Arta Terme, Italy - Sunday, September 16, 2001
17th World Mountain Running Trophy
US Mountain Running Team - Senior men's results and release. 

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Rain and 50 degrees at start
A first-time member of the US Mountain Running team led the USA squad in scoring. Ryan Pauling, 25, Portland, Oregon was elated with his 24th place finish, "My plan was to go out hard an hold the pace. I achieved my goal."
About the course Pauling added, "It was what I expected from the Italians and mountain running - difficult footing, steep uphills, and challenging terrain."
Uphill specialist Jeremy Wright, 27, Boulder, CO led the US contingent up the first climb. Wright encouraged Pauling on ahead as they approached the descent together. "Jeremy was so supportive. He placed a hand on my back and urged me ahead before heading dowhill." Wright remained in second position for the US after the first lap of the 13K course.
Dan Verrington, 39, MA held third position for the US until the final 2K when he passed Wright on the final rolling section of the course to finish in 79th position overall. Wright was within one minute of Verrington at the finish and placed 85th overall. At the finish line Verrington said, "I liked the course - big ups, nasty downs, then rolling. It was fun. I felt good the whole way improving on my second lap as I passed a lot of guys - that always makes you feel good."
Alaska's Brad Precosky was the final scoring member of team USA finishing in 107th position.
It was no suprise that Italy won the team competition scoring 19 points. Team USA finished 18th out of the 25 teams.
Two USA team members, Dave Dunham (who finished 12th overall at last year's trophy event) and Eric Morse (who won the USATF New England Mountain series this year) were unable to make the trip to Italy because Logan Airport remained closed after the tragic events in the USA.
results
1 - Marco DeGasperi, Italy 1:01:05
24 - Pauling, USA 1:05:55
79 - Verrington, USA 1:10:57
85 - Wright, USA 1:11:20
107 - Precosky, USA 1:14:26
Contact - Nancy Hobbs, Team Leader, USA