Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read!

THE SCOOP

Chicago Athlete cycling columnist Robbie Ventura and his fellow Illinoisan Kenny Labbe are among the returning riders for the 2004 US Postal Pro Cycling Team. The 25-man team was announced on Jan. 15 and includes eight new riders. Lance Armstrong and Co. are going after a sixth straight Tour de France victory. Here's the story:
www.uspsprocycling.com/newsfile/2004jan15_news.htm

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THE NEWS
The Mt. Greenwood Masters swim team will host "The Ultimate Workout" this Sunday, Jan. 25 at Chicago Agricultural High School, 3805 W. 111th St. The distances are 10,000, 7,500 or 5,000 yards. The $25 cost includes lunch. Openings still exist and will go on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check out:
www.mgmswimteam.org

A new 10-mile run with the finish line on the 50-yard line at Soldier Field is on the race schedule for 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 29. The race, organized by Fleet Feet Sports Chicago, also will feature a two-mile fitness walk. More info will be available soon at:
www.fleetfeetchicago.com

North Central College Athletics will induct its first Hall of Fame class this Saturday. Among the 14 inductees are Glen Behnke '74, cross-country and track; Al Carius, present cross-country and track coach; Ophelia Johnson '91, track; Dan Mayer '94, cross-country and track and John Weigel '96, cross- country and track. For the complete list with biographies, go to:
www.noctrl.edu/athlet/halloffame.shtml

Chicago Home Fitness has opened a two-story, 10,000 square-foot home gym equipment store at 1555 N. Halsted (North & Halsted). For information, go to:
www.chicagohomefitness.com

The Runner's Edge is celebrating two anniversaries, 11 years in Wilmette and one year in Libertyville. To celebrate, both stores will offer 11 percent discounts on most store merchandise starting Friday, Jan. 23 and runnning through Monday Jan. 26. For information, call 847-853-8531.

On-line registration has begun for each of the eight races in the 2004 Danskin Women's Triathlon Series. The Chicago-area race is July 11 (expo on July 10) in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Go to this URL and search "Danskin Women's Triathlon." Click on: www.timberlinetiming.com/index.cfm

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TRIED AN INDOOR TRI?

Coming in from the cold? Check out our feature on indoor triathlons and indoor cycling time trials. These competitions could give you an edge! Here's the link:
www.chicagoaa.com/features/indoortricycleJan04.html

We've got results from Saturday's Union Station Multiplex Indoor Triathlon. Visit:
www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD

Running, indoor triathlons, skiing and more highlight this weekend's schedule. Here's where to start as you make your plans:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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THE NORDIC NOOK

Best skiing right now for cross-country devotees is at Greenbush Recreation Area, west of Plymouth, WI (920-467-2099) and Love Creek County Park at Berrien Springs, MI in the snowbelt (269-471-2617). If Chicago gets decent snow by Friday night, the Northern Illinois Nordic will be held at Arrowhead in Wheaton (630-832-1765). Otherwise, it will be postponed until Jan. 31. Check back at: www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html for an update.

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THE CLOSER

Would you believe the Boston Marathon is less than three months away. It's time for those long runs! Dress for the weather and don't forget to carry water!