Thanks to all who helped with the Auburn International Triathlon

Thank you Auburn for your tremendous support and enthusiasm for the 3rd annual Auburn International Triathlon - National Professional Championships on Saturday, May 21. Athletes from 18 states and 11 countries around the world gave me nothing but positive comments about the town, the friendly residents, merchants, spectators and volunteers and the scenic and challenging terrain in the Endurance Capital of the World. Some 250 local volunteers did a great job keeping the cyclists safe on the city streets and the runners fueled on the trails of the Auburn State Park. Congratulations to our great champions Cyrille Neveu, who flew from France to achieve victory in Auburn, and Nicole DeBoom, who returned from Colorado to successfully defend her title. Olympic gold medalist Simon Whitfield of Canada, who earned a respectable 5th in his first long-distance race, generously donated his time to captivate the children at Skyridge Elementary School with a wonderful assembly, where kids got to watch his Olympic victory on video, wear a real gold medal around their necks and learn about the importance of setting goals and pursuing their dreams. Tremendous thanks are due to numerous local agencies who supported the event: Gus Thomson, Ben Furtado, Michael Kirby and Todd Mordhorst of the Auburn Journal for their extensive coverage; The Auburn City Council (including Councilman Bob Snyder, who was out there directing traffic all day, and Kevin Hanley and Alice Dowdin, who greeted athletes at the finish line); City Manager Bob Richardson (who has driven the Endurance Capital movement to a new level with tremendous passion and undying support and encouragement); Sonny Harris, Miguel "Superman" Bravo, Ann Wallace and Chuck Brannum from Auburn Public Works; Joanna Belanger, Bernie Schroeder, Judy Holt, Kristy Baker, Rachel Wells and Janet Oppedal from Transit; Andy Ferkin and Gary Thompson from Sewer Department; Alain Grenier and Sheryl Peterson from Auburn Recreation District; Scott Struckman and Jill Dampier from Auburn State Park; Rich Moorehead, Rick Dondro, Kevin Taber and Greg Jacinto from Placer County Transportation; Wilma Rich and the California Conservation Corps; and Deena Irwin and the Placer County Sheriff's stars. Numerous volunteer groups supported the event, including large contingents from the Placer High School Interact Club, the Hillmen Track Team, American River Rehabilitation and the Meadow Vista Lions. Also remarkable were the many individuals who called or just showed up and said, "how can I help?" and made for an enjoyable experience for the athletes. With the last-minute swim cancellation forcing a re-routing of the bike course, Auburn police Capt. Valerie Harris and her team of officers and volunteers did a spectacular job ensuring traffic and cyclists flowed smoothly along Lincoln Way, while Kelly Baraga and Gordon Canham and their team of officers from the California Highway Patrol did the same along the route outside Auburn - all this with less than 24 hours notice! I realize that many motorists were delayed by the event in the areas of Bell Road and I-80, Lincoln Way and Foresthill Road and Lincoln Way and Highway 49. We will strive to minimize these delays in 2006 with an earlier start time, a Sunday race date (May 21) and additional signage, advance notice and law enforcement on the race course.Since this event is a partnership between the community, the athletes and the event organization, I eagerly appreciate your feedback of any kind about how we can make this event more enjoyable and further embraced by the community, minimize inconvenience and traffic impact to motorists and residents and make the Auburn International Triathlon a highlight on the Auburn event calendar every year. I can be reached at (530) 888-9911 or brad@bradventures.com.Brad Kearns is producer of the Auburn International Triathlon.