Race Previews

A Quasi-Plethora of Cool Stuff...

Friday, 10 August 2012 02:30

A quasi-plethora of exciting tri-stuff will take place this weekend. On Saturday, Minnesota's fastest-filling race, for the last three years, that is, will celebrate a landmark anniversary. The Northwoods Triathlon is turning 10! Cool, huh.

On Sunday, another early-filler, the YWCA Women's Tri, which was previewed three days ago, will be "experienced" at Lake Nokomis. And in Spicer, the 9th annual Green Lake Triathlon will happen. That great event, which allows race morning registration, will be previewed on MTN tomorrow. Red Wing's Wingman Tri is also on Sunday, and, like the YWCA event, is full.

Also on Sunday is the inaugural Rev 3 Wisconsin Dells Triathlons, featuring Olympic and half IM races. Minnesota pros David Thompson and Devon Palmer are entered in the half, and we're...

predicting an easier-said-than-done podium for DKT. If Devon races like he did at Racine in 2010 (4:01), we believe he has a shot at a Top 5 finish. The men's pro field is large (18-20 guys currently) and features lots of international talent.

The Rev 3 women's pro field is slightly smaller (12 girls) and basically domestic. We believe that it is possible for an elite amateur to sneak into the overall Top 5. In fact, we're predicting that Rochester's Ruth Brennan Morrey will do just that. Sunday's half will be Ruther's final race on U.S. soil for almost a year, as she and her family will be spending the next 10-or-so months in Europe doing fun and enriching cultural European stuff.

UNHAPPY UPDATE! Oh, poop! Just talked to David Thompson. He's got this IT band thing and is "90% sure that I won't race."

Back to the Northwoods Tri. Brooks Grossinger will be going for his 8th victory there and we think he's a slam to dunk get it. He's racing like a crazed banshee (is there any other kind?) this season, as his wins at Lake Minnetonka and Timberman clearly illustrate. His NT CR is stout, 58:25, set in 2008, but we feel that only yucky weather will prevent a new men's overall record.

We also predict that five-time women's champ, Michelle Andres, WILL TOTALLY NOT WIN on Saturday. Sure, that sounds heinously