Race Previews

Weekend Preves...Chisago & Waseca...

Tuesday, 22 July 2014 09:10

9th Annual CHISAGO LAKES TRIATHLONS - It's hard to believe that this race is nine-years-old already. A great event, it's one of ou region's largest (1500ish participants) and most competitive tris. It also boasts a stunning location, great production and execution, and terrific amenities.

Without further ado, here are our predictions for Sunday's race at picturesque Paradise Park in Chisago City.

HALF IRONMAN -

- The men's pro record is 3:55:25 and we think that it is in jeopardy. We will not bet against David Thompson (photo L) here. DKT has been victorious for five straight years and though Wisconsin pro Tom Gerlach wants to end the streak, we don't think that will happen. A win for David will mark the 18th time he's won a 70.3....

- We think that the men's amateur title will go to Colorado's Tim Hola. He's been one of America's most succesful long distance racers for more than a decade. He should take a run at Jon Balabuck's amateur record (4:05:48, set in 2006).

- As for the women, we believe that a pro will win, in this case Tami Ritchie from Ankeny, IA. But we're excited to see her chase pack, which includes Suzy Fox, Kortney Haag and Nicole Heininger. Tami can't afford to be complacent. If she is, one or more of our state's Top Amateurs will take her down.

SPRINT -

We'll make this fast: Dan Hedgecock and Heather Lendway will win and both will set records in the process. What we are most curious about, though, is whether HL can topple the women's pro record, a 1:19:00 set in 2012 by South Carolinan Lauren Goss. FYI the amateur record is Suzy Fox's 1:23:38.

The Chisago Lakes Triathlon is more than just a race. It's a party and everyone's invited. Will you be there? RACE WEBSITE

6th Annual WASECA 1/3 & SPRINT - Also on Sunday are the awesome Waseca races, which we consider to be the best kept secret in our region. We hate the fact that it shares the weekend with so many other races, especially Chisago. We'd love for this race to pull the numbers it deserves. We'd love to see 1000-or-more athletes do this event, with its wonderful venue and unique distances (1 mile - 34 miles - 8.8 miles, or .25 mile - 14 miles - 4.4 miles).