2002 U.S. Marathon Canoe/Kayak Team Trials

The Marathon Sports Division of USA Canoe/Kayak has announced plans for the 2002 Marathon Canoe/Kayak Team Trials. The Marathon Team Trials are held annually to select elite marathon racers to represent the United States and USACK at various International Marathon racing competitions. Athletes who qualify for the U.S. National Team are eligible to compete in the ICF Marathon World Championships, Marathon World Cup series and other ICF sanctioned events.

The 2002 U.S. Team Trials will be hosted by the Texas Canoe and Kayak Club and will take place on a 25-km loop course on Austin's Town Lake.

Trials competitors must hold a current USACK membership and must verify membership at the time of registration on race day. Non-members may join USACK on race day. If selected for the U.S. Team, competitors also must comply with the ICF statutes governing amateur status and meet citizenship and residency requirements as stipulated by the ICF and USACK. Amateur requirements are available from the USACK on request. USACK membership is waived for members of foreign federations. Classes for Men's K-1, K-2, C-1, C-2 and Women's K-1, K-2 will be held.

All positions on the U.S. National Team will be awarded at the Team Trials. The top 12 finishers in each singles class will be the U.S. National Marathon Team. First and second place finishers who also meet minimum performance standards will qualify to represent the U.S. at any international marathon competition including the 2002 World Marathon Championships. Team selection for other international events requiring membership on the U.S. National Marathon Team may include the top 12 finishers in each trials class and will be at the discretion of the Marathon Racing Committee and the interest and availability of Team members in order of ranking. World and National Team Selection Criteria will be published in the Marathon Team Selection Policy document available from the Marathon Racing Committee. Team selection criteria and policy will be announced at the pre-race meeting or request copies of the policy by contacting Bob Spain at 512-389-4725 or bob.spain@tpwd.state.tx.us

Expenses to international competition will primarily be the responsibility of each individual team member. Limited financial assistance and/or product sponsorships may be available. In some instances, Team participation in International competition may be subsidized by the host country, and may include allowances for boat rental, housing, food and in-country transportation.

Boat rental may be arranged by contacting Lee Deviney or David Lamb: thelambs@ev1.net.

The U.S. Marathon Canoe/Kayak Team will be announced following the conclusion of the Team Trials. A team meeting of prospective Team members will be held following the award ceremonies at Team Trials. All competitors eligible for a position on the U.S. Team are required to attend this meeting. Uniform availability and cost will be discussed at the team meeting with all National Team members desiring a team uniform. Payment for all uniforms will be paid in advance.

For more information contact:

Lee Deviney

212 Ashworth Drive

Austin, Texas 78746

Phone: 512-306-8058

email: txpaddler@aol.com