Hardiman had a lot to say at the post-race press conference in Ventura.
Ventura, California
Fresh off of his strong (and somewhat unexpected) performance in the Breath of Life Ventura Triathlon, HLB Tri Team Member Mark Hardiman had some very choice words for his young Teammate Arnold Pamplona at the post-race press conference. "He thought he could rest on his laurels after the Irwindale triathlon. He skipped workouts. He partied hard. That was a big mistake." Hardiman was feeling confident after crossing the finish line only 8 minutes slower than Pamplona in a race many predicted to be a blowout. "He told me he would beat me by a half hour. Look at my bike split! It was only two minutes slower than his!"
Hardiman's attacks were not limited to mere trash talking. He not only predicted that he would soon beat Pamplona in a triathlon, he set the place and time.
"I challenge Arnold to try and beat me in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on October 30, 2005." That race, hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation, requires participants to complete a half marathon (13.1 mile run) AFTER completing a 1.2-mile open water swim and a 56-mile bike.
"He's crazy," responded Pamplona in a telephone interview, "did anyone tell him that there's a 56-mile bike leg? I'm liable to beat him by an hour." Although he thought Hardiman's challenge was rediculous, he happily accepted:"I will not only beat him in the race, I will raise more money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation than he will."
Who will prevail in the Hardiman-Pamplona triathlon battle? Only the athletes can determine that. But only YOU, dear reader, can determine who will raise more money for disabled athletes. Who do you like more? Are you rooting for the 43-year old veteran, or the 29-year old upstart?
If you want Hardiman to win, click here to donate on his behalf. If you want Pamplona to win, click here.
It's up to you, America. Every vote counts. Seacrest, out.
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