Race Previews

Don't Miss Your Chance to be a Part of It...

Saturday, 21 August 2021 00:10

LAKES COUNTRY PREVIEW - Next Sunday's Lakes Country Triathlon in Baxter, which will celebrate its 21st anniversary, has the distinction of being the only multisport race of the weekend. We encourage everyone who isn't already signed-up to register.

As of last week, the enrollment basically matched that of 2019. Race organizers are therfore optimistic, expecting 200-plus participants this year...

If you've never done the LCT, it's a very cool race with a great venue and rich history.  We expect a record or two to be rewritten next Sunday. WADE CRUSER's lofty 56:55, set in 2018, will be seriously challenged by DAVID KOPPEL, a shoo-in for a 2021 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year nomination. He's four-for-four in regional competition, and winner of five of his last six races.

We're also anxious to see how Baxter's own CASEY MILLER fares. A lapsed triathlete, between 2013 and 2016 Casey had amassed 11 wins and 18 totall podiums. Lake's Country will be his first multisport start since the 2016 edition of this race. He placed 2nd back then. 

The women's course record, MICHELLE ANDRES' 1:04:27 (2014) appears to be safe, unless an elite late registrant decides to take a run at it, which is possible. If that doesn't happen, we like local star JACQUIE BACIGALUPI's chances. Victorious here in 2019 and 2018 (runner-up in 2013, and 2014), her muscle memory should dial in a sub-1:10, which could be fast enough to secure a threepeat.

It's possible, though, that 2017 winner SARA CARLSON of Brainerd, who own's a 1:06 personal best on this course, will decide to race. TARA MAKINEN, SIMONE LUNDQUIST and July Junior of the Month MORGAN BELL are also possible sign-ups. If all five of these women are on the starting line, we could see several sub-1:10s. Exciting stuff.

At Graniteman Clearwater, MARY DEEG managed to outsprint 2020 Grand Master of the Year LISA HINES for the 55-59W title. Lisa, who is coming off a terrific 3rd-place overall women's performance at Alexandria earlier this month, will be looking for payback next Sunday. It will take her best effort because Mary was very impressive at Green Lake last on August 15, placing 5th overall in the women's Sprint.

While lots of great AG battles unfold, the majority of the field will consist of newbies and recreational athletes, all of whom will cross the finish finish line and create lasting memories.

Lakes Country promises to be a wonderful event. Don't miss your chance to be part of it. WEBSITE