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Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read!

THE SCOOP
This item brings new meaning to the Latin expression "Pro bono." Olympic cycling gold medalist Marty Nothstein and some of his team- mates from the Navigators as well as US Postal's Robbie Ventura and Kenny Labbe will join other pros this Thursday in a "Save the Velodrome" Night at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m. The track needs repaving and funds are needed to pay for it. Here's more on the the story:click me

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SPEAKING OF CYCLING
Congratulations to Jose Luis "Chechu" Rubiera for winning Clif Bar's second annual "Beyond The Podium" Award. His contributions in the mountain stages helped earn US Postal and Lance Armstrong their fifth consecutive Tour de France victory. Chechu will be presented the BTP trophy and a check for $10,000 at this year's Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

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SANDRA KHANNOUCHI AT HUMAN RACE
Sandra Khannouchi will speak at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday evening, Aug. 14 at The Human Race Sports in Orland Park. Sandra is the wife and coach of Khalid Khannouchi, the men's marathon world record holder. Her husb- and's recent times include 2:05:42 at Chicago in '99, 2:05:37 (WR) at London in '02, and 2:05:56 at Chicago in '02. A regular fun run will follow. Human Race is at 15148 S. LaGrange Rd. Call 708-349-4724.

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THE NEWS/RESULTS
Registration has soared to 35,000 runners for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12. The cap is 40,000. If you're serious about running the event this year, you need to sign up right away. For more info:
click here

They were dressed to rock, roll, and run, Saturday night at the Elvis Is Alive 5K in Lincoln Park. Take a minute and visit our photo gallery by:clicking here

And the Flatwater Classic paddling race downtown was a big hit, too. More than 300 people participated. We hope you enjoy the photos.photo gallery

Here's a salute to local 40-plus runner Mike Egle, who set a masters record at Rockford in the State Street mile with a 4:18.4. Check it out:here

Besides the events already highlighted, last weekend was another busy one with runs, triathlons and bike races/rides throughout the area. See how your buddy did, or just surf through the local race results by visiting:results

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD
The Sports Grand Prix for cycling and in-line skating in Downers Grove; the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon/Duathlon in Kenosha County, WI; the AARP Tri-Umph Classic in Naperville; the Abe's Amble 10K in Springfield; and many other local races and rides give us another enriched weekend. The races in Downers Grove again will feature many top national and international competitors. You can get there via Metra from the city. Here's the weekend lineup:www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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ACCENTURE TRIATHLON NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed for the Accenture Chicago Triathlon weekend, Aug. 22-24. If you're competing, the triathlon organization urges you to talk to your spouse, neighbor, friend or co-worker to see if they are interested in volunteering. If you find someone who is interested, have them contact Greg bia e-mail to volunteer@caprievents.com or by leaving a message on the volunteer hotline at 773-404-7571.

And while we're at it, Chicago Athlete is still looking for people to help at our water/aid station at the Accenture Triathlon, the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24. If interested, e-mail editorial@chicagoaa.com.

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THE REMINDER
The Pleasant Prairie Triathlon/Duathlon (two miles north of the Wisconsin state line off I-94) is this weekend and spots remain in the international, sprint and duathlon fields. This event got it right in its first year and is striving to improve on that! Registration is still open through Thursday. For more information:www.pleasantprairietriathlon.com

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WISH A MARATHONER GOOD LUCK. DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Here's a great way to support your favorite marathoner! Heck, it's better than flowers! Here's how it works. You can write a message for your friends, loved one or even cheer on your favorite elite racer at The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Your message will appear in the October issue of Chicago Athlete, which is the official program for the Marathon this year! Depending on word count, cost is only $30, $20 or $10. It's that easy. Yes, the deadline HAS BEEN EXTENDED to AUGUST 18, but that's it! Here's where to find out more:www.chicagoaa.com/news/oct03goodluckad.html

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THE BIG EASY
Clydesdales, here's how to make your first triathon a little smoother. RunBig Chicago Multisport Club will be holding a race walk-through and transition clinic especially designed for new triathletes competing in the Accenture Chicago Triathlon. The clinic will take place at Monroe Harbor at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18 . Meet in front of the Chicago Yacht Club at the intersection of Monroe St. and Lake Shore Dr.

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THE QUESTION
In what event did cyclist Marty Nothstein win a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics? The first person to send the correct answer will receive one of the coveted Chicago Athlete T-shirts! Please send your answer to us at editorial@chicagoaa.com.

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THE CLOSER
Are you planning to run the Park Forest Scenic 10-Miler on Labor Day? If so, the entry cutoff is Friday, Aug. 22. For more information, go to: www.scenic10.com