few winter training tips for us in the northern climes.
Just because its darker and colder doesn't mean you have to give up your outdoor training runs, if you dress properly and use some common sense even the coldest temperatures are tolerable.
Your wardrobe is key this time of year so a few wise investments in clothing can make all the difference.
Here is what is in my winter running closet.
1. Windproof lightweight jaket.
2. Running tights.
3. Long sleeve shirt.
4.Sleeveless base layer.
5.Windproof briefs (very important:)
6. Stocking cap.
7. Balaclava.
8.Lightweight windproof gloves.
9.Windproof over mittens for really cold days.
10.Trail running shoes with good traction for snowy days.
11.Headlamp for those first 20 or so minuets of my run that is dark.
I combine different layers depending on the outdoor temperature and have used this method in temperatures well below zero with good success.
The only way I dont run outside is if it is well below zero with a fierce wind or if its too icy for good footing.
I know much of this is common sense but just thought Id share my experience.
Good luck in your training!

Powerman is coming to Falkenstein/Germany

Germany Powerman 2009, 17.05.2009 in Falkenstein
The idyllic town in Saxony Vogtcounty will host the 2009 Powerman Germany.
The Falkensteiner Duathlon will be from 2009, one of the races in the International Powerman World Series of the International Powerman Association ( IPA ). Thus, the Falkensteiner Duathlon has also the guarantee that the Duathlon world class athletes will be at the start, and many media Falkenstein will come. This is also a great opportunity for the marketing our region. The Powerman Duathlon race are all long distances and can be found for example in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Malta, Malaysia, Kenya, USA. The Falkenstein Organsation accepted the growing demand from the athletes in the Duathlon and agreed with the IPA president, John Raadschelders, to revive the Powerman in Germany. The Falkensteiner Duathlon had in recent years become an insiders “top-tip “ for good Langduathlon event. For example, the small organizational team under the lead of Volker Hopfmann, could organize in its 15th year in 2007 host the 1st German championships Long Distance.
In cooperation with local authorities, sponsors, many clubs and friends, this first championship long distance was a success. The successful event last year, the good response from the athletes and the increased participation number, made the next the step easier. It is, of course, for all a huge challenge to make another big step to an event at Powerman - level. A good and demanding race track will not enough. But if all again tackle this is, it will be a win-win situation for the German Duathlon and the entire region of Vogtcounty. We are delighted that we have the confidence of the IPA , and will show this with our best ever event in in our first Powerman Germany in 2009.
Now on 14.09.2008 is the 2nd German championships, which we once again want to make it a great experience for all participating athletes .The 17th Falkensteiner Duathlon, in 2009 Powerman Germany, will continue its tradition of special sporting challenge of the athletes for the athletes. If the German Federation gives the green light, the German National Champions will be back in 2009 Falkenstein again. The selective cycling - and running routes with over 1200 altitude meters at 60 Bike km and 24 km of running- 2009 will also require all skills of the athletes. Steep climbs with rapid and difficult downhills on the bike part will keep you awake. At the finish, after the last steep hill, all finishers will get applause from the fans and the head of the organizing team. Make a note: 2009 Powerman Germany May 17, 2009.

Link to race website: www.falkensteiner-duathlon.de

Latest from USAT on Duathlon

Get out and Du it!
Let's get 1,000 athletes at Duathlon Nationals in Richmond
November 13, 2008 Hey, All -- For some reason, I decided to pick up USA Triathlon's gauntlet and carry it a little further than National Events Director Jeff Dyrek intended.Duathlon numbers are bared down to bones. I understand that just 200 came to the National Championship in 2008. Duathlon Commissioner Mike Plumb and I got together and decided that, yes, we needed to promote the cachet of duathlon - and we created a plan to do it. And the duathlon vets approve. That plan has been divided into three stages and is being developed by nightly teleconference calls, as we speak. It will appear on the USAT website quite soon - meaning, yes, quite soon. But right now I want us to consider the most vital stage of the plan.Numbers talk. Mike and I think that USAT will treat us less like a step child (Dear USAT: This imagery has been around for a long time, so no boxing gloves needed) if we have more numbers. To that end, there is a series being created at the grassroots level to get women and men, in gender separate novice races, introduced to duathlon. But growth in the sport from that direction will take several years.So, for some reason unknown to me, I pulled from my ear a goal number for attendance at nationals in April in Richmond in 2009: 1000. What I envision is that a large chunk of triathlon Team USA, as well as all members of duathlon Team USA, would sign up for this event.Now. Those of you, like me - still injured - can call ourselves fodder for the seed and make it a long, but patriotic, day. Triathletes not going to St. Anthony's can use the event as a season sharpener. Those who have never done a duathlon of this length 10k/40k/5k can challenge themselves. Those who are not one bit interested in duathlon can participate as though this were a birthday party game. A thousand participants at nationals in April - and let's not get into why it is in April and why it is in Richmond - will make a formidable statement to USAT. Contribution in the form of the presence of triathletes will be considered by the duathletes as an earnest gift of time and energy, as well it will be. When one part of our body is suffering, the rest rushes to its aid. Same with families, same with multisport.As well, I see no reason why spouses and friends who can walk or run and know how to ride a bike could not train for this event -just for a good time. Who knows? This spouse or friend may come to like the sport, and thus the sport grows. And duathlon is saved and does not morph into run-frisbee-bike. Please sign up December 1. You will save duathlon and you will save me.Visit the Duathlon Nationals website. -- CELESTE CALLAHAN , Duathlon Liaison to USAT Board of Directors and Team USA Triathlon and Duathlon Member

2009 US Duathlon Championships

Here is a link to the US Duathlon Championships website http://www.duathlonnationals.com/

Powerman Florida

Powerman Florida is set for December 6, 2008 and is the latest addition to the Powerman Series. Didn’t get an opportunity to participate in a Powerman event this year or just missed a World Championship Slot? Well here is your chance! Powerman Florida is your first opportunity to qualify for Powerman Zofingen; the 2009 World Championships.
The course is located in scenic Pasco County Florida, just north of the Tampa Bay area. This rural area has been a secret winter training location for Cyclist and Multi-Sport Athletes due to the rolling hills (yes Florida has rolling hills), quiet roads and of course beautiful weather. San Antonio plays host to the event, as transition is located in the town park. Upon completion each athlete will receive a FINISHER MEDAL to commemorate their accomplishment.

Race link at www.powermanflorida.com

US Duathon Short Course World Championships Qualifying.

Duathletes competing in the 2009 USAT Duathlon National Championships in Richmond, VA on April 25-26 can qualify for one of 12 age group slots available for the ITU Duathlon Short Course World Championships in Concord, NC.

Other qualifying events include the Desert Classic in Phoenix, AZ on February 24th, which will have 3 spots per age group rolling down to 6th place, and the Apple Duathlon in Sartell, MN on May 24th, also with 3 spots per age group rolling down to 6th place. The USAT Duathlon National Championships will have 12 slots rolling down to 16th place.

Powerman Malaysia

CONGRATULATIONS to all those who took part in POWERMAN MALAYSIA 2008!
It was indeed the hotest race for many, with the high levels of humidity throughout the day eventhough temperatures didn't soar above 32 degrees. The elite race saw Jason Spong from (SA) (2005 Powerman Malaysia champion) taking the lead early on in the first lap of the first run, with Anthony Le Duey (FRA) and Andy Sutz (SUI) following closely. It was obvious after the men returned from the bike leg that Jason was more determined than ever to take home the title and in the final run leg, Jason lengthened his lead even more to finish first in 2hr 43m 13sec. Anthony Le Duey finished second in 2hr 47m 42sec while Andy Sutz came in third in 2hr 55min 48sec.In the women's elite race, Victoria Beck (NZ) took the lead in the first run, but by the bike leg Rebecca Preston (AUS) who has been training in Asia, to came up front and lead in the last run to come in first in 3hr 9min 41sec. Second went to Victoria Beck in 3hr 15min 52sec and third to Monica Tores (PHI) 3hr 26min 43sec.

Full results are available at http://www.powerman.com.my/results.html

Welocme to Duathlon News!

This is the first posting for Duathlon News and I want to welcome any and all readers!
There seems to be no site totally dedicated to the world of duathlon so this blog was created to fill that void.
We will attempt to keep you up to date on all things duathlon that we feel is noteworthy.
If you have any suggestions please feel free to let us know.
Enjoy!