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Apple Preview Part III...
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Thursday, 24 May 2018 23:10
APPLE PREVIEW III - When this was written, only two women were registered in the Elite division. But they are two of our region's very best, national class talents certainly.
We're talking about SUZIE FOX and ELAINE NELSON, both of whom are past Apple champions. This head-to-head promises to be epic.
Here's some comparative stats:
SUZIE FOX, 32, Chaska
Career wins (since 2009) - 41
Career Du Wins - 9
Apple Podiums - 2 x 1st (2013, 2011), 2 x 2nd (2015, 2012), 2 x 3rd (2016, 2014)
Best Apple Time - 1:33:40 (2012) - #7 all-time amateur (since 2004)
ELAINE NELSON, 38, Duluth
Career wins (sine 2011): 16 (28 starts)
Career Du wins: - 2 (Apple 2015, Gear West 2014)
Duathlon Podiums - 2 x 1st, 1st 2nd (Gear West 2017), 1 x 3rd (Gear West 2015)
Best Apple Time - 1:34:06 (2015) - #9 all-time amateur (since 2014) ...
Apple Preview Part II...
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Tuesday, 22 May 2018 23:30
APPLE PREVIEW II - As ever, and as promised on Tuesday, we are posting a breakdown of Apple XXXVI's deep field. Well, it's not as deep on the women's side as it has been in years' past, but those who are currently enrolled are past Apple champions.
At least five guys have a legit shot at winning Saturday's duathlon, including a couple of past winners. Does this mean that, weather permitting, Matt Payne's amateur record, his 1:20:45 set in 2015, will be threatened this weekend?
Yes. Heck, DKT's pro record --1:19:57--might not be safe.
Here are the five guys, with mention of a few other challengers, men that can push the leaders to fast time, and maybe even claim a podium spot for themselves:
- TODD BUCKINGHAM, 29, Big Rapids, MI (photo) - This guy is the real deal, someone with a pro future. He is the reigning Draft Legal Sprint Du National Champ, who also placed 3rd at Standard (non-drafting) Nationals on the same weekend. Todd was the surprise winner at Tri Nationals in the Omaha heat in 2016. And he's a member of Everyman Jack, the elitest of the elite national tri teams....
Lucky Charms, Pee Face & Creepy Doll...
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Monday, 21 May 2018 23:20
By Nikki Dostert Sudberry
OAKDALE DUATHLON RACE REPORT - If you’re offended by swearing; don’t read this. That’s the beauty of reading this one. You get a choice!!
Its 6:35am and I already know that today is going to be a great race. How do I know? I just gobbled up an entire bowl of Lucky Charms and washed it down with orange juice. This is my pre race fuel whether I’m competing in a local 5k or an Ironman. I also know I’m winning because while my kids sleep I took the last bit of that stale, marshmallowy goodness. I know, I’m an asshole. Don’t worry you’re not the only one who thinks that. Plus, the early bird gets the worm, right? Don’t worry I left Cherrios for them.
With my bike and transition bag in tow I make my way to Oakdale Minnesota to race in the Oakdale Spring Classic duathlon. I’ve done this race many times but for the last 2 years I have managed to walk away with a first place AG award. It would be nice to make it 3 years but I guess we will see.
I get to the venue and my best bud Marc is already there in standard early fashion as he is usually the first to appear at these races. We set up our transition areas, take our bikes for a spin and talk about other upcoming races with other athletes. I look around; the women here look fast. Really fast. And we all know what fast women look like. They wear the Gear West kit.
Everyone lines up for the mass start. My favorite part of the race. Everyone’s “omg I’m so caffeinated” pee face is on. (It’s not a race face, its a nervous pee face.) Star Spangled Banner is sung perfectly and we are off! And the sea of red and black fast kits start to...
Granite Apples...
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Monday, 21 May 2018 23:10
36th APPLE DUATHLON PREVIEW - The Apple Du, turning 36 on May 26, is our state's oldest ongoing multisport event, and is widelly recognized as arguably the most competitive non-National-Championship run-bike-run in the US. We sometimes worry that this reputation may scare away potential entrants, especially those who have a recreational relationship with the sport, and those competitive athletes who are not in peak form this early in the season. These folks need to know that Apple is for everyone. It is first and foremost a celebration of healthy lifestyles, and the high quality of life we enjoy as Minnesotan tri-and-du-athletes.
Sure, MTN likes to focus much of its editorial on the competitive aspects of the sport, and we will be posting such a preview in the coming days. Today, though, we are focusing on this year's age group (AG) event. Because we enjoy progosticating, we are going to share our picks to win the non-open-class (Open Class = 20-39) AGs next Saturday in Sartell. These picks are based on the May 17 registration list on Apple's website. We fully expect an influx of talented age groupers since then, which will adjust the selections. For instance, if Derek Hager were to register late, as he did in 2017, he would be our new pick to win the 55-59M division....
"Who Are Those Guys?"
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Sunday, 20 May 2018 23:10
OAKDALE DUATHLON XVII - Lots of folks are lamenting the decline in event attendance that the multisports world has been experiencing over the last half dozen years. And rightly so.
