WINTER PARK, Colo. ( Feb. 5 2007 ) Mike Kloser and Keri Nelson outpaced the fields to earn national titles at the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championships on Sunday at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

The two athletes also earned ITU Pan American Championship titles with their victories.

The 48-year-old Kloser (Vail, Colo.) was one of the favorites coming into the event and did not disappoint. He trailed Brian Smith (Gunnison, Colo.) by 23 seconds after the run, but used strong bike and ski legs to register a victory of nearly four minutes. He finished the 8k run, 15k mountain bike, 10k ski event in 1:44:15, with Smith earning second in 1:48:08. Spencer Powlison (Boulder, Colo.) was third in 1:53:45.

In the women’s race, the 26-year-old Nelson (Grand Junction, Colo.) surprised pre-race favorite Gretchen Reeves (Boulder, Colo.), with a dominating performance. She finished the event in 2:14:47, nearly 10 minutes ahead of Reeves (2:24:43). Heather Best (Fairbanks, Alaska), who won at the same venue two weeks ago, finished third in 2:31:01.

In all, 103 athletes competed in the event, which saw 17 athletes earn titles in their respective age groups. The top-two in each age group earned spots at the 2007 World Championship in Flassen, Italy on March 4.

Complete results can be found at http://www.racingunderground.com/msres5430winter2_07.html