4th Annual Ashland Triathlon

Ashland, MA June 23, 1996

(Swim 1 mile, Bike 26 miles, Run 6 miles)

from . . . Dave Andersen, Newburyport, MA

Now in its fourth year, the Ashland Triathlon has become one of the premier multisport events in New England.

The scenic course and somewhat long distances bring out many hardcore triathletes as well as newbees looking for a challenge. The event starts with a 1 mile tour of the Ashland Reservoir. Next up is a difficult 2-loop, 26-mile bike ride with nothing but hills. A portion of the ride covers the famed Boston Marathon route. Some athletes reported downhill speeds of 50mph followed by long climbs at 10mph. Following this warmup there is a 6-mile run on twisting and hilly country roads. All this on a Sunday morning before most folks have had brunch!

George Bent of Centerville, MA and transplated southerner Steve Riddle, now of Portsmouth, NH dueled to the bitter end with Bent winning by a scant 23- seconds after 2-hours of racing. Following them were a handful of younger studs including teen-wonder‹Paul Fritzsche of Briarcliff, NY.

In the Gentleman¹s (over 40) category, the ever youthful Hank Lange of Brattleboro, VT bested Bill Zorn of Dunbarton, NH by 3-minutes. Ironwoman, Cathy Corning of Framingham, MA was the easy winner over Kathleen Smith (Southboro, MA) and Jennefier Myers (Marshfield, MA).

TOP FINISHERS: Male
1. George Bent	        2:03:15
2. Steve Riddle  	2:03:38
3. Tony Delogne	        2:04:48
4. Mike Ingardia	2:06:12
5. Paul Fritzsche	2:06:12

Over 40 Male
1. Hank Lange	        2:10:42
2. Bill Zorn	        2:13:58
3. Wayne Nichols	2:17:16

Female
1. Cathy Corning	2:17:42
2. Kathleen Smith	2:26:36
3. Jennifer Myers	2:28:41