Mortgage Company eager to support Ironman pro

July 22, 2005 – Danville, CA – Diablo Funding Group, a leading mortgage and banking company has announced a sponsorship partnership with professional triathlete Chris Lieto.

Originally, based in Lieto’s home town of Danville, California, Diablo Funding is an industry leader in mortgage origination and related services.

“I’m really excited about working with Diablo Funding”, commented Lieto. “It’s a company I was with before making the move to become a professional triathlete and it’s a company I hope to be with long after my pro career is over”, said Lieto.

As part of Diablo’s sponsorship of Lieto, the pair has developed a unique “sweepstakes” approach to marketing the services of Diablo Funding through Lieto. “It’s really simple – every customer that closes a loan through me will have his or her name entered into a drawing for a trip to the 2006 Ironman World Championships in Kona including 6 nights accommodations and airfare”, commented Lieto. “I wanted to create a different kind of sponsorship relationship – one that benefits the athlete, the company and the every day triathlete”, said Lieto. Kona sweepstakes details, rules and regulations can be found at www.chrislieto.com/loans.

“I try to implement the same discipline and rigid work ethic of my Ironman training into the service and knowledge that I offer my clients. Diablo Funding has been a terrific partner in the development of this program”, said Lieto.

What’s next for Lieto?
This past weekend Chris Lieto made the trek to Honolulu for the 25th anniversary of the Tin Man Triathlon and proved that he is well on his way back to his championship form. Lieto used an improving swim and a powerful combination on the bike and run to win easily in an overall time of 1:44:21, nearly 6 minutes in front of runner up Kurt Chambers. “This race is exactly what I needed - just get a sense of how I was recovering”, commented Lieto. “It was a short effort but I am now 100% healthy and ready to start increasing the volume on the swim and run in preparation for Ironman Canada. I’ve been spending huge blocks of time on the bike and my cycling strength is the best its’ ever been. Now I can focus on fine tuning my swim and run”, said Lieto.

About Chris Lieto:
Chris began is triathlon career winning his first race as an age-grouper, and turned pro less than three years later. His record includes winning Ironman Wisconsin 2002, Half-Vineman 2002, Nautica Malibu Triathlon 2003, U.S. Champion (2nd place IM Lake Placid) in 2003 and was ranked #5 in the world in 2003 by Inside Triathlon Magazine. Chris, his wife Karis and son Kaiden reside in Danville, California.

About Katalyst Multisport Management:
Founded on the most basic principals of integrity, experience and creativity, Katalyst is committed to extending the reach and influence of the multisport lifestyle.
www.katalystmultisport.com

For more information please contact:
Chris McCrary
Katalyst Multisport Management
(415) 215-3412
chris.mccrary@katalystmultisport.com