For Immediate Release

Chris Lieto top U.S. finisher at Ford Ironman World Championships
Lieto finishes 9th overall among the best athletes in the world

October 26, 2006 — San Francisco, CA — Danville California resident Chris Lieto topped off the most successful year in his young career by crossing the line in 9th place at the Ford Ironman World Championships held this past Sunday, October 21st in Kailua-Kona Hawaii. In doing so, Lieto secured his first top 10 finish in Kona and also grabbed the coveted title of top American to break the finishing line tape.

"My goal going into this race was to finish on the podium, but I am very happy with my final results and I am very proud to be the top American finisher", commented Lieto. "This truly is a world championship and this race had some of the best athletes on the planet. To be considered the top U.S. Ironman athlete is something that I will cherish and is a title that I hope I can use to further the sport of triathlon", said Lieto.

Coming into the race, Lieto spent 5 weeks acclimating and training on Maui and considered himself to be in the best shape of his career both physically and mentally. "I made the decision early in the year to commit myself 100% to racing well in Kona. It was extremely difficult to leave my wife Karis and my son Kaiden for that length of time, but we both knew that it was necessary if I was to have a shot at winning in Kona", said Lieto.

As the race unfolded, Lieto found himself within striking distance of the lead and was in 2nd place overall as he headed out on to the marathon portion of the race. "I pushed extremely hard on the last half of the bike and tried to bring back race leader Norman Stadler, but my legs began to hurt and I wasn't gaining the time I had planned on. The first half of the run was really difficult for me. My gut wasn't cooperating and at times I was forced to walk due to the pain in my stomach. Around mile 14 it finally passed and I began to find my running form — making up time on some of the top runners who had passed me early on. I am proud of the way I handled those rough spots — mentally, this was one of the toughest races I have ever endured", commented Lieto.

As Lieto regained his form, he ran himself up into the top 10 overall and crossed the finish line impressively in 9th place with an overall time of 8:27:37.

The Ford Ironman World Championships mark the 5th Ironman distance race for Lieto in the last 14 months. Of those 5 Ironman races, Lieto won Ironman Canada and Ironman Japan, finished 2nd at Ironman Malaysia and now a 9th place finish at the world championships to end the season. In doing so, Lieto also set new bike course records at Ironman Canada, Ironman Malaysia and Ironman Japan. "It's definitely time for me to get back home, rest and spend time with my family. I am so proud of what I have accomplished this year. I may not have won the world championships, but I feel like I have established myself as one of the top Ironman athletes in the world — it's a good feeling", said Lieto.

About Chris Lieto:
www.chrislieto.com
Chris began is triathlon career winning his first race as an age-grouper, and turned pro less than three years later. His record includes:
Champion Ironman Japan 2006
2nd place Ironman Malaysia 2006
Champion Ironman Canada 2005
2nd place Ralph's Half Ironman 2005
U.S. Champion (2nd place IM Lake Placid) 2003
Champion Ironman Wisconsin 2002
Champion Vineman Half Ironman 2002
Champion Nautica Malibu Triathlon 2003

Chris, his wife Karis and son Kaiden reside in Danville, California.

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www.katalystmultisport.com
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Chris McCrary
Katalyst Multisport Management
(415) 215-3412
chris.mccrary@katalystmultisport.com