Race Previews

Green Lake's "Aluminum" Anniversay....

Wednesday, 07 August 2013 01:10

Green Lake X - Gosh! Can you believe that the Green Lake Triathlon will celebrate its "Aluminum" anniversary on Sunday?

The GL Tri, featuring a 10-year old sprint race and a seven-year-old International event, is one of Minnesota's several awesome "Destination" triathlons, taking its place alongside the venerable Timberman and Northwoods races. This trio of triathlons, a triumvirate, if you will, has been joined in recent years by Chase the Police in picturesque Walker and the relocated Brewhouse, now staged at majestic Island Lake, which isn't really in Canada, though it has that cool, tree-hugging Canucky vibe.

Interestingly, of all of our state's Destinationy tris, Green Lake boasts the largest attendance. Including its Saturday Kid's Tri--Green Lake bills itself as Minnesota Premier Family Weekend--the GL weekend annually hosts 900ish participants. It is deservedly well-loved for its scenery, drinkable lake, humongous transition area and abundant post-race groceries. If you're not currently enrolled, we believe you can still get in. (RACE WEBSITE)

Okay, now for MTN Predictions, which with $1.89, will get you a cup of Coffee at Dunn Bros....

* 2012 Olympic-distance runner-up Rocket Rod Raymond threatens to race, hoping to remain undefeated in three starts thus far in 2013. He has recently had back surgery and is willing to show his scar to anyone who's into playing "I'll-show-you-mine-if-you-show-me-yours." He is also on the verge of completing his doctorate and wants people to get used to calling him "Dr. Rocket," so he suggests that people start calling him that right now. To win on Sunday, he'll have to outrace fellow Duluthian Mike Ward, who placed 3rd here in 2012, and Rookie of the Year candidate Larry Hosch. Larry won the 2013 Graniteman Series.

* Amy Braig-Lindstrom will be racing, of course. She will be outspoken and funny.

* Jacqueline Baciagalupi of Montevideo will have the coolest last name. It has something to do with wolves. No kidding.

* We're excited about the women's Olympic race, thinking that Gretchen Sadaka, Stephanie Peterson, Roxanne Lorenz, Cheryl Johnson, Angela Kumm and Sarah Berger will, in any order, comprise the Top 6.

* We believe that South Dakota pedagogue, Teresa Van Hyfte (photo R), will repeat as women's sprint champ.

* The men's sprint will be won by tri-rookie Casey Miller, the guy who convincingly won the Walker Tri a few weeks ago.

* Carol Marston will smile constantly, as will Scotty Erickson, who will occasionally, and absently, tug on his soul patch.

* Everybody will love the race t-shirt.