Race Previews

GWD Turns 20!

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 02:30

Race Preview - The Gear West Duathlon will celebrate its 20th anniversary next Sunday. Cool, huh? Hey, don't you think you should be on hand for the celebration? If you haven't registered yet, we suggest you do so at your earliest opportunity.

Historically, the GWD has been the first major race on the Minnesota multisport calendar. As the annual launch of the Midwest Multisport Series, arguably the most competitive amateur multi series in America and has been since its inception in 1998, it draws an outrageously deep field. On several occasions in the past decade, the GWD has assembled the most talent-rich amateur field of the entire Minnesota season....

This year's elite group, or to use the event's nomenclature, "Competitive Wave," is huge (57 athletes!) and sick-fast. It needs to be understood, however, that the heart and soul of the GWD, as with most races, are the age groupers. Gear West Bike prides itself on producing a great event for a reasonable fee with plenty of amenities. Unprecedented in quantity and value, this event's post-race give-aways are intended as a display of gratitude for those who do the race and/or shop at the store.

Because it's easier to keep track of a gaggle of elites than it is to follow the progress of a multitude of AGers, we will make predictions about how we think the race at the front will shake out. Besides, we've only seen "Competitive Wave" list, not the age group roster.

ELITE GUY PREDICTIONS:

* Defending champ Dan Hedgecock will repeat because he's very, very fast. He won the Elite Duathlon National Championship on March 31, you know.

* Defending amateur national du champion Patrick Parish (photo L) will place 2nd. Patrick is very, very, fast, too. Unlike Dan, PP doesn't have a mustache.

* USAT US National Du Championship runner-up Matthew Payne WILL NOT make the podium at GWD XX. In fact, he won't even finish. Why? He'll be racing at Florida 70.3 instead.

* The battle for 3rd in the men's race will be betwixt 2011 Long Distance Athlete of the Year Dan Arlandson and four-time GWD podiumer, Chad Millner. Arlandson wasn't pleased with his 3rd place effort at Oakdale and will be gunning for redemption. Millner has muscle memory on his side. Slight edge to Chad.

ELITE GIRL PREDICTIONS:

* Ruth Brennan Morrey will win in the fastest women's time this event has ever seen. Why? 'Cuz she is clearly the premier amateur duathlete in the US right now. In fact, we'd be surprised if there were any US pro women who could stay with her. She's special. Just look at her 5K run splits at Cinco Du Mayo (17:49 & 17:51!).

* 2011 Minnesota Duathlete of the Year Suzie Fox will place 2nd in a really, really fast time. She was brilliant last weekend at Oakdale and should win every regional du she enters this season that does not have Ruthie in it.

* 2011 GWD winner and runner-up Michelle Andres and Claire Bootsma WILL NOT vie for podium spots on Sunday because they will be elsewhere doing other stuff.

* Andrea Myers and Julie Hull will duke it out for the final podium spot. We're thinking Jules will take it. After all, she's been there before.

Hey, the long-range weather forecast suggests that this year's GWD will be contested under ideal conditions. When was the last time that happened? RACE & REG. INFO

BONUS INFO:

Dear Triathletes:

To save money, register today for the 23rd Annual Lake Waconia Triathlon! An entry fee increase of $10 will be added May 20th. Please tell your friends of the May 20th $10 fee increase and remember to register today at: www.lakewaconiatriathlon.net.

Thank You!

Marvin Denzer, Lake Waconia Triathlon Race Director

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Mobile: 612-719-9816