Race Previews

We expect one of those marks to fall this weekend. Not Cathy's, of course. Her 1:10 is almost two minutes faster than the second briskest women's time here. Brett's time should fall, perhaps significantly, because first-year pro Patrick Parish is enrolled. A three-time national champ and winner of 27 multis since becoming a triathlete in 2008, PP could, weather permitting, drop the Brett's mark by 1-2 minutes.

The battle for Top Male Amateur should be interesting, with Lovaas and 2012 champ Brooks Grossinger vying for the spot. A possible darkhorse in the mix is 2012 Rookie of the Year runner-up Brian Sames.

On paper, the women's title should come down to a battle between rising star Heather Lendway, and three-time Liberty Olympic champ Christina Roberts. They will get a serious push from a gaggle of fast masters, including past winners Jane Guenther, 53, who placed 3rd last week at Liberty Half, Sarah Mercer, Ann Snuggerud and Laura Swartz. We'd love to see Gaby Bunten have a breakout effort and find herself racing side by side with the established stars. She'll get there someday, hopefully this weekend.

Eight former winners will be competing on Saturday. If you want to watch a first-class race, staged in a park on the shores of the Twin Cities' largest and most beautiful lake, drive out to Excelsior next weekend. The first wave launches at 7:30 AM. RACE WEBSITE

UPDATE: We just learned that David Thompson will be racing at Lake Minnetonka. Yes, he is the new favorite.