Gilford, NH - The Timberman 70.3 Triathlon, set for Sunday, August 20, will host top pro triathletes from around the world, including Bjorn Andersson (Sweden), 2001 winner Karen Holloway (Canada), 2005 winner Chris Legh (Australia), Kim Loeffler (USA), 2004 winner Michael Lovato (USA), Kate Major (Australia), Matt Seeley (USA), Spencer Smith (Great Britain), and 2004 winner Karen Smyers (USA). This list of triathlon greats gives Timberman one of the strongest pro fields in the 70.3 distance. They will be competing in the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run for qualifying spots to the 2006 Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, Florida.

Chris Legh, the five-time Australian National Champion, has won over 70 professional races worldwide, including Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2004, and Ironman California in 2000. Last year Legh starred in a national Gatorade ad, which featured his journey back from a near-fatal collapse just meters from the finish line at the 1997 Ironman World Championships. Lately Chris has dominated the 70.3 distance.

Texas Ex Michael Lovato is a two-time Ironman Champion, winning Ironman Arizona this year, and Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2003. This will be his third showing at Timberman, having won the event in 2004.

Since turning pro in 2003, Kate Major has stormed the triathlon world, winning Ironman Arizona in 2005, and Ironman USA Lake Placid in 2004. The last two years she placed third at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. And Kate's done all of this by the ripe old age of 27. Last year Kate finished 2nd at Timberman.

Spencer Smith grew up in West London, and began his triathlon career at age 18. He was the ITU Junior World Champion that year. By age 20 he was the youngest ever World and European Champion. He won Ironman Florida in 2001 and Ironman Brazil in 2002, as well as the Gulf Coast Triathlon in 2003 and 2004. In 2005 he survived and recovered from a frightening cycling accident that could have ended his career.

The Timberman Sprint triathlon will take place Saturday, August 19th at 7:30 AM at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford. Sunday, August 20th is the 70.3 event, featuring more than 3000 pro and age-group triathletes from all over the U.S. and the world. The Timberman 70.3 Triathlon features 100 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in November. The race begins at 7:00AM.