The Haul to the Great Wall series of intermediate distance triathlons will allow triathletes and spectators to get their first look at who might be competing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Each race is sanctioned by USAT and also the International Triathlon Union (ITU). The ITU world rankings system is used as part of the qualification process for the Olympic Games.
While the intent of the series is to provide up-and-coming triathletes with draft-legal racing experience and the chance to earn valuable ITU points toward Olympic qualifying, look for the 2008 series to feature some of the bigger names in U.S. - and international - elite triathlon racing.
For 2008 Haul to the Great Wall race information click
here
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For the Official 2008 Beijing Olympics website click here.
2007 Haul to the Great Wall Series Results
Hunter Kemper and Julie Ertel raced to victories at the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island-the final race of the 2007 Haul to the Greal Wall Series-and in the process each captured the overall titles of USA Triathlon’s Haul to the Great Wall series.
Kemper was pleased to cap his season with a win as he looks ahead to qualifying for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. “Personally my life has been going really well. This year has been an amazing blessing. With triathlon, it’s been tough for me,” said Kemper. “I feel like I’m getting better. I’m getting stronger. My injury is still lingering, but it’s nice to end the season on a positive note. And to win the Haul to the Great Wall series is always a good thing. USA Triathlon and Speedo have put a lot of money on the line, so it’s good to come out here and win a little bit of money and finish the year out on a high note.”
With their race wins, Kemper and Ertel each took home $5,000, plus a $1,500 bonus from Speedo as the top American finishers. As Haul to the Great Wall series winners, they each pocketed another $6,000, plus a $5,000 Speedo bonus.
Andy Potts and Haskins finished second in the series and each claimed a $2,500 Speedo bonus.
2007 Haul to the Great Wall Race Results
The Honolulu Triathlon
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Date: May 20
Prize Purse: $30,000
Details: U.S. Elite National Championship
Honolulu Triathlon Results
Hy-Vee Triathlon
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Date: June 17
Prize Purse: $700,000
Details: ITU World Cup Event
Hy-Vee Triathlon Results
The Musselman Triathlon
Location: Geneva, N.Y.
Date: July 14
Prize Purse: $20,000
Musselman Triathlon Results
The Great Colorado Triathlon
Location: Longmont, Colo.
Date: August 12
Prize Purse: $20,000
Details: USAT U23, Junior & Youth Elite National Championship
Great Colorado Triathlon Results
San Francison Triathlon at Treasure Island
Location: San Francisco, Calif.
Date: November 10
Prize Purse: $40,000
Details: Series Championship; Double series points
San Francisco Triathlon Results