Colorado is among a dozen stops slated for the new Trek Women’s Triathlon Series in 2009. The series aims at breaking down barriers for women athletes by providing a fun, supportive and nonintimidating atmosphere for participants.
The complete 2009 schedule for the races, which feature a 1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run, is expected to be announced by Jan. 1.
Berthoud facilities open.
Ribbon cutting for the improved Berthoud Pass trailhead of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail took place earlier this month, officially opening a warming hut and restroom facilities at the pass summit on U.S. 40 between Empire and Winter Park.
Berthoud Pass (11,314 feet) is only a 45-minute drive from Denver.
Ellis second in Ironman.
Thornton resident Mary Beth Ellis finished second among female competitors at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 race in Clearwater, Fla., on Nov. 8. Ellis finished the event in 4 hours, 4 minutes and 7 seconds. More than 1,500 athletes entered the event.
X Games equality.
Beginning at Winter X Games 13 in Aspen in January, ESPN will offer equal prize money for both men and women competitors, according to ESPN executive vice president John Skipper. Overall prize purses have not yet been announced for the ESPN-owned action sports competition.
Hauser on national team.
Drew Hauser of Silverthorne leads the list of “A Team” racers named to the U.S. Telemark Ski Association’s 2009 National Team. Hauser ranked 16th in the world last season. Lorin Paley of Steamboat Springs will team up with Kelsey Schnid- Sommer of Whitefish, Mont., to represent U.S. women on the World Cup this season. Ken Recker, Ben Paley and Erika Walters, all from Steamboat, will race for the team’s “B” group.
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
