MOLNAR, BLUNCK WIN OVERALL AMATEUR TITLES
The amateur racing was at an all-time best with one of the toughest fields ever assembled at Oak Mountain State Park.
For the second time in three years Daniel Molnar from North Dakota (via Hungary) won the overall men’s title while Hallie Blunck – a former road tri pro from right here in Birmingham, Alabama – took top honors in the women’s field in her first-ever off-road tri.
Every age group was hotly contested, and of note, Anthony Snoble out-lasted Daryl Weaver in a sprint to the finish to win the 40-44 division by one-second. It’s the first age-group loss in Weaver’s award-winning career, ending a streak of roughly 30 straight age group wins.
There was also feel-good moments to be had all day long. David DeSantis finished his 5th race of the year in his 16 for 16 campaign and with the help of the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon raised a ton of money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Charlotte Mahan, at the age of 71, was giving pep-talks to the nine-year-olds racing the Xticer, and Nat Grew from Costa Rica and Rodger Bivens from Arizona are still going strong well into their 70’s. Between the perfect weather, great course, and good people today was certainly one of the most memorable XTERRA races in the eleven years the sport has raced at Oak Mountain.
Here’s a look at all of today’s age group champions:
Division Name Hometown Time 15 – 19 Heather Horton Draper, UT 3:17:51 25 – 29 Stephanie Brunnemann Salt Lake City, UT 3:28:28 30 – 34 Hallie Blunck Birmingham, AL 2:54:50 35 – 39 Courtney Kaup Hinesburg, VT 3:03:08 40 – 44 Kelli Montgomery Wallingford, CT 2:58:40 45 – 49 Christy Fritts Carlsbad, CA 3:13:53 50 – 54 Margo Pitts Raleigh, NC 3:13:51 55 – 59 Tamara Tabeek Ramona, CA 3:14:33 65 – 69 Linda Usher West Upton, MA 4:51:52 PC Beth Price Spanish Fort, AL 4:53:53 Division Name Hometown Time 15 – 19 Austin Harper Vestavia Hills, AL 3:41:06 20 – 24 Caleb Baity Boonville, NC 2:56:44 25 – 29 Kris Ochs Vail, CO 2:43:32 30 – 34 Daniel Molnar Bismark, ND 2:31:25 35 – 39 AJ Petrillo Blue Ridge, GA 2:39:45 40 – 44 Anthony Snoble East Islip, NY 2:41:15 45 – 49 Marcus Barton Waxhaw, NC 2:42:48 50 – 54 Ali Arasta Asheboro, NC 2:48:38 55 – 59 Jean-Paul Martin Oakton, VA 2:54:16 60 – 64 Steve Cole Alpharetta, GA 3:15:05 65 – 69 Michael Orendorff Pueblo, CO 3:18:39 70 – 74 Rodger Bivens Tucson, AZ 5:33:38 Clydesdale Thorsten Oelschlaeger Northport, AL 3:58:18
original article can be found at: http://www.xterraplanet.com/2016/05/middaugh-snyder-win-xterra-oak-mountain/
For the second time in three years Daniel Molnar from North Dakota (via Hungary) won the overall men’s title while Hallie Blunck – a former road tri pro from right here in Birmingham, Alabama – took top honors in the women’s field in her first-ever off-road tri.
Every age group was hotly contested, and of note, Anthony Snoble out-lasted Daryl Weaver in a sprint to the finish to win the 40-44 division by one-second. It’s the first age-group loss in Weaver’s award-winning career, ending a streak of roughly 30 straight age group wins.
There was also feel-good moments to be had all day long. David DeSantis finished his 5th race of the year in his 16 for 16 campaign and with the help of the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon raised a ton of money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Charlotte Mahan, at the age of 71, was giving pep-talks to the nine-year-olds racing the Xticer, and Nat Grew from Costa Rica and Rodger Bivens from Arizona are still going strong well into their 70’s. Between the perfect weather, great course, and good people today was certainly one of the most memorable XTERRA races in the eleven years the sport has raced at Oak Mountain.
Here’s a look at all of today’s age group champions:
Division Name Hometown Time 15 – 19 Heather Horton Draper, UT 3:17:51 25 – 29 Stephanie Brunnemann Salt Lake City, UT 3:28:28 30 – 34 Hallie Blunck Birmingham, AL 2:54:50 35 – 39 Courtney Kaup Hinesburg, VT 3:03:08 40 – 44 Kelli Montgomery Wallingford, CT 2:58:40 45 – 49 Christy Fritts Carlsbad, CA 3:13:53 50 – 54 Margo Pitts Raleigh, NC 3:13:51 55 – 59 Tamara Tabeek Ramona, CA 3:14:33 65 – 69 Linda Usher West Upton, MA 4:51:52 PC Beth Price Spanish Fort, AL 4:53:53 Division Name Hometown Time 15 – 19 Austin Harper Vestavia Hills, AL 3:41:06 20 – 24 Caleb Baity Boonville, NC 2:56:44 25 – 29 Kris Ochs Vail, CO 2:43:32 30 – 34 Daniel Molnar Bismark, ND 2:31:25 35 – 39 AJ Petrillo Blue Ridge, GA 2:39:45 40 – 44 Anthony Snoble East Islip, NY 2:41:15 45 – 49 Marcus Barton Waxhaw, NC 2:42:48 50 – 54 Ali Arasta Asheboro, NC 2:48:38 55 – 59 Jean-Paul Martin Oakton, VA 2:54:16 60 – 64 Steve Cole Alpharetta, GA 3:15:05 65 – 69 Michael Orendorff Pueblo, CO 3:18:39 70 – 74 Rodger Bivens Tucson, AZ 5:33:38 Clydesdale Thorsten Oelschlaeger Northport, AL 3:58:18
original article can be found at: http://www.xterraplanet.com/2016/05/middaugh-snyder-win-xterra-oak-mountain/
High Hopes for Team USA in Zittau
August 15, 2014/in All, All Triathlon /by XTERRA
More than 50 American athletes, reportedly the largest international contingent outside of Germany, are set to race for world titles at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships tomorrow.
In addition to being the deepest, it also has to be considered the strongest.
Notable Americans include two-time ITU Cross Tri World Champ Kathy Hudson from Texas, and previous ITU winners Hannah Rae Finchamp (as a junior in 2012), Brad Moore, David Rakita, Brent Peacock and Alan Moore.
John Royson, a 4x XTERRA World Champ, will shoot for gold in the 60-64 division while Grayson Keppler, Daniel Molnar, and George Mainas are three of our best overall amateurs in the U.S.
Last night Team USA gathered at the Gondelfahrt Restaurant in Jonsdorf for a team dinner.
“A grand crowd of over 70 athletes and family joined in the fun and red wine, white wine, sparkling water and a choice of Pork Loin, Meat Lasagna or a Vegetarian dinner was on offer,” explained Nicholas. “From what I heard the Lasagna was fabulous. I had the pork loin and it was also great. Team USA ITU Germany pins were handed out to all and even the German Race Director appeared for a beer and to thank the USA for the largest international team. Old friends sat together, new friends were made.”
Here’s a look at the Team USA amateurs (alpha):
Alexandra Akemann (Northville MI); Brent Bieshaar (Highlands Ranch CO); Rodger Bivens (Tucson AZ); Michelle Blankenship (Durango CO); G L Brown (Ada MI); Lisa Brummond (Tacoma WA); Matthew Carr (Phoenix AZ); Lori Cooper (Trophy Club TX); Steve Croucher (Vail CO); May-li Cuypers (Largo FL); Brett Edgerle (Kohler WI); Melanie Etherton (Austin TX); Steve Etherton (Austin TX); Scott Ewing (Shalimar FL); Hannah Rae Finchamp (Altadena CA); Jess Griffiths (Park City UT); Jeffrey Grynwald (Little Rock AR); Amy Henning (Appleton WI); Jennifer Higgins (Fort Collins CO); Janelle Holt (Oak Park MI); Joseph Horowitz (San Jose CA); Kathy Hudson (Highland Village TX); Grayson Keppler (Dallas TX); George Lester (Medfield MA); John Lichtenfeld (Grapevine TX); Stephen Lohr (Dallas TX); Fernando Lopez (Houston TX); George Mainas (Greenbrae CA); Darrel McHugh (Acworth GA); Daniel Molnar (Bismarck ND); Brad Moore (Parsons TN); Alan Moore (Ada MI); Allison Moore (Boise ID); Michael Nunez (Salt Lake City UT); Ken Ono (Johns Creek GA); Christian Otto (Webster TX); Brent Peacock (Jackson WY); David Rakita (Durango CO); Charlie Redmond (Tenafly NJ); Humberto Rivera (Chula Vista CA); John Royson (Albamy CA); Delania Sather (Albuquerque NM); Jessica Septon (Ogden UT); Dillon Shaffer (Lawton OK); Sharon Peachey Sheremeta (Tucson AZ); Oley Sheremeta (Tucson AZ); Patrick Smock (Liberty Hill TX); Jukka Valkonen (Piedmont CA); Willy Waks (San Francisco CA); Richard Wall (Colorado Springs CO)
More than 50 American athletes, reportedly the largest international contingent outside of Germany, are set to race for world titles at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships tomorrow.
In addition to being the deepest, it also has to be considered the strongest.
Notable Americans include two-time ITU Cross Tri World Champ Kathy Hudson from Texas, and previous ITU winners Hannah Rae Finchamp (as a junior in 2012), Brad Moore, David Rakita, Brent Peacock and Alan Moore.
John Royson, a 4x XTERRA World Champ, will shoot for gold in the 60-64 division while Grayson Keppler, Daniel Molnar, and George Mainas are three of our best overall amateurs in the U.S.
Last night Team USA gathered at the Gondelfahrt Restaurant in Jonsdorf for a team dinner.
“A grand crowd of over 70 athletes and family joined in the fun and red wine, white wine, sparkling water and a choice of Pork Loin, Meat Lasagna or a Vegetarian dinner was on offer,” explained Nicholas. “From what I heard the Lasagna was fabulous. I had the pork loin and it was also great. Team USA ITU Germany pins were handed out to all and even the German Race Director appeared for a beer and to thank the USA for the largest international team. Old friends sat together, new friends were made.”
Here’s a look at the Team USA amateurs (alpha):
Alexandra Akemann (Northville MI); Brent Bieshaar (Highlands Ranch CO); Rodger Bivens (Tucson AZ); Michelle Blankenship (Durango CO); G L Brown (Ada MI); Lisa Brummond (Tacoma WA); Matthew Carr (Phoenix AZ); Lori Cooper (Trophy Club TX); Steve Croucher (Vail CO); May-li Cuypers (Largo FL); Brett Edgerle (Kohler WI); Melanie Etherton (Austin TX); Steve Etherton (Austin TX); Scott Ewing (Shalimar FL); Hannah Rae Finchamp (Altadena CA); Jess Griffiths (Park City UT); Jeffrey Grynwald (Little Rock AR); Amy Henning (Appleton WI); Jennifer Higgins (Fort Collins CO); Janelle Holt (Oak Park MI); Joseph Horowitz (San Jose CA); Kathy Hudson (Highland Village TX); Grayson Keppler (Dallas TX); George Lester (Medfield MA); John Lichtenfeld (Grapevine TX); Stephen Lohr (Dallas TX); Fernando Lopez (Houston TX); George Mainas (Greenbrae CA); Darrel McHugh (Acworth GA); Daniel Molnar (Bismarck ND); Brad Moore (Parsons TN); Alan Moore (Ada MI); Allison Moore (Boise ID); Michael Nunez (Salt Lake City UT); Ken Ono (Johns Creek GA); Christian Otto (Webster TX); Brent Peacock (Jackson WY); David Rakita (Durango CO); Charlie Redmond (Tenafly NJ); Humberto Rivera (Chula Vista CA); John Royson (Albamy CA); Delania Sather (Albuquerque NM); Jessica Septon (Ogden UT); Dillon Shaffer (Lawton OK); Sharon Peachey Sheremeta (Tucson AZ); Oley Sheremeta (Tucson AZ); Patrick Smock (Liberty Hill TX); Jukka Valkonen (Piedmont CA); Willy Waks (San Francisco CA); Richard Wall (Colorado Springs CO)
Middaugh, Duffy Win XTERRA Southeast Championship
image from
http://lavamagazine.com/middaugh-duffy-win-xterra-southeast-championship/
taken by Trey Garman
Posted by: Becca Jackson , May 20, 2014
Josiah Middaugh and Flora Duffy captured the ninth annual XTERRA Southeast Championship race at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Alabama amidst some wacky weather conditions that went from cool and cloudy to torrential downpours to bright sunshine over the course of three hours.
It was without a doubt the coolest weather XTERRA has ever experienced for this race, a wetsuit-legal event for pros and amateurs with Oak Mountain Lake reading 64F in the morning.
While the rain came down during the early morning hours it calmed enough for a dry start, but about 15 minutes into the bike leg an ominous black cloud came down dropping buckets of water and creating eerily dark conditions in the tree-covered forest.
“It was an adventure out there,” said Middaugh. “We thought the rain was done and all of a sudden it got really dark and the skies opened up and dumped rain for 20-30 minutes and then we went into the Blood Rock section with all that mud and rain, it was wild. Then the sun came out, it was a strange race.”
Strange, albeit fairly predictable race dynamics with Dan Hugo, Mauricio Mendez, and Craig Evans getting the early jump out of the water, Middaugh 2:20 back and charging hard, and Brad Weiss, Branden Rakita, Ryan Ignatz and company kind of in the middle of all that.
What seemed different was just how close the racing was today.
“Everything was so tight, and I think that’s a testament to the strength of the field, it was a battle out there for everybody. It was a true race, everybody was fighting hard,” said Middaugh.
Indeed the battles waged on at every turn. Hugo had 45 seconds on Craig Evans at Blood Rock, and 1:30 to Middaugh and Rakita. Evans passed Hugo not far after, and when Middaugh caught up to Hugo “he said Craig was about 20 seconds up but he was gone – he was more like 1:30 up,” said Middaugh.
Evans, who has proven himself time and again on this course, did it again today. He had 45 seconds on Middaugh, a little more than one-minute on Hugo, and almost two on Rakita and Weiss by T2.
“We all have favorite races and this is mine. My skills show on more technical courses and this was a dicey course today especially being wet, and I think on technical courses I can throw my hat in the ring,” said Evans.
“Today was a good showing for me. I had a perfect day, no crashes, I was railing corners, had the right tire selection, the right PSI, and I ran really well. I thought I had it. I was running scared, running for my life, I knew they were coming. Then the second lap Josiah caught me on the foot bridge and broke me.”
Not certain “broke” is the right word, as Evans ran strong into the finish for second-place, matching his career-best performance which was also on this course two years ago.
Even more excitement was taking place behind Evans as 18-year-old Mauricio Mendez was in primal-mode chasing down everything in front of him. He came off the bike in seventh before passing Nick Fisher early on, then Dan Hugo, and finally Branden Rakita in the home stretch while nearly catching Brad Weiss at the finish line. His 31:53 run split was two minutes better than that of the race winner Middaugh, and his time of 2:20:51 was only a second shy of Weiss, who held on for third.
“It was an amazing run for me, I was fighting so hard to catch Branden and I didn’t know Brad was that close,” said Mendez.
“I knew Mauricio was coming, he’s flying on the run, so you better not back it down too early,” said Weiss. “And somehow I looked down and ran past the turn off to the finish chute and had to turn around and get back which caused that sprint down the finish line…made for a fun ending.”
The race was Weiss’ eighth big XTERRA in 10 weeks and he finished no worse than 4th at any of them.
“Biggest block of racing I’ve ever done. It was pretty wild and I can feel it, it’s taking its toll,” said Weiss. “I’m looking forward to some down time. We’ll head to Boulder now and I’ll have three-and-a-half weeks of no racing until Richmond.”
Hugo, who won four majors (five total) during that same 10-week, 8-race stretch, will carry-on with the journey at XTERRA Brazil on June 8 before heading to Richmond to defend his title on June 15.
While still racing out front in the swim and more than halfway through the bike, it did appear that stretch of travel and bucket-list worthy adventures caught up with Hugo today. “I gave it everything I had, that was it,” he said on his sixth-place finish while humbly deflecting all attention to Middaugh, Evans, Weiss, Mendez, and Rakita.
For Rakita, it was a brilliant fifth-place finish as the level and spirit of the men’s elite race on the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series is as exciting as it’s ever been right now.
“It’s as tight as it has ever been I believe,” said Weiss.
“It was a lot closer than I realized,” added Middaugh. “I know Craig is stronger this year than ever but that was a big surprise to see him off the front and how hard and fast he was running. He was running fast, he was out of sight, and it took me a long time to catch him. It took everything I had today, and that’s the way it should be.”
Also of note two Canadians – Sean Bechtel and Jean-Philippe Thibodeau – both suffered race-ending flats. Bechtel’s happened as soon as the pavement met the single track just half-mile in (while he was with the leaders) and Thibodeau’s happened two-thirds through the bike while he was with the leaders.
The element that stuck out today was how freakishly dark it got when the storm cloud rolled in, “going up the climb it was so dark it was like riding at midnight, it was crazy,” explained Evans.
Despite the rain the trails at Oak Mountain were magnificent, a testament to the BUMP crew who have built and maintained one of the sweetest tracks in the nation.
“This course rides well with rain because it drains so phenomenally,” said Middaugh.
Also of note, last year’s amateur ENVE Performer-of-the-Year Alex Modestou who was forced to miss Nationals due to illness, made his elite debut and finished 11th – a result worthy of celebration for the adversity he has overcome to return to this level of fitness.
PRO MEN
Pl Name Age Hometown Time Points 1 Josiah Middaugh 35 Vail, Colorado 2:18:32 100 2 Craig Evans 36 Hendersonville, Tennessee 2:19:29 90 3 Bradley Weiss 25 Cape Town, South Africa 2:20:50 82 4 Mauricio Mendez 18 Mexico City, Mexico 2:20:51 75 5 Branden Rakita 33 Colorado Springs, Colorado 2:21:02 69 6 Dan Hugo 28 Stellenbosch, South Africa 2:24:18 63 7 Ryan Ignatz 35 Boulder, Colorado 2:24:37 58 8 Nick Fisher 28 Ogden, Utah 2:27:08 53 9 Karsten Madsen 22 Guelph, Ontario, Canada 2:27:35 49 10 Chris Ganter 35 Boise, Idaho 2:27:48 45 Also: Alex Modestou (41), Jeff Smith (37)
DUFFY DOES IT AGAIN
Flora Duffy put another stamp on her XTERRA passport today winning her fourth major of the season – and third in the last month.
Today she posted the fastest swim, coming out of the water with Christine “Big Fish” Jeffrey and all the lead men, and then torched one of XTERRA’s most challenging mountain bike courses. Her women’s leading bike split was three minutes quicker than that of the next best time, posted by Emma Garrard, and by the bike-to-run transition she had a five-minute advantage.
“Mountain biking obviously was my weakness last year but I worked really hard on it over the winter and that seems to be paying off, and I think it’s kind of like my secret weapon right now,” said Duffy. “I think I showed my skills are improving, and it’s really a boost to my confidence.”
As well it should be. At the awards ceremony Duffy added some detail to that thought, telling the appreciate crowd that “I have to admit I came in to this race a little intimidated by this bike course. I had a heard a lot about it and my mountain bike skills are probably not where my confidence lies but I guess I owe a big thanks to my XTERRA mentors Dan Hugo and Brad Weiss for showing me how to mountain bike. I still have a lot to learn but they definitely helped me out a lot and I managed to stay on my bike today so that was a big success. When it started to rain that threw me for a loop, those roots are so gnarly and I hit a few at the wrong angle and had to hold on for dear life. Super fun course, though, the single track was awesome and I really enjoyed myself.”
Garrard, who since last year’s USA Championship race has established herself as the fastest American in the sport, had another impressive performance today. She posted the second-best bike and the fastest run of the day.
“I was five minutes back starting the run and it can be hard to keep pushing yourself facing that kind of gap but you never know what’s going to happen,” said Garrard, who cut one-minute into Duffy’s lead on the twisty track around the lake. “I think Flora was close to 11 minutes in front of us in Vegas and hope I was able to cut that in half. Flora is in phenomenal shape and to do well on a course like this says something about her technical riding skills. She’s a good bike handler.”
Suzie Snyder and Christine Jeffrey had their best races in some time, finishing in third and fourth, respectively. Snyder came into T2 in 3rd and went out in 4th, joking that Jeffrey “disrobed” her in transition, but was able to regain the lead.
“I feel good about my swim and run, but I was conservative on the bike because I was concerned about wrecking, but certainly feel like this is a good base to take the next step,” said Snyder. “I’m not sure how we’re going to catch Flora yet, however. I think we all need some men to train with. I’ve been looking for dudes to ride with, you need that push in training – it really makes you better.”
Chantell Widney, Danelle Kabush, and Kara LaPoint finished 5-6-7 for the second straight XTERRA U.S. Pro Series race.
Pl Name Age Hometown Time Points 1 Flora Duffy 26 Boulder, Colorado 2:32:04 100 2 Emma Garrard 32 Park City, Utah 2:36:05 90 3 Suzie Snyder 32 Fredericksburg, Virginia 2:39:31 82 4 Christine Jeffrey 42 Tucson, Arizona 2:41:06 75 5 Chantell Widney 34 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2:41:17 69 6 Danelle Kabush 39 Calgary, Alberta, Canada 2:43:19 63 7 Kara LaPoint 26 Truckee, California 2:49:56 58 8 Amelia McCracken 30 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2:55:05 53 9 Jaime Brede 36 Breckenridge, Colorado 2:59:27 49 10 Caroline Colonna 50 Taos, New Mexico 2:59:49 45
MOLNAR, IGNATZ WIN OVERALL AMATEUR TITLES
Last September Dan Molnar was in the shape of his life and hoping to win the amateur title at XTERRA Nationals in Utah before a bad crash left him battered-and-bruised and unable to compete. Today, those memories were wiped away with a career-best showing that saw him place 12th overall.
Molnar had a blazing run to catch Grayson Keppler for the win.
“It feels great to be back and be able to go hard,” said Molnar. “I pushed really hard on the bike and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to run that fast so being able to respond feels good.”
In the women’s amateur race Ignatz was faster than the top six finishers from last year and placed eighth overall, and almost four-minutes ahead of 40-44 XTERRA World Champion Mimi Stockton.
“It’s my first-time here and I just loved it,” said Ignatz, a former age-group XTERRA World Champ herself. “It was a super interesting race with all the weather conditions and slick roots and rocks. Certainly happy with my performance today.”
original article: http://lavamagazine.com/middaugh-duffy-win-xterra-southeast-championship/
Tri-Athlete Promotes Bike Safety
Posted: Sep 20, 2013 3:56 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 11, 2013 3:56 PM CDT
By Nina Carter - email
Last Saturday a cyclist was hit by a vehicle, now he is asking drivers to become more aware, and better at sharing the road. Daniel Molnar was out training for the Xterra national triathalon, which takes place tomorrow. He was riding his bike on the shoulder of Sibley Road when he saw a truck round the corner.
"I noticed a pick-up passing a mini-van around the turn. The next moment I remember is that the pick-up truck is in my lane and right in front of me," says Molnar.
The truck hit Molnar head on. He sustained punctured lungs, several broken bones and extensive road burn. But he wants to use this accident as an example for motorists and cyclists.
"Drivers, you have to look at bikers as part of the traffic, because the law looks at us evenly," says Molnar.
Last year, the city of Bismarck invested about $20,000 in bike lanes around the city, but they are still looking at ways to do more.
"We have started to meet with some of the bicycle and pedestrian groups in town to try and identify ways to perhaps make bicycling and walking safer and more convenient in the community," says transportation planner Ben Ehreth.
As you can see there isn't much of a shoulder on this road where Daniel was hit.
"Next time I get on the bike might be in the spring already, but I do plan on getting some bright colored helmets a bright colored jersey, just so I become more visible to drivers," says Molnar.
Molnar says the right education for bikers and motorists is all that is needed to avoid accidents like his.
Original article can be found under http://www.kfyrtv.com/story/23488993/tri-athlete-promotes-bike-safety
Updated: Oct 11, 2013 3:56 PM CDT
By Nina Carter - email
Last Saturday a cyclist was hit by a vehicle, now he is asking drivers to become more aware, and better at sharing the road. Daniel Molnar was out training for the Xterra national triathalon, which takes place tomorrow. He was riding his bike on the shoulder of Sibley Road when he saw a truck round the corner.
"I noticed a pick-up passing a mini-van around the turn. The next moment I remember is that the pick-up truck is in my lane and right in front of me," says Molnar.
The truck hit Molnar head on. He sustained punctured lungs, several broken bones and extensive road burn. But he wants to use this accident as an example for motorists and cyclists.
"Drivers, you have to look at bikers as part of the traffic, because the law looks at us evenly," says Molnar.
Last year, the city of Bismarck invested about $20,000 in bike lanes around the city, but they are still looking at ways to do more.
"We have started to meet with some of the bicycle and pedestrian groups in town to try and identify ways to perhaps make bicycling and walking safer and more convenient in the community," says transportation planner Ben Ehreth.
As you can see there isn't much of a shoulder on this road where Daniel was hit.
"Next time I get on the bike might be in the spring already, but I do plan on getting some bright colored helmets a bright colored jersey, just so I become more visible to drivers," says Molnar.
Molnar says the right education for bikers and motorists is all that is needed to avoid accidents like his.
Original article can be found under http://www.kfyrtv.com/story/23488993/tri-athlete-promotes-bike-safety
XTERRA USA Championship Saturday
September 20, 2013/in All, All Triathlon /by XTERRA
While most of the hype leading up to Saturday’s XTERRA USA Championship race has revolved around the pro races (which you can find here with pics, press guide, preview, interviews, roundtable) the age group race is just as intriguing.
With defending champ Neilson Powless not in the mix this year the men’s race is wide-open. Neilson, along with his sister Shayna, did America proud this summer by representing the USA at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in South Africa.
In addition, two other favorites in the men’s race ran into misfortune this week and won’t make it. Daniel Molnar from North Dakota – winner of XTERRA Pipestem and Iron Creek – was hit by a car on the road while biking and suffered five broken ribs, punctured lungs, a broken sternum, scapula and finger.
“The driver didn’t seem to notice me and hit me almost frontally. I survived probably only because he hit the brakes in the last second, skid to the left so I crashed into the right side of the truck,” explained Molnar, who said he’s feeling better know (sic).
Alex Modestou from Washington DC, who won an unprecedented seven races this year and finished in the top 10 among pros at the East and Mountain Championships, will have to sit out due to illness.
“I’ve been working hard towards XTERRA Nationals all year,” explained Modestou. “After missing it last season due to an injury, I am pretty devastated by my situation now. I would like to throw caution to the wind, but I hardly have the physical strength to get through a shortened workday. I’d love to simply partake in the XTERRA camaraderie more than anything, but my body just isn’t cooperating.”
A student of the game and a terrific writer (read his blog at www.alexmodestou.com) Modestou was kind enough to give us his thoughts on whom to watch for in the amateur races:
Bryce Phinney (above) – a 37-year-old propulsion scientist from Tucson, Arizona – has been at the sharp end of the amateur field for years. He was second amateur behind only Neilson Powless last year, and placed 15th overall.
Cole Bunn – a 17-year-old from Bettendorf, Iowa (pictured top right) – won the overall at XTERRA Last Stand and Illinois Wild this year and was 5th amateur (20th overall) at last year’s USA Championship. His local paper wrote a great article on the rising star, read it here.
Daryl Weaver – a 40-year-old from Lititz, Pennsylvania – went mano-a-mano with Modestou all season, taking the first two meetings of the year before Modestou got hot. Weaver has been one of the sports most consistent performers over the last two years, winning his division at 12-of-13 races.
Brandon Mills – the 32-year-old from San Diego, California trains with the ‘Scottish Rocket’ Lesley Paterson and has the results this year to prove it. He finished 8th overall ahead of several pros at the West Championship in April.
Matthew Balzer – The 32-year-old from Reno, Nevada is a former pro and owner of the Reno Running Company. Work and family life keep him busy but he still has the tools to race up front.
Others that should be considered among the favorites include XTERRA veterans Anthony Snoble from New York and Phillip Glenn of Nevada, Mathieu Signoretty from Washington who dominated in the Northwest this year, Rob Ricard from Maine, and Grayson Keppler from Texas.
FINCHAMP TOPS WOMEN’S LIST OF CONTENDERS
Hannah Rae Finchamp, 17, from Altadena, California won her division at all five XTERRA races she entered this season and was the top amateur finisher at three of them. The reigning XTERRA USA and World Champion finished a remarkable sixth overall behind only the top five pro women at the XTERRA West Championship in April, and was 9th overall at the Mountain Championship in July.
The senior at Maranatha High School is the captain of the swim and cross country teams, won the California mountain bike state championship this year, and all the while maintains a 4.4 GPA.
On the other end of the spectrum is Anne Gonzales, a 52-year-old from Aspen, Colorado. A gardener during the summertime, Gonzales grew up on a swim team, picked up running as a way to stay fit while raising her two boys, and got serious about mountain biking about six years ago. Last year in Utah she placed 10th overall, third amateur, and just a little more than a minute behind Finchamp.
Meghan Sheridan, a 34-year-old living in Salt Lake City, was 11th overall last year and fourth amateur, just seconds behind Gonzales. Funny story, Sheridan wore a rafting wetsuit in her first-ever XTERRA here in 2010 and thinks she was pretty much the last one out of the water. While her swim is still a work in progress, her bike and run are golden (she had faster splits than Hannah Rae last year). She was 10th overall (third amateur) at the West Champs and 2nd amateur only behind Hannah Rae at the Mountain Champs.
Others contenders include Elizabeth Gruber from California (the 20-24 XTERRA World Champion finished 9th overall, 2nd amateur at the West Champs) and Maia Ignatz from Colorado (who won four races this year and placed 7th overall, top amateur, at the XTERRA East Championship in Richmond).
There is no doubt we’ve left out some notables, with a field of more than 300 qualified racers from almost every state in the U.S. there’s just no telling who’s showing up hot on raceday. We wish the entire field the best of luck on Saturday.
Find out how it shakes out this Sat., Sept. 21, at 9am MST on twitter @xterraoffroad #xterraUTAH and www.facebook.com/XTERRAPlanet
BIsmarck's Molnar ready to represent u.s. at world triathlon
July 08, 2013 11:16 pm •
By Cindy Peterson
Daniel Molnar of Bismarck has already experienced success in triathlons in the short period of time he’s been competing.
He thought there was more potential to tap into.
Molnar sought the guidance of an experienced coach in Florida. For almost two months he’s been under that coach’s guidance, and he’s noticed a difference.
“With his advice, I feel I’m improving and have more structured workouts,” said Molar, who is the track and cross country coach at United Tribes. “A year ago, I did whatever I felt like doing that day.
“I was told he could help me reach my goal, which is to become a professional triathlete, by the end of this year. I’m excited to keep working with him.”
Molnar will put his skills on the world stage on Saturday when he will represent the United States at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships on the beach, sea and dunes surrounding The Hague in The Netherlands.
Competition consists of a 1,000-meter swim, 26-kilometer mountain bike race and a 9-kilometer run. The swim will take place on the rough waters of the North Sea while almost half of the bike and run course will be on the beach in the deep sand and dunes between the city and the beach.
Molnar was given the opportunity to compete after being the fastest American in his age group at the 2012 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, in October. He was the fastest overall amateur runner in a field of more than 650 athletes.
Molnar’s background comes in running, competing at Dickinson State in track and cross country. He has focused more on the swimming and biking end of things.
“My training has changed a lot,” said Molnar, who is originally from Hungary. “I had to learn how to swim and bike properly. I’m constantly working so I can get to a level to say I’m actually satisfied.
“This winter, all I did was go to the YMCA and swim. When I started doing technique-related workouts, when I did swim, I swam faster.”
Molnar ran for a club team in Hungary for about almost a decade before coming to the United States. His club coach advised against doing other activities — even ping pong — except running. Molnar enjoys the swimming and biking end of the triathlon as much as he loves running.
“I’m excited to put all three of these events together,” Molnar said.
One other American will be joining Molnar in The Netherlands, Scott Archer of Colorado.
“I’ve beat him in every single race, but that doesn’t mean I’ll beat him again,” Molnar said. “Everyone trains harder after each race. There will be a lot of guys from Europe there.
“I’m not going to go there with my hands up. I’m going there to do my best and beat them. I trust my workouts and training.”
Molnar, who is married to an American, is now a dual citizen of the U.S. and Hungary. He’s excited to represent the red, white and blue.
“This is my home. This is where I live now,” Molnar said. “I’m representing another country that has accepted me.
“My primary goal is to step on the podium. If all goes well, I want to win a world championship. From there on, I want to keep working and get as fast as I can possibly get.”
Molnar would also like to win the triathlon for his family here and in Hungary.
“My wife has put up with all this craziness the last two years,” Molnar said. “It’s not a cheap sport. My family in Hungary will be cheering for the Americans.”
Reach reporter Cindy Peterson at 701-250-8245 or cindy.peterson@bismarcktribune.com.
Original article can be found at http://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/bismarck-s-molnar-ready-to-represent-u-s-at-world/article_501a5534-e84e-11e2-93ae-001a4bcf887a.html
By Cindy Peterson
Daniel Molnar of Bismarck has already experienced success in triathlons in the short period of time he’s been competing.
He thought there was more potential to tap into.
Molnar sought the guidance of an experienced coach in Florida. For almost two months he’s been under that coach’s guidance, and he’s noticed a difference.
“With his advice, I feel I’m improving and have more structured workouts,” said Molar, who is the track and cross country coach at United Tribes. “A year ago, I did whatever I felt like doing that day.
“I was told he could help me reach my goal, which is to become a professional triathlete, by the end of this year. I’m excited to keep working with him.”
Molnar will put his skills on the world stage on Saturday when he will represent the United States at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships on the beach, sea and dunes surrounding The Hague in The Netherlands.
Competition consists of a 1,000-meter swim, 26-kilometer mountain bike race and a 9-kilometer run. The swim will take place on the rough waters of the North Sea while almost half of the bike and run course will be on the beach in the deep sand and dunes between the city and the beach.
Molnar was given the opportunity to compete after being the fastest American in his age group at the 2012 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, in October. He was the fastest overall amateur runner in a field of more than 650 athletes.
Molnar’s background comes in running, competing at Dickinson State in track and cross country. He has focused more on the swimming and biking end of things.
“My training has changed a lot,” said Molnar, who is originally from Hungary. “I had to learn how to swim and bike properly. I’m constantly working so I can get to a level to say I’m actually satisfied.
“This winter, all I did was go to the YMCA and swim. When I started doing technique-related workouts, when I did swim, I swam faster.”
Molnar ran for a club team in Hungary for about almost a decade before coming to the United States. His club coach advised against doing other activities — even ping pong — except running. Molnar enjoys the swimming and biking end of the triathlon as much as he loves running.
“I’m excited to put all three of these events together,” Molnar said.
One other American will be joining Molnar in The Netherlands, Scott Archer of Colorado.
“I’ve beat him in every single race, but that doesn’t mean I’ll beat him again,” Molnar said. “Everyone trains harder after each race. There will be a lot of guys from Europe there.
“I’m not going to go there with my hands up. I’m going there to do my best and beat them. I trust my workouts and training.”
Molnar, who is married to an American, is now a dual citizen of the U.S. and Hungary. He’s excited to represent the red, white and blue.
“This is my home. This is where I live now,” Molnar said. “I’m representing another country that has accepted me.
“My primary goal is to step on the podium. If all goes well, I want to win a world championship. From there on, I want to keep working and get as fast as I can possibly get.”
Molnar would also like to win the triathlon for his family here and in Hungary.
“My wife has put up with all this craziness the last two years,” Molnar said. “It’s not a cheap sport. My family in Hungary will be cheering for the Americans.”
Reach reporter Cindy Peterson at 701-250-8245 or cindy.peterson@bismarcktribune.com.
Original article can be found at http://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/bismarck-s-molnar-ready-to-represent-u-s-at-world/article_501a5534-e84e-11e2-93ae-001a4bcf887a.html
molnar fares well in worlds
October 29, 2012 6:53 pm •
By Lou Babiarz
As a self-described perfectionist — Bismarck’s Daniel Molnar said he wasn’t 100 percent satisfied with his performance at the XTERRA World Championship off-road triathlon in Maui, Hawaii, on Sunday.
But even he had to admit it was pretty darn good.
Competing in his first world championship Molnar, the United Tribes track and cross country coach, placed eighth in his age group and had the fastest running time of any amateur — regardless of age — in a field of more than 650 athletes.
Molnar entered the event with a goal of completing the course — a 1.5-kilometer ocean swim, a 30.4-kilometer mountain bike ride and a 9.5-kilometer trail run — in three hours. He crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 40 seconds. Overall the 28-year-old Molnar finished 73rd of the 629 athletes who completed the course. Several dozen others fell short.
“If I had to summarize, I’d say I’m pretty happy with everything,” Molnar said.
Molnar qualified for the world championships by winning his age group in the XTERRA Mexican and Canadian championships. Javier Gomez, who took home the silver medal in triathlon at this summer’s Olympics, won the event with a time of 2:26.50. Of the 72 competitors that finished ahead of Molnar, 42 were professionals.
Molnar entered the race at less than 100 percent. Aside from knee and rib injuries, Molnar wasn’t exactly well-rested. The earthquake that hit Canada over the weekend resulted in tsunami warnings for Hawaii, resulting in Molnar’s hotel being evacuated in the middle of the night. He spent four hours sleeping in his car.
It took Molnar 28:14 to complete the swim, after which he was in 229th place.
“The age-group division went off just when the big waves came, 6- to 8-foot waves,” Molnar said. “They were taking everybody off course. The swim was 1,500 meters. I probably went 1,700 meters.”
Molnar began to make up ground quickly. He finished the cycling leg in 1:42:32, good for 90th place.
As always, the run was the strongest event for Molnar, a former cross country and track star at Dickinson State University. “The course was steep, even steeper than the run,” he said. “There were parts I had to power walk.”
He completed the course in 41:10, 14th overall. Molnar posted the fastest time of all age-group competitors, finishing only behind professional athletes. That was all the more impressive because following his knee surgery early this year, Molnar cut his mileage to no more than 20 per week.
Molnar said he plans to continue training, concentrating on improving his swimming in hopes of eventually being able to compete professionally.
“Ultimately, that’s my goal,” he said.
Reach sports editor Lou Babiarz at 250-8243 or Lou.Babiarz@bismarcktribune.com.
Original article can be found at http://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/molnar-fares-well-in-worlds/article_ca119632-2223-11e2-a9e6-0019bb2963f4.html
By Lou Babiarz
As a self-described perfectionist — Bismarck’s Daniel Molnar said he wasn’t 100 percent satisfied with his performance at the XTERRA World Championship off-road triathlon in Maui, Hawaii, on Sunday.
But even he had to admit it was pretty darn good.
Competing in his first world championship Molnar, the United Tribes track and cross country coach, placed eighth in his age group and had the fastest running time of any amateur — regardless of age — in a field of more than 650 athletes.
Molnar entered the event with a goal of completing the course — a 1.5-kilometer ocean swim, a 30.4-kilometer mountain bike ride and a 9.5-kilometer trail run — in three hours. He crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 40 seconds. Overall the 28-year-old Molnar finished 73rd of the 629 athletes who completed the course. Several dozen others fell short.
“If I had to summarize, I’d say I’m pretty happy with everything,” Molnar said.
Molnar qualified for the world championships by winning his age group in the XTERRA Mexican and Canadian championships. Javier Gomez, who took home the silver medal in triathlon at this summer’s Olympics, won the event with a time of 2:26.50. Of the 72 competitors that finished ahead of Molnar, 42 were professionals.
Molnar entered the race at less than 100 percent. Aside from knee and rib injuries, Molnar wasn’t exactly well-rested. The earthquake that hit Canada over the weekend resulted in tsunami warnings for Hawaii, resulting in Molnar’s hotel being evacuated in the middle of the night. He spent four hours sleeping in his car.
It took Molnar 28:14 to complete the swim, after which he was in 229th place.
“The age-group division went off just when the big waves came, 6- to 8-foot waves,” Molnar said. “They were taking everybody off course. The swim was 1,500 meters. I probably went 1,700 meters.”
Molnar began to make up ground quickly. He finished the cycling leg in 1:42:32, good for 90th place.
As always, the run was the strongest event for Molnar, a former cross country and track star at Dickinson State University. “The course was steep, even steeper than the run,” he said. “There were parts I had to power walk.”
He completed the course in 41:10, 14th overall. Molnar posted the fastest time of all age-group competitors, finishing only behind professional athletes. That was all the more impressive because following his knee surgery early this year, Molnar cut his mileage to no more than 20 per week.
Molnar said he plans to continue training, concentrating on improving his swimming in hopes of eventually being able to compete professionally.
“Ultimately, that’s my goal,” he said.
Reach sports editor Lou Babiarz at 250-8243 or Lou.Babiarz@bismarcktribune.com.
Original article can be found at http://bismarcktribune.com/sports/local/molnar-fares-well-in-worlds/article_ca119632-2223-11e2-a9e6-0019bb2963f4.html
Bismarck Triathlete
Alexander Gorney, KFYR-TV News 10/25/2012
One Bismarck Man qualified to compete in the World Offroad Triathlon Championships this Saturday in Hawaii. His name is Daniel Molnar and and he says that this is the toughest triathlon in the world.
Molnar doesn`t just excel in just one sport, try three of them. That`s because Molnar is a tri-athlete.
"With triathlons, it`s not just about running. You`ve got to find time to swim and swimming is a very time consuming activity and so is biking. So it definitely takes dedication time that you are not going to spend at home," he said.
Molnar came to the United States in 2008 from Hungary. As a part of the Dickinson State track and field team, he qualified for the NAIA National championships in the marathon. But it was during his time at DSU that he discovered a passion for triathlons.
"In 2009 is when I didn`t run XC but I still felt I had to do something so I did the Dickinson triathlon."
Working as a lifeguard and using the stationary bikes before and after class propelled him into winning the race. Since then, he`s taken his three-sport hobby to the extreme, competing in the Xterra off-road triathlon series up and down North America.
"It wouldn`t be Xterra if it wasn`t inhumanely challenging, you`re going up and down lava fields. Going down on hills 30 or 40 miles per hour and dodging boulders."
After finishing first in his age group in races in Mexico and Canada, the 28-year old earned his spot in the world championships in Kapalua, Hawaii. The race will consist of a 1,500 meter swim, 30-kilometer bike ride and 10k run. He does this things while also working as a coach and instructor at United Tribes Technical College.
"He`s really an example for the students. He`s out on the bike. He`s in the pools, he`s out on the blacktop running. As a coach and instructor here, students can see that his competitiveness in sports is something they can aspire to," said UTTC Strengthening Lifestyles Director Marcus Austin.
"There is nothing that an athlete can ask for than to motivate and change people`s lives for the better by showing as an example that this is one way to live. This is one way to live healthy," Molnar said.
When Molnar suits up for the world championship, it won`t be all about what place he comes in.
"I just want to get out there and finish and be proud of what I`ve accomplished."
Molnar says that he and the other competitors will face eight to nine foot swells during the swimming portion of the race when he competes this Saturday. You can check to see how he does by going towww.xterralive.com/worlds/# and select his name in the tab.
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One Bismarck Man qualified to compete in the World Offroad Triathlon Championships this Saturday in Hawaii. His name is Daniel Molnar and and he says that this is the toughest triathlon in the world.
Molnar doesn`t just excel in just one sport, try three of them. That`s because Molnar is a tri-athlete.
"With triathlons, it`s not just about running. You`ve got to find time to swim and swimming is a very time consuming activity and so is biking. So it definitely takes dedication time that you are not going to spend at home," he said.
Molnar came to the United States in 2008 from Hungary. As a part of the Dickinson State track and field team, he qualified for the NAIA National championships in the marathon. But it was during his time at DSU that he discovered a passion for triathlons.
"In 2009 is when I didn`t run XC but I still felt I had to do something so I did the Dickinson triathlon."
Working as a lifeguard and using the stationary bikes before and after class propelled him into winning the race. Since then, he`s taken his three-sport hobby to the extreme, competing in the Xterra off-road triathlon series up and down North America.
"It wouldn`t be Xterra if it wasn`t inhumanely challenging, you`re going up and down lava fields. Going down on hills 30 or 40 miles per hour and dodging boulders."
After finishing first in his age group in races in Mexico and Canada, the 28-year old earned his spot in the world championships in Kapalua, Hawaii. The race will consist of a 1,500 meter swim, 30-kilometer bike ride and 10k run. He does this things while also working as a coach and instructor at United Tribes Technical College.
"He`s really an example for the students. He`s out on the bike. He`s in the pools, he`s out on the blacktop running. As a coach and instructor here, students can see that his competitiveness in sports is something they can aspire to," said UTTC Strengthening Lifestyles Director Marcus Austin.
"There is nothing that an athlete can ask for than to motivate and change people`s lives for the better by showing as an example that this is one way to live. This is one way to live healthy," Molnar said.
When Molnar suits up for the world championship, it won`t be all about what place he comes in.
"I just want to get out there and finish and be proud of what I`ve accomplished."
Molnar says that he and the other competitors will face eight to nine foot swells during the swimming portion of the race when he competes this Saturday. You can check to see how he does by going towww.xterralive.com/worlds/# and select his name in the tab.
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