The HLB Athletics 2005 race season opened today as members of the HLB Duathlon Team, Stacie Neroni, Jennifer Levy and Arnold Pamplona participated in the inaugural Bicycle John's Duathlon Challenge in Acton, California. Team members endured grueling conditions and a tough field of competitors over a 1.8-mile run, 9.5-mile bike and 3.4-mile run.
The most valiant effort of the day was that of Levy, who did what few athletes are willing to do: push her body to its absolute breaking point. After setting a blistering pace on the first run and bike legs, Levy set out to destroy the field on the second run leg, when her legs just could not give any more. Although earning a "DNF" for the event, her grit and determination inspired her teammates to earn HLB Athletics' first honors for the year.
Stacie Neroni broke the tape in one hour, forty-five minutes, good enough for second place in her very competitive age division. Arnold Pamplona earned third place in his age division with a time of one hour, twenty-four minutes. The awards ceremony was sweet for Neroni and Pamplona, as this was the first time either has placed in a multi-sport event since they began their careers at the Long Beach Triathlon last September.
"I think this is a good omen for our 2005 race season," remarked Pamplona after accepting his third-place prize, a Bicycle John's beer glass. But Pamplona's success was marred by controversy. When prodded for comment, Pamplona vigorously denied rumors that there were only three participants in his age division. "That is a mendacious lie. I myslef counted at least five people!"
Neroni and Levy brave the cold conditions in Acton
The HLB Duathlon Team got new bikes this year. Their impressive steeds intimidated the competition.
Neroni accepts her Second Place trophy
Pamplona shows off his third place trophy
A toast to the success of HLB Athletics, 2005
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The next event on the HLB Athletics calendar will be the world-renown Solvang Century, a one-hundred mile bike ride in the "Dutch Capital of America." The HLB Cycling Team is actively recruiting members for the event, which will take place on March 12. There is speculation that Patric Hooper himself will join the Team. "The addition of the Hoopster will make the Team unbeatable!" said Neroni, giddy over the prospect of dominating yet another race.
Anyone interested in joining the HLB Cycling Team should send inquiries to apamplona@health-law.com.
