Race Previews
Epic Match-Ups...
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Monday, 09 July 2018 23:30
MINNEAPOLIS TRIATHLON - The 17th edition of this iconic event will take place at Lake Nokomis next Saturday, and we are anticipating some epic battles at the front. When "Hooty" --Mpls Tri director Scott Hutmacher--sent us a list of the 24-member Premier Division, four names leapt off the page: SEAN COOLEY, KEEGHAN HURLEY, GABY BUNTEN and HANNA GRINAKER. We would be flabbergasted if these athletes did not take the gold and silver medals for their respective genders next weekend.
Who do we think will win? And why?
Let's start with the women.
GABY BUNTEN - The defending women's champ at Minneapolis, Gaby has established herself in the last two seasons as one of the US's premier amatuer female Olympic distance athletes. Thus far in 2018, she has raced in three Olympic-distance contests, winning two of them and placing 2nd in the other. She had faced Hanna twice previously, beating her at Minneapolis last year, but finishing a place behind her at Minneapolis in 2016. Gaby was named Minnesota Triathlete of the Year in 2017. Grinaker won that award in 2016. It's possible that the winner of this epic match-up will go on to claim the 2018 TOY.
HANNA GRINAKER - Hanna's first Olympic effort, her 2nd multi start ever, produced a 2:10 (Buffalo 2016). That's insane. Her 1:30:00 at Waconia was mind-blowingly fast, demonstrating pro-level sprint speed. And her recent effort at Liberty Half, which was abbreviated to a 63.4 (2K-56 miles -10K) showed her long course chops. Her time--3:40:34--suggested sub-4:30 speed at 70.3...
Timberman XXXIV Preview II....
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Sunday, 08 July 2018 23:20
TIMBERMAN OLYMPIC PREVIEW - Yesterday we previewed next Saturday's T-Man Sprint race. Today we are analyzing the Olympic-ish competition.
Based on the last registration report we saw, here are the four guys, in alpha order, that we think will battle for men's podium spots next Saturday:
- BROOKS GROSSINGER - Three-tme T-Man champ, Brooks owns half of the six fastest times on this course, including his CR - 1:54:24. He did not have his best day here in 2017, yet still placed 2nd, with a Masters record to show for it. Yes, he could collect his 4th T-Man Olympic W on Saturday.
- DAVID LEWIS - In the last three years, Dave has placed 5th, 7th and 3rd here. We predict a 3rd or a 4th for him this time around.
- SCOTT MYERS - Scott and David appear to be evenly matched. Scott may have a slight advantage over Lewis this weekend because he has three performances under his belt in 2018, whereas David has yet to race.
- JORDAN ROBY - Winner here in 2017, Jordan can be counted on to post a sub-2-hour clocking this weekend. That could be enough for a return to the Winners Circle, but maybe not. The Brooks / Jordan battle should be epic....
Timberman Sprint - Preview...
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Sunday, 08 July 2018 23:10
TIMBERMAN SPRINT PREVIEW - We're counting the days until we make our annual trek to Sugar Lake for the Timberman, which will celebrate it's 34th anniversary on July 14.
Timberman is Minnesota's premier destination triathlon, contested at one of the most picturesque resorts in the Midwest. From the standpoint of physical beauty, it rivals any tri venue in the country.
Timberman also has an awesome bar and grill with a wonderful deck that overlooks its transition area, which is perfect for post race celebrations. How cool is that!
As we said, we can't wait to, as Tina Fey would say, "go to there."
We plan to post two previews, starting with today's words about T-Man's Sprint race. For grins, let's make some predictions....
Perham Records in Jeopardy....
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Tuesday, 26 June 2018 23:20
15th PERHAM TRIATHLON - Known as the Average Jo Triathlon for it's first fourteen editions, this event has been renamed for its host community. It is now the Perham Tri.
If you've never been to Perham, we suggest you check it out. It is a very pleasant town with a population of about 3500.
Deepest Men's Field of the Season?
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Friday, 22 June 2018 23:10
LAKE WACONIA XXIX PREVIEW II - Which Minnesota race will draw the deepest men's field of the 2018 season? We'd be surprised if it wasn't Lake Waconia.
Typically, a regional elite male will come into a race targeting a spot in the Top 5, or against especially tough fields, the Top 10. At Sunday's LWT, though, there will be several guys who win races and consistently reach podiums that will not crack the Top 10. Exciting stuff.
So, who are the guys who will battle for the top spots?
Here are some of them, in alpha order:
JOE ADRIAENS - Runner-up for the Most Improved award last year, we think that he is ready to take his place among the best in our region.
NATHAN ANSBAUGH - After flatting at Liberty, then having Lake Minnetonka called in mid-race, LW's defending champion is itching for a big performance. Another win? It's possible, but certainly a podium.
JOSH BLANKENHEIM - Duluth's numero uno, Josh has podiumed at LW three times.
JAKE BRAAM - Runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award in 2017, he is especially hungry right now. We think he'll have to run some guys down, which he is very capable of doing, in order to land in the Top 10.
SEAN COOLEY (photo L) - He won here in 2016 in course record time. The 2017 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year is certainly one of the favorites to win on Sunday.
WADE CRUSER - Cruser has been Top 3 on Team MInnesota the last two years. He's making his LW debut.
BROOKS GROSSINGER - A two-time podium finisher here.
JOSH MORK - Josh is a wild card. Like Joe Adrieans, he appears to be ready to take his place among the elites in our region....
2018 Lake Waconia Stuff...
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Wednesday, 20 June 2018 23:10
LAKE WACONIA TRIATHLON - The 29th edition of this annual classic will happen next Sunday, and while it has long been one of our state's most competitive triathlons, it is also one of the most fun. This means that recreational multisporters need not be intimidated. Those who have never done this event should come and see what all the fuss is about. They'll be glad they did....
