2006 Midwest Mudder

RESULTS  

By Dev Letendre

(Lawrence, KS)-Athletes from as far away as Alaska found their way to the nation's bread basket for the Midwest Mudder. Scorching temperatures and high humidity made it more like a bread oven.

The race began with Kahuna-style swim, complete with a 40-yard beach run between laps.  XTERRA ambassador Peter Hanson (M40-44 North Central) showed everyone how much he enjoyed the swim by finishing first. Karl Edgerton (M40-44 Mountain) was right on Hanson's heels coming out of the water a mere 19 seconds back.  Amber Mounday (F30-34 South Central) did herself a great favor by establishing a five-minute lead after the swim. Her closest rivals were Allison Baker (F30-34 South Central), and Katy Rosane (F40-44 Northwest) who came all the way from Alaska to sample the balmy water.

Out on the bike, flat tires were the feature to beat. The great single track course featured damp, sticky mud (thanks to the humidity) and plenty of rocks that made racers question their decision on tire pressure. It was a flat tire that would cost Hanson his narrow lead after the swim.  Edward Oliver (M35-39 North Central) showed his nimble riding skills and avoided pinch flats, hot air explosions, and new tire pirates by besting the bike split by 23 minutes over the next-best rider Sam Holmes (M40-44 South Central).  Oliver's luck with the tire gods did not translate to the run and he eventually succumbed to the heat. Amber Mounday, thanks to her swim could not see how close her competition was, and the threats they represented as Lindy Biglieni (F30-34 South Central) was only a minute off of Amber's bike pace, 2:18 to 2:19.

As challenging as the bike course was, the temperatures continued to climb throughout the day. It was the Gatorade Endurance and GU shots that moved into the MVP role.  Ryan Pirtle (M25-29 South Central) kept his form throughout and distanced himself from the next-fastest runner, (Diego Leskovar M30-34 South Central) by 15 minutes. Fifteen MINUTES, perhaps traveling from San Antonio put the clamps into Diego's legs, or maybe it was youth.  Amber Mounday would lead from start to finish and have a nice place in the top ten overall.

Many thanks to KLM Marketing Solutions for going the extra mile dealing with the heat. More thanks for Clinton Lake State Park, and the on-site EMS volunteers I hope to see you all on the beach next year!!!

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