Wildwood Triathlon Club announces USAT certification, membership drive, expanded website
The Wildwoods By-the-Sea, March 19, 2007: Roger Lillo, founder of the Wildwood Triathlon Club (WTC) has announced that USA Triathlon, the United States national governing body for the sport of triathlon, has formally certified the Wildwood Triathlon Club as a recognized and sanctioned triathlon club. The club, based in Wildwood, was started in January 2006 by Lillo and a group of local triathletes for the purposes of training, traveling and competing together in triathlons, duathlons and other multisport events. “We are thrilled...” states Lillo, a Wildwood native who notes that to gain such recognition after only one year in existence, “…is very special, and a testament to the hard work, desire and talents of the club members.”
The Wildwood Triathlon Club boasts 25 members, primarily from Cape May County, and is actively looking for new members to join the club. Currently members range in age from early twenties through mid-sixties. Members of all ages and skill levels are welcome. As the weather turns warmer, members will be organizing group training sessions, including fresh and open water swims, bicycling rides, time trials, and running workouts. Several members have coaching and racing experience at elite levels, often sharing tips and strategies for effective training and racing techniques with fellow club members.
Lillo mentions another important aspect of triathlon training. He states, “Cross-training in swimming, cycling and running gets your body in terrific condition. It doesn’t take a lot of time, maybe 4-5 hours per week total, spread out 30 to 60 minutes per workout 5 to 6 days per week makes a huge impact on overall fitness. The (Wildwood Triathlon) Club is great for camaraderie and supporting your friends.”
Lillo cites the eye-catching club logos on WTC training and racing apparel as just one way the club has gained in popularity and familiarity with racers. “At races as far away as Florida, triathletes see our logo and ask about the club. Response has been overwhelmingly positive.” says Lillo, who also boasts that several WTC members are elite class level and others are age group champions at many races. “We have guys who consistently finish in the top 10 at events” says Lillo, “and our club is always a topic of conversation at post-race awards ceremonies and parties.”
Wildwood Triathlon Club members participate in triathlons at all distances, although sprint distance races are most common in this area. Spring distance triathlons usually involve a ¼ mile swim, a 10 mile cycling leg, followed by a 3.1 mile (5k) run. Most events are held on weekend mornings from April through October. “A number of our members are already training for the DooWop Duathlon.” says Lillo. The DooWop Duathlon, a short distance run-bike-run event takes place April 14th at the Wildwood Convention Center, and is directed by WTC member Stephen DelMonte.
Lillo also mentions the expanded club website, “The club website has been recently expanded and is a great resource for news and information about workouts, races, as well as links to other helpful triathlon-related sites. We also feature our WTC logo-wear apparel for training, racing, and casual-wear.”
“Cape May County is home to some of the best men and women triathletes in New Jersey. We invite all triathletes in Cape May County to join, from newbies to elite class.” says Lillo, who mentions that some race directors even offer entry fee discounts for Club members.
More information about the Wildwood Triathlon Club can be found on the club website, www.wildwoodtriathlonclub.com, or by contacting Roger Lillo at 609 374-4541 or via email to rogerlillo@comcast.net.