Best of the US Management announced Jan. 18 that the second annual Evergreen Lake International Triathlon, to be held July 21 in Hudson, will host the 2007 Best of the US Illinois Qualifier. The fastest resident amateur male and female finisher will be invited to represent Illinois at the Best of the US National Championship on October 6 at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, Fla.

The Evergreen Lake International Triathlon is an intermediate distance race held in Hudson, just north of Bloomington. The event is produced by Tri Mom Events, whose sprint distance Tri Shark Classic hosted the Illinois qualifier in 2006.

Naperville's Jennifer Garrison won the 2006 Best of the US Illinois at the Tri Shark Classic and went on to win the USAT National Championship. David Iron won the men's competition at the 2006 Best of the US Illinois Qualifier.

"The inaugural Evergreen Lake International Triathlon was an instant classic," said Best of the US Information Director Jerry MacNeil. "I've no doubt that Illinois will send a podium-worthy team to the BOUS Championship next October."