Race Previews

Nats & Nevis...

Wednesday, 06 August 2014 00:10

USAT OLYMPIC NATIONALS - An unprecedented number of Minnesotans will be in Milwaukee this weekend and we think that a high percentage of them will earn Team USA berths. Of course, we believe that Heather Lendway (photo) will repeat as overall women's champion and keep her 2014 undefeated streak alive.

We also think that 2nd place will be earned by Wausau, Wisconsin's Dani Fischer, who because she has already raced on Minnesota soil four times this season, is eligible for MMA consideration and a place on Team Minnesota. Do you know Dani? She's a HOOT, and a very, very cool person.

As in 2013, we think that Matt Payne will be the highest placing male Minnesotan. He, in fact, comes into the race as one of the favorites to win the whole darn thing. His co-faves include three Coloradans, Steve Mantell, David Giandini and...

Connor Weaver, all of whom cracked last year's Top 5 in Milwaukee, Ohio's Colin Riley, the defending National champ, and Californian Mark Tripp. We predict that a 1:51 will be needed to win.

AG PREDICTIONS: MINNESOTA PODIUM HOPEFUL MEN *

40-44M - We think that either Minnesota's Kevin O'Connor or Connecticut's Christopher Thomas will win this division.

45-49M - We predict the podium will be: 1. Doug Clark (NJ), 2. Shane Arters (NJ) and Brian Bich (MN). We hope we're wrong, though. We'd love to see Brian rack up another national title.

55-59M - Last year's 1-2 in this division was Dave Irion (IL) and Tony Schiller (MN). We should see the same thing this year, though we're pulling for Tony to win his 10th(!) National title.

AG PREDICTIONS: MINNESOTA PODIUM HOPEFUL WOMEN *

50-54W - If Chaska's Heidi Keller-Miler (photo R with the redoubtable Matt Evans) is allowed to race, we believe she will win her AG. (She's been injured and has recently peditioned USAT for an entry.) UPDATE: USAT is letting her race!

60-64W - We think that 2004 50-54W champ Pam Stevens of Sartell, will finish 2nd in her division behind defending 60-64W champ Karen McKeachie of Michigan.

- NORTHWOODS TRIATHLON - Yes, we think that Brooks Grossinger will win here for the 10th(!) time. We predict a record time for him because he's having his most successful season ever.

We haven't seen a registration list, thus we cannot predict a women's winner. We do know that Michelle Andres won't win, unless she decides NOT to race at Nationals in Milwaukee on Saturday. We will say that if fast 15-year-old South Dakotan, Katie Patrick races in Nevis, that she will, once again, win by a wide margin.

* Non-Open Class (20-39) Divisions