Notre Dame graduate Ryan Shay, one of the top young talents in American road racing, will lead the U.S. men’s team in the Bolder Boulder’s International Team Challenge on Memorial Day.
Joining Shay will be Brandon Leslie of Albuquerque, a former Adams State All-American who won the 2000 NCAA Division II title, and Matt Gonzalez of Santa Fe.
The race previously announced the U.S. women’s team of Elva Dryer, Jen Rhines and Sara Slattery.
Shay, 27, the 2001 NCAA 10,000-meter champion and 2003 U.S. marathon champion, has long been considered a runner with a bright future on the roads. He is a member of the Team USA enclave at Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
“This altitude-trained group is solid, experienced and competitive,” elite athlete coordinator Rich Castro said. “Brandon and Matt were excited about becoming teammates in the unique format, and both have the reputation of racing very well at altitude.
“The Kenyans, Ethiopians and Mexicans will give them plenty of competition, but I feel they will be very well-prepared to succeed.”
