Race Previews

Epic Amenities...

Tuesday, 17 June 2014 06:10

CAPITOL CITY TRIATHLON - The MTN Guys think that it's a major bummer that last weekend's racing calendar was so light--three races in which less than 200 Minnesota athletes raced. (A large percentage of those that raced at Fairmont and Canby were from South Dakota and Iowa.) Next weekend there are EIGHT multis, only one of which--Lake Minnetonka--will pull in the numbers of prior years.

The new Capitol City race (Sunday) will not be large, perhaps 200-250 entrants, but organizers are confident that it's execution, courses and amenities will make the event an "Instant Classic." ...

We've peeked at the early registration list and, for funzies, are going to make some PREDICTIONS:

- Recent winners Lisa Lendway and Christel Kippenhan should duke it out for the women's win. Because the race is in Lisa's backyard, and because her winning time at Trinona Sprint rocked socks, we're giving the edge to Lendway.

- We think that the final women's podium spot will go to Amy Botnen, who narrowly missed receiving a Rookie of the Year nomination in 2013. We believe she'll have a breakout season.

 - Based on the current enrollment list, we think that Eau Claire Tri winner Brendon O'Flanagan, as well as Andy Wiberg, David Phillips and Mike Ladendorf are destined for Top 5 finishes. Our pick to win it, though, is Duluth's Josh Blankenheim. This is a risky pick. Josh hasn't raced in multisport events since 2011, but his earlier resume is stellar, featuring five wins and podiums in several of our state's most competitive events.

Registration is still open. WEBSITE

Craft brew, free massage & rock taping in a gloriously reclaimed historical landmark…

By Trudy Marshall (Capitol City Tri Director)

Who doesn't like a little craft brew?

Flat Earth Brewing is the site for packet pickup for Capitol City Tri and Best of the U.S. National Championship. Their new digs are in what once was the home of Hamm's…you remember The Land of Sky Blue Waters, right? That very same underground spring is now the pure water source for Flat Earth's yummy craft selections, like Angry Planet Pale, Cygnus X-1 Porter, Northwest Passage IPA and more.

Race entrants and guests over 21 can enjoy free tastings…all Flat Earth asks is that you bring a non-perishable item to toss into their food shelf collection box. Younger guests will love the root beer spout, too! Bring friends and family!

In the event some sampling doesn't relax you quite enough, the Health Source Chiropractic team will be offering free massage and Rock Taping to get you ready to race.

This is all happening Saturday the 21st at 688 Minnehaha Avenue East, Saint Paul, from Noon to 4:00 PM.

Packet pickup is also available Sunday, race day morning at Lake Phalen, for those who don't like cool old buildings, great beer, and hands-on TLC…or for those who just can't get there on Saturday.

Speaking of friends and family…they'll be able to enjoy hot Caribou Coffee and cold Culver's Custard at the race, while watching you take your loops. They'll be able to watch you swim, catch a glimpse of you as you whiz by on two bike loops, and watch you make your way around Lake Phalen on the run. And if that's not enough, they can follow live results on their mobile devices at http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results14/bestofus14.html