Courtesy: USAT

The finale of the inaugural USA Triathlon Junior and U/23 National Triathlon Series takes off Sept. 21 as part of the sold- out Granite Ledges Triathlon in Newfound Lake, N.H.

Not only is the race the series finale, but it also serves as the U.S. national championship and world championship qualifier for athletes 16-19 and under 23.

There are three spots per gender available for each age group (16-19 and under-23) at the 2002 International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Championships on Nov. 9 in Cancun, Mexico.

The race will be sprint distance for athletes under 20 and Olympic distance for those 20-23. Athletes 18-19 by Dec. 31, 2002, can do either distance. Both distances are draft legal.

Among those on the start list who have won previous series races are Sarah Bickerstaff (19; Alva, Okla.), Randall Lewis (19; Provo, Utah), Katie Siegal (17; Germantown, Tenn.), Christopher Stehula (17; Arroyo Grande, Calif.), Terra Baker (22; Austin, Texas), Tyler Barnes (23; Northfield, Mass.) and Kyle Poland (22; Lebanon, Ohio).

These athlete and others who compete Sept. 21 are among the cream of the crop of young triathletes and top finishers will be considered for future USA Triathlon resident, collegiate and national teams.

For more information on the race, go to www.timbermantri.com/granite.htm. For more information on the race series, go to www.usatriathlon.org/youth_and_juniors.htm.