Race Previews
History & Charred Swine...
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Friday, 31 August 2012 02:30
(Photo - Melinda Silbernick. She holds two long-standing divisional records at SCVS.)
ST. CROIX VALLEY TRIATHLONS - Twelve years ago, Final Stretch, a longtime producer of running events, staged it's first triathlon in Hudson, Wisconsin. The St. Croix Valley Sprint.
Though the event was an instant success, FS waited until 2008 to produce another multisport event. That year, they acquired the popular Liberty Tri and inaugurated the Falls Duathlon. Today they stage eight multis, more than any other Minnesota event management company. Their contribution to the multisport lifestyle in our region has been humongoid....
Hedge, Boots & PP Among Hy-Vee EA Faves...
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Wednesday, 29 August 2012 02:30
Hy-Vee 5150 U.S. Championship - The second deepest elite amateur field of the year (behind USAT Nationals) will be on hand for this weekend's 5150 EA National Championship in Des Moines, Iowa. On the men's high-end side, the race will feature the Top 4 finishers at AG Nationals, and yes, we believe that these guys, all of whom will likely be considered for 2012 USAT AOY, will sweep the podium+one. Will the order be the same as at Nationals? That is the question. We hope not.
2012 USAT AG Nationals - Men
1. Brian Duffy (PA)
2. Drew Scott (CO)...
#12 at Whipple...
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Saturday, 25 August 2012 02:10
Lakes Country Tri Preview - Marketed as the Lakes Country Tri since 2003, this race actually started in 2001, and was known initially as the Whipple Wave. The event was founded by a sweetheart-of-a-human-being-with-the-blondest-hair-in-the-history-of--well,--hair, Angela Sandelin.
The two WWTs preceding the new and improved name were won by athletes that are, unfortunately, remembered by few in Minnesota's current multisport community. North Dakota transplant, and former pro triathlete, Mike Sweeney, a great guy who looked too big to be fast, took the men's title in those races. Two-time US Duathlete of the Year Kristin Miller, who is now a star rower, was the top girl in '01; the statuesque-and-totally-lovely Anne Lee won in...
A Superior Experience...
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Friday, 24 August 2012 02:10
(Photo - Dr. Ann Sudoh is one of the faves to win the women's title on Sunday.)
Superior Man I - This first-time event features a satisfying turn out (400ish participants) and a strong field. A handful of folks with impressive half IM creds will be racing, as well as, more interestingly, a large contingent of folks with sweet short course resumes. We're anxious to see how these athletes fare. We anticipate some breakout performances.
For giggles, here's the Whos and Whys of our predicted men's podium....
The Promise of Awesomeness...
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Thursday, 23 August 2012 02:10
Maple Grove Dare to Tri III - This ambitious three-year-old event is one of those rare races that became an instant classic. It's venue, staging, execution (fantastic volunteers!), abundant amenities and grand VIBE are major league; totally first class. It's therefore unsurprising that 1200+ athletes (from 24 states) have enrolled for Saturday's race; that's a 33% increase over the 2011 numbers....
IMOO Preludes, Fast Girls in Lakeville & Harvest Goddesses...
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Saturday, 18 August 2012 02:10
(Great Nick Morales Photo - This is NOT a pic of Randy Fulton peeing, but it sure looks like it. What does this shot have to do with what's posted below? Nothing, really.)
Micro-Previews - Without preamble, here are MTN's predictions for Sunday's triathlons:
- 14th PIGMAN HALF - DKT will win for the umpteenth (8th) time. We think that, as a motivating prelude to her IM debut in Madison next month, Kortney Haag will not only share the Winner's Circle with David, she'll set a CR and PR in the process. We're pulling for you, Kort!
Also, we expect Suzie Fox, Minnesota's fastest athlete who owns more than five dogs, to blow away her 70.3 PR. She has raced brilliantly in 2012, and a next level effort on Sunday could solidify a Triathlete of the Year ...