25/02: Alpental race (USA)

Jackson Hole, WY-Canadian Andy Traslin won the Outdoor Research Randonnee Rally Race at Alpental, Washington in a time of 1 hour 44 minutes and 24 seconds just 33 seconds ahead of second place finisher Zahan Billimoria of Driggs, Idaho. Kevin Grove finished third in a time of 1 hour 47 minutes and 27 seconds.

The Alpental Race, which was organized by Martin Volken owner of Pro Guiding Service (www.proguiding.com), was back after a year's hiatus due to lack of snow in the 2005 season. Traslin who finished second in the 2004 race was able to hold off Billimoria to take his first victory in the Mountain Hardwear Life-Link/Dynafit Ski Mountaineering Race Series.

The women's race was won by Karen Kingsley of Ophir, CO in a time of 1 hour 46 minutes and 41 seconds which would have placed her third in the men's division and also pushed her into the points lead for the overall race series woman's championship. Molly Grove took second place in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 17 seconds. Marge Wheeler placed third in a time of 2 hours 8 minutes and 1 second.

"I am excited to see how strong of a backcountry community we have around here. We are hoping to expand the event next year to somewhat of a Ski Touring festival so we can make it appealing to "Non racers" as well," stated Volken "Also thanks to all the race participants and most of all to all the volunteers that stepped up to the plate and helped make it a good event. "

The Mountain Hardwear Life-Link/Dynafit Race Series is a series of ski mountaineering races held at some of the premier resorts in North America. The Races test the competitor's endurance, equipment and skiing skills while skinning up and skiing down some of the toughest terrain that these resorts and their surrounding mountains have to offer. Proceeds from the race series go to benefit local avalanche forecasting centers and local search and rescue groups. Sponsors of the Series are Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Marmot, Arcteryx, Life-Link, Dynafit, Petzl, Couloir Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, Ibex, Off-Piste Magazine, Crazy-Creek, Suunto, Croakies, Clif Bar, Honey Stinger, Adventure Medical Kits, Buff Headwear. McNett Revivex, Pro Ski Service, and Mammoth Mountaineering.

Media Contact: Claire Johnson- claire@life-link.com

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