Race Previews
G-Man Series Finale Stuff...Updated...
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Tuesday, 05 August 2014 00:10
4th Annual GRANITEMAN BIG LAKE - Despite the fact that it shares the weekend with three other popular Minnesota tris, and that an unprecedented number of our state's swim-bike-runners will be in Milwaukee for the USAT National Championships, Saturday's Big Lake Triathlon has managed to draw more than 400 entrants already, a number that should top out on the other side of 450 when registration closes.
This event is the third and final race of the Graniteman Tri Series and we believe that the Series titles will go to Larry Hosch and Brenna Zavadsky. Hosch, who won the Series as a rookie last year, appears to be a slam dunk to repeat, barring any mechanical problems, that is. Zavadsky is currently in 3rd place in the women's standings but the women who are ranked ahead of her, the Danielson sisters Greta and Paige, will probably be in Milwaukee next weekend. If that is the case, then Brenna needs only a solid performance to ascend to the #1 spot.
Hosch's resume is rampant with podium finishes, yet he has yet to record his first overall victory. That could change on Saturday, but he'll have to outrace Steve Sander (photo L) to make it happen. These guys have never faced each other...
Cool BH Stuff...
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Monday, 28 July 2014 00:10
28th BREWHOUSE TRIATHLON - Brian Bich (photo) could, as they say, "Make History" on Saturday. A win at the Brewhouse (Olympic) Triathlon would be his 12th at that annual classic, and it would snap his tie with Tony Schiller for the most wins in a single triathlon. (Tony has 11-wins at the Lake Waconia Triathlon.
A state record is on the line.
Can he do it? He's 48 now and has scaled back his racing in order to increase his participation in the lives of his two teen sons. Additionally, he'll be facing a resurgent Josh Blankenheim at BH. Josh beat Brian by 43 seconds at Heart of the Lakes.
In Bich's defense, HOLT was his first racing effort of the year. For Blank, it was his fourth....
Weekend Preves...Chisago & Waseca...
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Tuesday, 22 July 2014 09:10
9th Annual CHISAGO LAKES TRIATHLONS - It's hard to believe that this race is nine-years-old already. A great event, it's one of ou region's largest (1500ish participants) and most competitive tris. It also boasts a stunning location, great production and execution, and terrific amenities.
Without further ado, here are our predictions for Sunday's race at picturesque Paradise Park in Chisago City.
HALF IRONMAN -
- The men's pro record is 3:55:25 and we think that it is in jeopardy. We will not bet against David Thompson (photo L) here. DKT has been victorious for five straight years and though Wisconsin pro Tom Gerlach wants to end the streak, we don't think that will happen. A win for David will mark the 18th time he's won a 70.3....
Doing Them Because They are Hard...
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Saturday, 19 July 2014 00:10
FYI - Matthew Payne WON the USAT Duathlon National Chamionship this morning!
By Matthew Payne (for usatriathlon.org - blogs)
Duathlon and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. On the one hand, I’ve managed to get fairly good at it, and it’s always fun to do things you’re good at. Also, as someone who lives in a cold weather climate and likes to race frequently, duathlon is great in that it extends our local multisport race season about one month each direction, allowing me to squeeze in a few more races each year without the expense and hassle of airline travel. Another great thing about duathlon is that without the swim, you can of course leave the wetsuit, goggles and any other swimming gear at home. It’s always nice to have to have less junk to lug around and keep track of....
TFC Podium Picks...
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Friday, 18 July 2014 02:10
TRI FOR A CAUSE PREVIEW - Yesterday afternoon we received an email from TFC founder/director Henry Praska. It contained his race's current registration list. Also, he asked us to predict Saturday's podium finishers.
We like Henry. He's got a heart the size of Utah. And we like his race. Happily, we offer these predictions:
TOP 3 WOMEN -
1. Michelle Andres - Duh! Once again, MA proves that she can't stay away from the sport she loves; the sport that has made her famous. Can she match the course-record (1:16:51) she set in 2012? Probably. Betting against Andres isn't very smart.
2. Sara Carlson - Carlson's star is on the rise. This was an easy pick....
An Annual Classic...
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Tuesday, 15 July 2014 08:10
29th HEART OF THE LAKES TRIATHLON PREVIEW - Of of eight Minnesota multis (seven tris, one du) slated for next weekend, HOLT will boast the largest and deepest field. The event has been recognized as the Minnesota State Triathlon Championship since 1995 and this year will host the Best of the US Team Minnesota qualifier. The top 3 male and female amateurs from our state will receive invitations to compete at the 2015 BOUS Championship in St. Paul....
