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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS UPDATE


Current Press Release for February 24, 1997
Call 1-800-372-USVI for more information.



U.S. Virgin Islands Update
February 24, 1997

St. Croix To Attract Top International Athletes For May Triathlon

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I., FEBRUARY 24, 1997 - The United States Virgin Islands is gearing up for its 8th Annual St. Croix International Triathlon to be held on May 4. More than 500 top athletes from 32 countries will converge on St. Croix for a day of intense competition as they test their skills and endurance in hopes of capturing this year's $50,000 prize purse.

This year's theme, "Beauty and the Beast," describes the agonizing triumph experienced by triathletes as they compete in this race. While enjoying the scenic beauty of St. Croix, they will be confronted with some of the most challenging obstacles, such as the world-renowned climb known as "The Beast," that will stretch their abilities and stamina to the maximum. Participating athletes will cover three challenging courses including a 2 kilometer (1.24 mile) swim, 55 kilometers (34.1 miles) of biking and a 12 kilometer (7.4 mile) run.

Triathletes will swim from the beach at Protestant Cay, located in the middle of Christiansted Harbor, through the Caribbean's clear blue waters to the dock at Fort Christiansvaern. The bike course will take triathletes over hills and through dikes with gorgeous views of coral bays and old castles to overcome crowd-pleasing favorites such as "The Hot Corner" and "The Beast." Finally, the race will culminate in a 12K run on St. Croix's country roads and through the well-kept grounds of the Buccaneer Hotel down to King Street, where an enthusiastic crowd will applaud the triathletes' triumph with a hardy Crucian welcome.

The St. Croix International Triathlon is one of the most prestigious events of the sport. Last year, the event attracted more than 20,000 spectators who lined the streets of St. Croix to cheer and encourage triathletes to persevere. This year's event will be televised worldwide.

Other events preceding the main competition include the Paradise 5K Run on April 27; a welcome party on May 1; and the Crucian Picnic & Carbo Feast and Jump-Up Street Festival on May 2.

[For airfare and hotel reservations, call the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association at 1-800-524-2026. For race information, call 809-773-4470.]


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