Lynn Patchett, recent winner of the Bermuda National Duathlon Championships, celebrated her birthday one day early by producing an outstanding performance on Sunday in the United States South East Regional Duathlon Championships in Birmingham, Alabama.

In cold 37 degree temperatures and strong winds Patchett, whose birthday was yesterday, finished second overall amongst the amateur women over the 8km run-55km bike-8km run course, and convincingly won the the 35-39 women's age group by over four minutes.

Her time of two hours 53 minutes and six seconds would have placed her seventh among the professional women and was only 41 seconds behind the first amateur woman Gabrielle Hauck who finished in 2.52.25.

Ricky Sousa, the 2002 Bermuda National Duathlon champion and third in this year's event, also had an outstanding race finishing in 2.42.49 only to find out after the race that he had incurred three four minute blocking penalties dropping him from sixth place in his 40-44 age group to 16th place with a final time of 2.54.49.

Speaking from New York, Sousa explained that under the race rules you were obliged to ride close to the edge of the highway unless overtaking. Although he gained no advantage by doing so, Sousa rode part of the bike course closer to the centre line and was penalised for blocking, even though on the wide two lane out and two lane back highway he did not actually block anyone and was not passed by anyone.

Sousa however accepted that the rule was there but vowed not to be caught out again. Ironically, Patchett received a warning for the same offence whilst Sousa only found out of the penalties after the race.

As these championships were a qualifier for the USA team to the World Duathlon Championships and attracted a strong field, both Patchett and Sousa were encouraged by their performances as they continue their preparations for the World Duathlon Championships in Switzerland later in the year.

The overall professional mens winner on Sunday was Greg Watson who finished in 2.30.17, just eight seconds ahead of Cameron Widoff.

Desiree Ficker, the defending champion, won the women's professional category in 2.39.09. Over 580 amateurs and professionals finished the race.