Race Previews

Square Lake Turns 23!

Friday, 08 September 2023 00:10

23rd Square Lake Triathlon Preview - More than three hundred triathletes are expected to race at this weekend's Square Lake Triathlons, a little over one hundred in Saturday's 70.3, and two-hundred-plus in Sunday's Sprint. In both races we expect to see some recognizable names at the front of the men's races, with SEAN COOLEY the obvious choice in 70.3, and usual suspects like RYAN COLLISON and STEVE STENZEL in the Sprint, though SEAN PICKLE  is our pick to win, unless MICHAEL WEISSENBORN decides to defend his 2022 title. MW was not registered when Judi shared her entrants list with us. 

Back to Cooley. He hasn't raced in a tri since June. What does that mean? We don't know, but we'd like to think he is ready to challenge JOSH MORK's 2019 course record 4:11:39. Sean's PR is 4:02, which he set at Superior Man back in 2014, and has broken 4:10 four times since then. Still, Square Lake is...

arguably the most challenging hard surface half IM in the region, meaning that a 4:11 there is easily equivalent to a 4:05-06 on a flat route.

No female names popped out at is in the 70.3, which we think is really cool. We love to see darkhorses win races. We suspect that an out-of-stater may take the Top Step.

In the Sprint, we believe that a woman who is having a breakout season after several years of solid, yet anonymous racing, can win her first triathlon. We're talking about KATIE KADERA (photo), who has podiumed in both of her local efforts this year. The reason we said "can" instead of "will" is because there's always a chance that a credentialled athlete like DIANE HANKEE may decide to late-register.

IMPORTANT! The Square Lake needs a few more voluneers, so we encouragee those who plan to spectate to consider lending a hand.