Race Coverage
Not Too Many "K"s....
-
Monday, 29 August 2011 03:00
TriStar 111 - Shortly after Wanda finished the 2nd annual Maple Grove Olympic Triathlon yesterday, a friend asked her why she didn't do the 111?
"Too many 'K's," she puffed, hands on her knees.
For 112 folks, however, the 111 kilometer challenge, was not excessive. For them, there were not too many Ks.
The inaugural TriStar 111-Minnesota, which was the US debut of a two-year-old international Series, was won by German distance star, Maik Twelsiek, in an outrageous 3:12:45, which was eight seconds faster than Thomas Hellreigel's previous Series record, set in Estonia in June. Twelsiek is a former Ironman Lake... Placid and Wisconsin champion and has placed 2nd this year at both Ironman St. George and IM Coeur D'Alene.
Third-year California pro Karl Bordine, whose enjoying a breakout season, earned the 2nd podium spot, and St. Paul's lovable Devon Palmer landed on the third step.
Race co-announcer Kris Swarthout, who was dressed entirely in black, which was not only slimming but made him look sorta like Johnny Cash, interviewed 
Devon on-air.
"Devon, how'd your race go today?" Kris inquired enthusiastically.
After a pregnant, pensive moment, Palmer answered, "Good."
Where was Chris MacCormack, you ask?
He had a "thing" with his bike and pulled out after the first loop of the cycling segment. He then decided to unofficially do the sprint course, which he did, all the while smiling and encouraging AGers. He's a totally cool guy.
Female pro Amy Kloner had apparently zigged when she shoulda zagged, or perhaps she zagged when she shoulda zigged. The result was an extra nine miles of cycling. This made winning impossible. The victory was then claimed by talented amateur, Jenny Wilcox, in the totally awesome time of 3:53:40. It was Jenny's 2nd win of the year and 14th of her career.
A resurgent and ever-smiling Julie Hull (3:55:36) placed 2nd. Third went to Leah Prudhomme (YndeCam photo R), who in spite of some scary, time-losing stuff during the swim phase, turned in the best performance (3:58:41) of her tri career. She wore really bright clothing and tall shoes to the post-race awards/dinner cruise (the beef tips, bow-tie pasta and vegetable lasagna were delicious!). She looked really good.
We'd be surprised if next year's TriStar 111-Minnesota drew less than 500 participants. Heck, it may pull a lot more than that.
Stuff about the Maple Grove Dare to Tri Olympic & Sprint tris will post on Tuesday...
