La Crema Sets Pace in Wine Country Triathlon; Vineyards Provide Backdrop for World-Class Athletes.

Business Editors/Food, Beverage & Sports Writers

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2000

Some of the world's strongest endurance athletes will race through Sonoma County this summer when La Crema Winery again sponsors the Vineman Triathlon.

The race, a qualifying event for the venerable Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship race this fall, challenges racers with a swim of more than a mile, a bike ride of 56 miles and a run of 13 miles. Officially a half Ironman distance, the course wends its way through Sonoma's peerless Wine Country and the vineyards of La Crema.

"This race is now on every athlete's calendar," said Tim Yount, deputy director, USA Triathlon, the national governing body for the sport. The July 9 race is one of just four races of its size to qualify athletes for the 2000 Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championships, the grande dame of the sport held on the Kona Coast of Hawaii.

"That makes the Half Vineman one of the most coveted races in the country," Yount said. "I can go to any race and a say 'Vineman,' and people know what I'm talking about."

Other Vineman races continue through the summer. The Vineman Triathlon, twice the distance of the July 9 race, takes place among the same vineyards on August 12. The same day will see the Vineman Ultra Run of 50 kilometers.

Vineman has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity since it began in Sonoma County 10 years ago. Lead beneficiaries have been the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia Society. La Crema, the premiere maker of elite Pinot Noir and other wines from the Russian River Valley winegrowing region, is presenting the Vineman for the third year in a row.

"I was thrilled when I heard we will once again sponsor the Vineman," said Tom Hinde, general manager of La Crema. "We are happy to showcase our wines in the presence of world-class endurance athletes. We are committed to supporting a healthy lifestyle, and we salute this year's racers and wish them the best of luck in our beautiful wine-country home."

Yount, in turn, saluted the sponsors that make the triathlon possible. "Without them, the sport shrivels up and goes away," he said.

La Crema presents a triathlon that has gained legendary status for the achievements of its racers.

--  Canadian Lori Bowden won the 1997 Half Vineman, then went on to
    win the Ironman races in Canada, Australia and Kona last year, and
    in Australia this year.

--  Hawaiian Jodi Jackson won the Half Vineman swim through the
    Russian River in 1999, then set a record later that year for the
    swim segment at Hawaii Ironman.

--  Chuckie "V" Veylupek, 1998 Half Vineman winner and 1999 runner-up,
    went on to win the 1999 Ironman Canada.

The sport of triathlon is surging in popularity after hitting a plateau for several years.

A major reason, Yount said, is the Olympic debut this year of triathlon in Australia, where the US women have a real shot at the Gold.

The sport's inherent cross-training, its kinship with the outdoors and the scenic, open spaces of Wine Country make the Half Vineman a premier event in the annual triathlon circuit, athletes say. Priscilla Fraiegari, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Ironman, said the sport is gaining participants because it is something anyone can enjoy.

"It's not like the NFL or NBA," she said. "You or I could do it with enough determination. Running, biking and swimming are all things we all did growing up." Today, 275,000 Americans are racing in triathlons, and another 100,000 are training, officials said.

La Crema Winery sets the pace on the Sonoma Coast for premium Pinot Noir and a portfolio of wines crafted in Vineman country, the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Jeff Stewart uses traditional techniques and small lot methods to craft rich, velvety wines that showcase choice, distinctive vineyards.

For more information browse the Web at www.lacrema.com and vineman.com.

Note to Editors: Photos available.