Gollnick, Drake Join Womens Field at 2005 Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid

Friday, 15th July 2005

Two-time Ironman Wisconsin champion Heather Gollnick (Hartford, Wisc.) and Ironman standout Laura Drake (Manilou Spring, Fla.) will compete at the 2005 Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid being held on July 24 in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Gollnick posted the first Ironman win of her career at the inaugural Ford Ironman Wisconsin triathlon held in September of 2002 and defended her title in 2003.  Gollnick also won the inaugural Ford Ironman USA Coeur d'Alene title in June of 2003. 

Drake finished third at both Ironman Brazil (2001) and Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid (2001).  Drake also finished a career-best second place at Subaru Ironman Canada back in 2000.  The duo is expected to battle four-time Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid Champion Heather Fuhr (Canada) for the women's title.

One unique change at Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid is that it will serve as a women's only professional race in 2005.

A $50,000 women's pro prize purse will be awarded at the 2005 Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid triathlon.  A $50,000 pro prize purse for professional men was given at the third annual Ford Ironman USA Coeur d'Alene in June of this year.

More than 2,000 triathletes from around the world are expected to compete at the 2005 Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid.  Athletes will be competing for 80 qualifying spots to the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $50,000 women's pro prize purse.

Article Source: Ironman North America