Race Previews

Piggie Preview...

Wednesday, 03 June 2015 00:10

PIGMAN SPRINT PREVIEW - This annual classic employs a cool "Equalizer" format, reminiscent of the one Life Time Fitness instituted in 2002. Last year, USAT Athlete of the Year Heather Lendway destroyed the women's course record and took home the $750 Equalizer bonus in addition to the $600 she received for winning hte women's race.

This year's Equalizer differential will be tightened somewhat, probably something that is in the range of last year's actual differential: 5:23. Even so, we expect rookie pro Heather Lendway to pocket the bonus cheque (Canadian spelling).

The MTN Guys thought it would be fun to predict the Top five, i.e. prize money, male and female finishers at next Sunday's 24th annual Pigman Sprint. We're anxious to see how we fare. 50% correct is our goal.

MEN:

1. Daniel Bretscher (IA) - Defending champion, 2007 USAT AOY. Pro since 2008.

2. Patrick Parish (MN) - Though he plans to race at USAT Du Nationals on Saturday, we still think he'll podium on Sunday.

3. Thomas Gerlach (WI) - A great guy who prefers long course racing but has performed well here in the past....

4. Andrew Nielsen (WI) - He's a 2nd year pro with solid results.

5. Nathan White (IA) - Turned pro about five years ago after a couple of AOY HM seasons.

WOMEN:

1. Heather Lendway (MN) - The premier US rookie (non-drafting) in 2015. Could become the next Sarah Haskins.

2. Jackie Hering (WI) - Prefers long course racing but is talented enough to rock a 2nd place here.

3. Sarah Alexander (IL) - She was the Elite Amateur winner at St. Anthony's back in April.

4. Daniella Williams (IA) - A perennial top finisher here. Muscle memory will work for her.

5. Joanna Hall (IA) - A former Minnesotan who excels in sprint course races.

NOTE: Diane Hankee is on the start list but we'd be surprised if she races. She is a podium favorite at Du Nationals on Saturday. If she does race in Palo, however, we think she'll finish in a money slot. We also pick Kevin O'Connor to win the masters title and finish 6th overall.

Sunday's Pigman Sprint is sold out.

UPDATE: We received an email from David Thompson. He will not be at Trinona. Instead, he will be representing Gear West Bike at Triathlon at PIgman Sprint. Despite his injury, he plans to race there. We therefore are dropping Nathan White from our Top 5 and installing DKT in the overall Top 2. Places 2-4 will drop down one notch.