Race Previews

An Instant Classic?

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 06:00

Maple Grove Triathlon Preview - The Midwest Multisport Series is arguably the most competitive amateur tri series in the US. Few of Minnesota's sixty-or-so non-MMS multis boast such incredibly deep fields, though Buffalo Olympic, Chisago and Minneman come pretty darn close....

This inaugural Maple Grove Triathlon has yet to be contested, but its roster of registrants reads like Heart of the Lakes' or Manitou's. On the men's side, the committed elites who are slated to race in Saturday's Olympic race include Devon Palmer, Patrick Parish and Brett Lovaas. Devon achieved USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention status in 2009. Patrick will likely earn that accolade this year. And since arriving in Minnesota in 1997, Lovaas has amassed 23 victories.

But it's the women's Olympic field that is the most jaw-dropping. Here's a small "top end" portion of this august assemblage:

1. Cathy Yndestad - (photo top left) 2009 US Athlete of the Year. 45 career wins. Five victories and one 2nd in 2010

2. Kortney Haag - (center photo) Six career wins, including Turtleman on August 14. 2009 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year runner-up.

3. Katharine Schlaefer - (right photo) Four starts in 2010; four wins. Minnesota's fastest rising new female star. A shoo-in for a 2010 Most Improved nomination.

4. Diane Hankee - 2010 Scorecard: Four wins. Four Course Records. 11 podium finishes.

5. Jan Guenther - 51-year-old phenom has won 34 races and set countless records since turning 40. Was victorious at Timberman and Heart of the Lakes this season. Winner of an unprecedented 14 Minnesota Multisport Awards.

6. Juia Weisbecker - Enjoying a breakout season in 2010. Will represent Minnesota at the Best of the US Championship in October.

The event will also include a sprint course event, which will feature a dozen or so highly credentialed multisporters, including Jenny Wilcox (photo), who has five victories to her credit in 2010.

Compliments to directors Lindsey and Jeannette for putting together such an exciting field at an exciting new venue (Weaver Lake Park - see photo). This event has all the earmarks of an instant classic.

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