Race Coverage

De-Rusting in Clermont...

Tuesday, 06 March 2012 02:30

(Cell Phone Photo - Kevin O'Connor. The shot was taken by Kevin's sister. Who knew?)

Race Coverage - For most Minnesotans the 2012 multisport season won't get underway until May. For a few, however, the outdoor season has already started.

Three of our state's premier guys--2011 Triathlete of the Year, Dan Hedgecock, 2010 Triathlete of the Year, Patrick Parish and 2009 US Duathete of the Year, Kevin O'Connor--and three of Minnesota's most decorated junior girls--2010 Junior of the Year, Kate Lowrey, 2011 Junior of the Year Runner-up, Greta Danielson, and 2011 JOY nominee, Paige Danielson--plus promising newcomer Trisha Bachmeier--treked down to Clermont in central Florida last weekend for the 2nd annual Clermont Draft Legal Challenge. Seventy-seven amateur guys and 37 amateur girls, a significant percentage of whom sport elite creds, and some of whom have pro aspirations, gathered on the mucky, receding shoreline of Lake Louisa last Saturday. The course length was "official sprint," i.e. half-Olympic (750m-20K-5K), and conditions were, for better or worse, a bit more sultry (temps in the mid-80s) than the northern and Midwestern entrants were used to.

The draft legal format favors strong swimmers and the Minnesota contingent are best known for their cycling and running prowesses. Sure, Kevin's and Kate's swim skills are estimable, but on Saturday KO chose to swim with Dan, allowing the Gear West Bike duo to work together during the bike segment; and Kate, who was in 10th pace out of the water despite being whacked by a kayaker's paddle, DNFed in T1 on the advice of her coach....

Here's how the Minnesotans fared: In 42nd place after the swim, Hedgecock and O'Connor posted the 1-2 fastest bike splits of the morning. Hedge, whose new mustache was making it's tri debut, ultimately finished in 5th place. Kevin, 41, who dominated the seven other masters in the field, landed in 12th.

Patrick Parish, who placed 3rd here in 2011, had even more ground to make up after the swim (49th) and was able to impressively reel in all but seven athletes, thanks largely to his run split, which was the 3rd fastest of the day.

Minnesota's girls did not fare as well as the boys. Greta, 19, placed 18th and sister Paige, 16, (USAT ages) took 24th in the DL. Trisha finished 26th in the Youth Elite race.

Who were the guys who managed to beat Minnesota's best on Saturday?

1. Luke Farkas, 19 (TN - photo) - Hand-picked to train in Colorado Springs at the OTC, Farkas is a strong swimmer and runner who had a breakout effort last Saturday. This young man appears to be best suited for DL-style racing. He's a good-looking young man and appears to be a really nice guy. He listens to John Mayer on his iPod.

2. Erik Lagerstrom, 23 (OR) - Career highlights include: 2008 Junior National Champ; 18-19 Bronze medal - 2008 ITU World Championship;