Race Coverage

Brian's First Win...

Friday, 21 July 2017 23:10

Storhaug wins first triathlon at the Graniteman-Clearwater event.

By Brian Storhaug

Graniteman Clearwater Race Report - The Graniteman race season is comprised of three triathlons with a choice of sprint or olympic distances. The Buffalo Triathlon is typically held in early June and is the first race of the Graniteman season. The race is held at Sturges Park in the heart of downtown Buffalo, and is one of the most popular triathlons in Minnesota. The Clearwater race is held in early July and takes place at Warner Lake Park. The Graniteman season finishes up in the first part of August in Big Lake, MN at Lake Side Park.

On June 4th, Brian Storhaug participated in the first of the Graniteman races in Buffalo, MN. The route included a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. He finished 2nd in his age group (25-29 males) and was 7th overall in the sprint race that featured 350 participants. 

On Saturday, July 8th, Brian Storhaug navigated an 0.44 mile swim, 14 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on his way to the finish line in Clearwater, MN. He was first in his age group (25-29 males) as well as first overall among the 166 racers. Brian covered the three legs in 1:08:41, a personal best for this course.  ...

The Clearwater race was not without excitement, however. Storhaug had to hold off fellow competitor and second place finisher Daniel Nelson of Eden Prairie. The 21 year old Nelson is a St. Cloud State swimmer and covered the 800 yard swim 35 seconds faster than Storhaug. Brian, a tri veteran, had a great transition from swim to bike, entering and exiting the bike rack area in only 52 seconds. Nelson, on the other hand, transitioned in just over a minute and a half. Nelson would eventually catch Storhaug later in bike segment. The two traded the lead several times until Storhaug finally broke away for good to finish ahead with a ten second margin. Both Storhaug and Nelson transitioned into the run segment in just over fifty seconds. It was Storhaug that had more in the tank for the last leg, however, never relinquishing his lead, and covering the run route over a minute and a half faster than Nelson to secure his first ever victory.
On August 5th, Brian will head to Big Lake for the third race of the Graniteman Triathlon Series. Everyone who competes in all 3 races are eligible for the series awards. Awards are given to the top 3 males, females, and teams and are calculated by taking the fastest average times from all 3 races combined.  RESULTS