BOULDER, CO -- As the 2006 Boulder Triathlon Series comes to a close, the titles and spoils of "series winner" are handed out to 30 athletes in overall and age group categories.

Overall amateur champions Wendy Mader (Fort Collins, CO) and Tim Hola (Highlands Ranch, CO) will both receive $2,500 for their accomplishments in the three races that make up the Series, sponsored by 5430 Sports of Boulder, CO.

Starting with the 5430 Sprint Triathlon, the series also includes an incredibly popular Olympic Distance (the Boulder Peak Triathlon,) and concludes the season with the Half-Ironman distance 5430 Long Course. Points from each of these races counted towards who will become the overall champion of the series, and receivers of part of the phenomenal prize purse. With one of the largest age group prize purses in North America - over $15,000 - the Boulder Triathlon Series is a regional favorite.

Coming into the final race of the season last weekend, the women's field was a toss-up between Mader, Emily Deppe, and Teri Cady. Mader bested the other women, but not by much. Deppe finished second, with a prize of $1,500, and Cady finished on the top of the 30-34 age group, winning a $250 gift certificate to a local tri-sport store. Mader, USA Triathlon's 2006 National Champion in the 30-34 age group, calls the Boulder Triathlon Series, which she also won in 2005, "the anchor of my race season."

Placing third overall in the women's overall category was Diane Ridgway, who won - and dominated - all 3 races in her 55-59 age group. "Diane getting third overall reflects 5430's commitment to rewarding age group excellence and not simply the fastest amateurs," said Barry Siff, the Series Race Director.

On the men's side, 2005 Amateur Athlete of the Year (Triathlete Magazine) Tim Hola won out over a two-way tie for second between Jordan Jones and Cameron Dye. Jones and Dye will split the $2,500 prize money from second and third places. Hola needed a win at the 5430 Long Course to solidify his place at the top, and that is just what he did. "You just never know what will happen in a four plus hours of racing; but, fortunately, everything seemed to click," said Hola. "I was so exited - not only to win, but to be part of such a successful, challenging, and fun series of triathlon races."

In a great showing from all of the age group athletes, each of these age group champions have won a $250 gift certificate to either Boulder Running Company, Bike Source, Fleet Feet Sports, or Runners Roost, all great local triathlon supporters:

14-19: Kira Newman, Trevor Reeves
20-24: Ashley Wiren, Josh Shadle
25-29: Tracy Stewart, Nicholas Cady
30-34: Teri Cady, Kirk Framke
35-39: Steph Popelar, Kevin Konczak
40-44: Kathleen Steffe, Michael Hagen
45-49: Margie Williams, Kenny Leader
50-54: Kris Skiles, Jim Fuller
55-59: Barbara Kostner, Michael Orendorff
60-64: Simon Butterworth, No Female Eligible
65-69: Judith Smythe, Johnny Chapin
Athena/Clydesdale: Sarah Chimelski, Randy McLain

In addition, triathletes who competed in all 3 races of the Series were eligible for some fabulous random prizes including airline tickets, a 3-day stay at Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Grand (including lift tickets), and Zoot wetsuits..

Points were awarded and accumulated for all 3 of the Series events, as follows: 10 points for winning one's age group, 8 for second, 6 for third, then 5-4-3-2-1 (for 4th - 8th). In addition, bonus points of 3, 2, and 1 were added to the overall age group winners. Competitors must have raced in at least 2 races in the Series to be eligible.

The 3 races that comprise the Boulder Triathlon Series include the 5430 Sprint Triathlon in June, the Boulder Peak Triathlon in July, and the 5430 Long Course Triathlon in August. Nearly 4,000 triathletes competed in the 3 events in 2006. In addition, over $37,000 in professional prize money was awarded this year in the Boulder Peak and 5430 Long Course races. Leanda Cave (Great Britain) and Craig Alexander (Australia) won the Boulder Peak, with Alexander winning again at the Long Course, along with Joanna Zeiger of Boulder.