PORTLAND, ME – August 31, 2008 – Sunday morning triathletes from across New
England battled their way up challenging bike hills and a steep summit climb in the first-ever Rangeley Oquossoc Mountain Pursuit (ROMP). Rallied by perfect fall weather and a scenic western mountain backdrop, an intimate field of athletes raced to a hard-earned finish at the Saddleback Mountain Base Lodge.

Thomas McWalters of Thorndike, Maine took top honors in the men’s division with a time of 1:43:16. In the women’s division, first place went to Portland resident Erin Brennan in a time of 2:02:35.

The event’s setting allowed athletes to both test their strength and experience the beauty of the western side of the state. Among trees beginning to show first signs of color, racers swam half-a-mile in Rangeley Lake, then embarked on a grueling 22-mile bike course through Rangeley and Qquossoc, and finished with a 4.8-mile run from the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center to the base of Saddleback Mountain.

“It was evident that the athletes were motivated by the spectacular views,” said Will Thomas of Tri-Maine. (Tri-Maine partnered with the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center to provide ROMP race management support and race day execution.)
“There was a real sense of triumph circulating around the finish area. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers and Rangeley community, the first ROMP was a great success.”
Sponsor support for the ROMP was provided by Saddleback Mountain, TD BankNorth, The Danforth Group, Rangeley Family Dentistry, Rangeley Lakes and Trails, and Franklin Savings Bank.

For results or more information visit www.tri-maine.com or contact Amy VanHaren.

About the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center:
The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center is located in the heart of the scenic western mountains and lakes region of Maine, at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley. The Center offers 35 kilometers of trails for four-seasons of recreation use
including cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
Excellent terrain plus the best snow conditions in the East (with an annual snowfall approaching 200 inches) make the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. For more information, visit www.xcskirangeley.com.

About Tri-Maine:

Tri-Maine Productions is Maine’s premier multisport event management company. Providing high quality, competitive races in dynamic New England locations, Tri-Maine serves more than 3,000 athletes, 5,000 spectators, and 800 volunteers annually. Tri-Maine partners with first-rate local and national sponsors to provide an athletic experience like no other. Fusing arts, music, environmental consciousness, health, and community together with the active lifestyle, Tri-Maine delivers specialized events that transcend the traditional. Visit www.tri-maine.com for more information.

Contact:
             
Amy VanHaren, Public Relations Coordinator
Tri-Maine Productions
207.221.5420
amy@tri-maine.com
www.tri-maine.com