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Getting the Party Started...
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Saturday, 02 June 2018 23:20
NEW BRI TRI - The air at Long Lake Regional Park yesterday was nippy, grey and fast-moving. But wind, colorlessness and chill were not the only things in the air.
There was also a grand sense of celebration, a true "Let's get this party started" vibe. That was because the park, for the 13th time, was hosting Minnesota's outdoor tri season opener, and the two-hundred and fifty-or-so New Bri Tri participants, and their sideline supporters as well, were ready to rock 'n roll.
And they did just that. Racers raced hard, and spectators spectated hard. Though the weather kinda sucked, everyone nevertheless made the most of it. And the result was a great morning, one filled with excitement and joy.
Though it may have been more joyful for JOSH MORK, who appeared to be en route to his third career multisport victory when he zigged. Unfortunately, he did so at a point where zigging or zagging was not called for, going straight ahead was. Shortly after he got back on course, he was overtaken by DAVID KOPPEL and 2017 Junior of the Year runner-up GARRETT WELSCH, now 20.
What resulted was a three man sprint to the finish, with Koppel crossing first, and Welsch second. Due to the time trial swim start, however, Welsch was the official winner with a 38-second margin over Koppel, who has podiumed in his first two starts this season. Mork crossed next, the results showing that he was only two seconds out of the silver medal postion.
Despite his mishap, Mork came away from the experience knowing that he raced hard, and well enough to win....
"I am not good at quitting"....
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Saturday, 02 June 2018 23:10
By Erin Ladendorf (bikesandcatsrightmeow.blogspot.com)
When I woke up last Saturday morning, I was the normal mix of both excitement and nerves. I had been counting the days down to the first race of my season, and on the morning of May 26th it was finally upon me.
I had dialed the taper week in, and did everything I normally do leading up to a race.
But with my focus being short course and speed this year, I was finding that my body was reacting in ways I hadn’t felt before. When I did my pre race run Friday, I felt a pain in my ankle that I hadn’t noticed before. I shook it off as a pre race phantom injury and nothing more.
When I got to the race site Saturday morning, I felt great. I got warmed up and meandered up to the start line. I had some really awesome ladies toeing the line with me, so I was beyond stoked to get out there and race.
The countdown started, and as the group shuffled forward, I was out of the gate like a bat out of hell. I was determined to win overall AG today and my run was where I was going to achieve that. ...
Bridget's Return...
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Friday, 01 June 2018 23:10
27th PIGMAN SPRINT TRIATHLON - Since 1992, the Pigman has been Iowa's premier sprint triathlon, and Minnesotans have always rocked at this annual classic.
We expect more of the same on Sunday, however there will be some notable absentees, like HEATHER LENDWAY and DAVID THOMPSON (retired).
KEVIN O'CONNOR, now 47, has won the amateur title her more than anyone in the event's history. We cannot predict that he will repeat that feat this weekend. This is because the men's amateur field is insanely deep. We do think that KO will bring home the masters award, and may even finish as high as 7th overall.
So who are the front pack guys? Check out this list, which we have alphabetized:
KEVIN DENNY (Lees Summitt, MO) - Kevin's been the top amateur here the last two years. Will he do it again? Maybe, but we don't think so. In fact, he may not even make the podium. This is because the young upstarts, those whippersnappers who he had beaten in the past, are older, wiser, and faster.
IAN HOOVER-GRINDE (Cedar Rapids) - A former USAT Junior of the Year, Ian is a special talent, one who is being groomed for a pro career.
KIPP KINSLEY (Yankton, SD) - Kinnsley broke out of the pack a few years back when he WON the Minneapolis Triathlon.
REECE LINDER (Cedar Rapids) - This young man impressed our socks off with his big win at Maple Grove Olympic last year. He has what it takes to win here, too....
My Cool Guy vs. My Smart Guy...
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Thursday, 31 May 2018 23:10
By Ted Treise
APPLE DUATHLON RACE REPORT - Finally, after 6 months of being on the trainer listening to Macklemore’s Album ‘The Heist’ hundreds of times, creating a new food group entitled ‘Peanut Butter N’ Things’, early mornings of jumping into the pool, and late nights on the foam roller, massaging out the latest and greatest ache; it’s racing season! I could not be more exited and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world other than right here in Minnesota with family and friends. There is something special about being able to race local. The whole crew can be a part of the adventure, travel is minimized, and the participants are usually those who you’ve seen and read about before many times (thanks to MTN). All these ingredients came together for the 2018 Apple Duathlon. It’s a race right in the back yard of Minneapolis creating the perfect start to any multisport season.
Last year was my first trip to the Apple Duathlon. The main takeaway was it is impossible for another race like this to exist showcasing polar opposites of the calm, good times only, atmosphere vs. the sheer speed and world class athletes Apple attracts. This year was no different. MN Tri news posted a race preview on the who’s who of the race stating many national and world titles listed for each of the heavy hitters. I think this goes to show what happens when you throw a $1,800 prize purse into a pack of hyenas...
New Bri Preview II - Predictions...
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Thursday, 31 May 2018 11:10
NEW BRI TRI PREVIEW II - Who will be the stars of next Sunday's New Bri Tri?
Before we speculate, we'll tell you that historically the winners at this race have been late sign-ups. We don't really expect that trend to change, especially this weekend. With Buffalo on hold for this year, we suspect that late registration will be brisk and interesting.
