Race Previews

The Deepest Field Thus Far...

Saturday, 23 June 2012 02:30

(Photo - The women's race in 2011 was totally epic, with Becky Youngberg--backward ball cap--winning, Michelle Andres--#11, great hams--taking 2nd nine seconds later, and Heidi Keller-Miler--awesome quads--grabbing 3rd, another eight seconds back.)

Lake Waconia Preview - For the eight-year-and-counting life of the Best of the US Tri Series, the Lake Waconia Triathlon has been Minnesota's BOUS qualifying race. It has sent several podiumers to the Championship race over the years, and in 2011 two of our state's fastest guys--Matthew Payne and Patrick Parish--went 1-2 at the Gulf Shores, Alabama Champs. Here's Minnesota's Championship history:

- 2005 (Lake Winnipesaukee, NH) - 3rd - Brian Bich. 8th - Emily Deppe.

- 2006 (Lake Minnetonka, MN) - 6th - Cathy Yndestad. 9th - Brian Bich.

- 2007 (Cypress Gardens, FL) - 3rd - Cathy Yndestad. 15th - Jeremy Sartain....

- 2008 (Tempe, AZ) - 3rd - Brian Bich. 15th - Marlo McGaver.

- 2009 (Mission Viejo, CA) - 7th - Brian Bich. 17th - Brook Mutzenberger.

- 2010 (Mission Viejo, CA) - 3rd - Matthew Payne. 11th - Julia Weisbecker.

- 2011 (Gulf Shores, AL) - 1st - Matthew Payne. 2nd - Patrick Parish.

The Lake Waconia Triathlon has sent more eventual Top 3 finishers (6) to its Championships than any other state. Wisconsin (4), Colorado (3) and New Jersey (3) are next in line.

The 23rd Lake Waconia Triathlon is Sunday and, once again, should send a podium-worthy team to the Championship, which will be hosted by Leon's Triathlon in northwestern Indiana (Chicagoland area) on June 2, 2013. FYI, all qualifiers will be staged in 2012. The early-season Championship will allow more athletes to participate as the event will not have to compete with the late-season Biggies, i.e. Kona, 70.3 Worlds, Hy-Vee 5150 Champs et al.

In 2011, Dan Hedgecock trashed the LWT amateur CR and topped a podium including Parish and Payne. Dan was unable to go to Alabama, thus his teammates had to do the heavy lifting, which of course, they totally did. Hedge, PP and Payne will be racing on Sunday and are favored to take the Top spots again. BUT, Alex Hooke is coming off his 2nd amateur victory at his hometown race, Rochesterfest Olympic, and could rob one of the aforementioned guys of a spot in the Top 3.

And let's not forget guys like Kevin O'Connor, Scott Myers, a former BOUS Championship runner-up (2007, representing Ohio) and emerging stars Kyle Serreyn and Marcus Stromberg, all of whom will battle for top spots and possible passdowns.

Though four of our state's premier multisportswomen--Cathy Yndestad, Claire Bootsma, Ruth Brennan Morrey and Michelle Andrs--who are arguably rankable among the Top 10-15 amateur tri-girls in the US right now, there will be enough female talent on hand on Sunday to send a podium-worthy woman or two to Leon's.

Who, pray tell?

We believe that Kortney Haag, who was brilliant at Liberty Half, and Suzie Fox, who has been brilliant in each of her five starts this season, should grab two of the BOUS slots. The other could go to Heidi Keller-Miler. Or to Andrea Myers, who has represented Ohio at three BOUS Championships. Or to Hilary Patzer, who has two wins and a 2nd on her 2012 resume. Or Steph Solfelt, who podiumed at Manitou. Or Ann Snuggerud, if she stays on course. Or Diane Hankee, if her napping 2010 mojo wakes up. Or Kat Schlaefer, if her injuries allow her to race hard.

Or Nordica Stocker. This is a breakout year for the 26-year-old with a super-cool name. Her 2nd at Lake Minnetonka last weekend certainly caught our attention.

It's gonna be a smokin' race on Sunday. Epic, in fact. The deepest field of the year thus far, for sure. If you're not already registered, come out and watch or volunteer.