Steamboat Pilot & Today

Except for a half-dozen ducks racing through the water, Lake Catamount was quiet Wednesday afternoon.

That will change Aug. 28, when an expected 300 swimmers will dive into its cool waters for the first leg of the Steamboat Springs Triathlon.

Barry Siff and John Oliva of 5430 Sports were in town Wednesday for final meetings. Siff said he is looking forward to the inaugural event.

"We are really excited about the beauty of Steamboat Springs," Siff said. "This is the beginning of what I think will be a fantastic destination triathlon."

Siff added that Routt County, the city of Steamboat Springs, the Colorado State Patrol, Lake Catamount and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort As----sociation have been supportive and cooperative.

More than 300 people are registered, and there is room for more, including individuals interested in participating in one leg of a relay team.

The Steamboat Springs Tria--thlon will consist of a 3/4-mile swim, a 20-mile bike ride and a 4-mile run. The bike ride and run are on paved roads, and the swim will be in Lake Catamount.

The parking lot near the clubhouse will serve as the transition area.

"I think the majority (of the racers) will be relatively new to triathlons and are coming out for the good time," Siff said.

One professional who is competing is Claire Murray of Hong Kong, but Siff thinks a majority of the field will be amateurs and, likely, rookies.

"The course is perfect for beginners," Oliva said.

Siff hasn't looked at specific registrations but has fielded a large number of phone calls from the Steamboat Springs area.

With that being said, Siff wanted to let people know mountain bikes are allowed and wet suits aren't mandatory, but they are recommended. Those were two of the common questions 5430 Sports employees had been fielding.

Cyclists also should acquaint themselves with national triathlon rules, which prohibit drafting and set out specific parameters for passing and riding near others.

"This year, we tried to keep it simple," he said. "Our goal is to execute a perfect short to mid-distance triathlon."

No triathlon would run smoothly without volunteers, and Siff and 5430 Sports are looking for individuals or businesses to help out. Each volunteer will receive a T-shirt, goodie bag, snacks and beverages, in addition to a good time.

"Everyone's been fantastic," Siff said. "At this point, it's a matter of getting volunteers. We have a shout out for volunteers."

Race organizers need help in a variety of capacities Aug. 27 and 28, which is race day.

The Steamboat Springs Tria--thlon begins at 7:30 a.m. with the swim in Lake Catamount. Spectators are encouraged to watch from Lake Catamount or downtown Steamboat, where cyclists will come through before returning to the transition area.

People are asked to stay off River Road and to limit use of Colorado Highway 131 on race day.

Anyone interested in vol----unteering or registering or those with questions can visit www.5430sports.com.

Vol----unteers also can contact Joy Rasmussen, a local triathlete and USA Triathlon board member, at Colorado Group Realty.