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A look inside the red-hot sprint to the finish for the $200,000 top prize at the Hy-Vee Triathlon by top Olympic rivals contesting their close encounter for the second time.

After undergoing her first two major operations to cut out the cancer at the cost of her legendary Xterra career and her swift leg power, Jamie Whitmore tackles the odds and starts to rebuild her life without a sense of limits

Olympic-style triathlon's first big iconic stage was Sydney in 2000 with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as powerful backdrops to thrilling duels. Sunday, the third round of the 2009 ITU World Championship series opens with the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial as scenery. Can DC match Sydney's thrills?

The field is just this side of Olympic quality in an off-Olympic year. Pretty much everyone will be here with the exceptions of the up and coming Russian men, a still recovering from injury Olympic silver medalist Vanessa Fernandes and Kiwi Kris Gemmell.

An inside look at a classic duel between perhaps the best cyclist and the arguably the best runner at the Ironman 70.3 distance. When it was all over in Boise, Alexander beat Lieto by 2 seconds after an amazing sprint.

Third of a four-part oral history how Xterra legend Jamie Whitmore is fighting back from cancer and making choices to maintain the maximum physical freedom and maximum ability to share her talents with the world.

Second of a four-part series on how one of Xterra’s greatest stars was struck down in her prime by a devastating cancer and battled back to survive, rebuild her life with an unquenchable spirit and transcend the limits of her disease

First of a four-part series on how one of Xterra’s greatest stars was struck down in her prime by a devastating cancer and battled back to survive, rebuild her life with an unquenchable spirit and transcend the limits of her disease.

The end of the 2009 Tour of Sweden has come but it doesn't mean all was calm. John McGovern reports of thick headed reindeer, a fast moving stream, a fantastic face plant and a sad drunk.

John McGovern's 13th day at the Tour of Sweden included strong headwinds, desolate roads, the midnight sun, stupid reindeer and frolicking rabbits. To close out this training camp, a big party is scheduled for tomorrow night.

A new cycling kit from Craft, the crossing of the Polar Circle and chattering teeth were among the highlights of day 12 of the Tour of Sweden. John McGovern keeps it short and sweet today.

With only a couple days left, John McGovern had to deal with a hard day. Sweet cinnamon rolls and hot coffee were looming on the horizon, but it was a long way to get there, plus the author is getting home sick.

A run, bike and swim was on John McGovern's program today but the banjo playing 180 proof reindeer poacher was not. The last day of the 2009 Tour of Sweden is now only 4 days away.

While not as old and famous as the Giro D'Italia, the weary participants of the Tour of Sweden were also allowed a rest day today. John McGovern used this opportunity to further investigate the whereabouts of Swedish beauties.

A pair of foxes, breaking the law, a wedding anniversary, a Burger King crown and a long breakaway were part of John McGovern's 8th day at the Tour of Sweden. What more could he ask for?

Today John McGovern reports about an easy century and a most excellent BBQ. Total time in the saddle so far - 747 miles for our intrepid reporter.

The previous day had taken its toll on the group and featured on today's "menu" were meatballs for breakfast, an easy recovery ride to Bollnas for the bandy party, and a bit of the Simpsons and Family Guy on TV. A perfect day in Sweden.

"When you’re going through hell, keep going, or, don’t give a dying man a sugar free drink!" are some things John McGovern experienced or overheard on day 5 of the Tour of Sweden. But you can live vicariously through him.

A long day in the sun has worn out our intrepid reporter John McGovern. But he has stories of "stolen" pancakes, an incredible castle, a race to the liquor store, sabotage and a 138 mile ride along the shore of a lake.

A moose, a storm, and an uphill race are some of the things John McGovern encountered during the 3rd day of the Tour of Sweden. He also still appears quite enthusiastic and not yet too worn out.

Our science editor, Jonathan Toker, traveled to the Galapagos Islands. Alas, he did not unearth the mystery of how triathletes evolved. But he did see some pretty neat stuff

A warm-up run, a parking lot incident, a long ride and interesting Scandinavian food highlight John McGovern's second day at the Tour of Sweden training camp.

The first official day of the 2009 Tour of Sweden is over and Slowtwitcher John McGovern has already quite a few stories. But how could you not have any great stories when you are spending time with Bjorn Andersson and Jonas Colting?

Slowtwitcher John McGovern will be joining Jonas Colting, Bjorn Andersson and a few other folks at the 2009 Tour of Sweden training camp. He will report for slowtwitch about the camp, starting with the schedule he received today.

If the 1981 Ironman results are correct, it's not Dave Scott. It's a 19-year-old community college cross country runner from Bloomington, Minnesota who never did another triathlon before or after his 2:59:48 run at Kona.