Courtesy: USAT

USA Triathlon has announced a five-race series of intermediate distance triathlons that will allow triathletes and spectators to get their first look at who might be competing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The 2005 Elite Cup Challenge - "The Haul to the Great Wall" - includes five races known not only for their exciting international elite competitions, but also for their popular age group events in interesting locales.

Each race is sanctioned by USAT, and also the International Triathlon Union (ITU). The ITU's world rankings system is used to determine which athletes may try to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Each elite race, which will allow drafting on the bike, has a prize purse of at least $20,000. Moreover, the overall series men and women's champions - whether from the United States or another country - will each receive $5,000.

Age group triathletes interested in racing the same courses as the pros should visit the race web sites for more details and to register. Drafting is not legal in age group races.

2005 Elite Cup Challenge
"The Haul to the Great Wall"

April 16: JAL Honolulu Triathlon
Honolulu, Hawaii
ITU World Cup
$80,000 prize purse
Race Director: Bill Burke
www.honolulutriathlon.com

May 22: Tempe International Classic Triathlon
Tempe, Ariz.
ITU Continental Cup
$20,000 minimum prize purse
Race Director: Jonathan Grinder
www.tucsonracing.com

July 10: Ford New York City Triathlon
New York, N.Y.
ITU Continental Cup
$20,000 minimum prize purse
Race Director: Bill Burke
www.nyctri.com

Aug. 7: Baker's Healthy Start Foundation Triathlon
Bellingham, Wash.
ITU Continental Cup
$20,000 minimum prize purse
Race Director: Bill Burke
www.trithecookie.com

Sept. 4: The Boston Triathlon
Boston, Massachusetts
ITU Continental Cup
$20,000 minimum prize purse
Race Director: Dave McGillivray
www.bostontriathlon.org