Race Previews

Nationals + Seven...

Monday, 03 August 2015 06:10

Not including the USAT National Olympic and Sprint Age Group Championships in Milwaukee, events that have drawn almost 200 Minnesotans, there are seven Gopher State triathlons slated for the weekend of August 8-9.

Insane, right? Especially coming on the heels of an under-utilized weekend, which had only two races--Brewhouse and Minnewaska--and both of them were on Saturday. This kind of stuff has been happening too often, don't you think?

We certainly hope that those Minnesota races--Northwoods, Turtleman (New!), Graniteman-Big Lake and Rainy Lake on Saturday; Green Lake, North Mankato and Wingman on Sunday--that are scheduled for next weekend are successful under the circumstances and encourage everyone who isn't signed up for an event currently, to support one or two of them....

We have seen entrant lists for three of the above events: Graniteman-Big Lake,Green Lake and North Mankato. We were especially impressed with Big Lake's numbers, 400+ as of about a week ago. Graniteman-Clearwater also pulled a large field, a record one actually, thus we are happy to say that the G-Man races are rocking despite the current trends that are causing most races to shrink.

We aren't ready to predict BIG LAKE winners because we're convinced that that man and woman has either not enrolled yet, or have signed up in the days after we were allowed to look at the reg. list. We will say that we believe that Ryan Wippler and Jennifer Fitzharris-Funk will make their respective gender's overall podium. BIG LAKE WEBSITE

A glance at NORTH MANKATO numbers thus far suggests that the event, which will celebrate its 17th anniversary, will lure about 200 entrants. We suspect that the men's winner hasn't registered yet, but are confident that Mankato's Kristin Gustafson will repeat as women's champion. A win would be the 4th since her inaugural victory in molten conditions at Superior Man Half in 2013. NORTH MANAKTO WEBSITE

UPDATE: We just learned that Kristin Gustafson did Ironman Boulder last Sunday (10th overall woman - 10:50:17). That kinda hurts her chances to win (or even compete?) at North Mankato. We're thinkin' that Jenna Rinehart is probably the fave now.

GREEN LAKE enrollment is also looking good. Once again, we believe that the eventual winners have either not signed up yet, or done so since we peeked at the registration list. Possible Minnesota Most Improved nominee Sheena Dauer posted her first career W here in 2014 and we suspect that she may return. If she does, she is our clear pick to win the  women's GL Olympic contest. GREEN LAKE WEBSITE

UPDATE: This post was written last Thursday. Since then we have learned that Sheen Dauer and Mike Ward have enrolled. Timberman International and Brewhouse Sprint winner Nick Nygaard told us that he's thinking about race. Nice field shaping up.

As ever, the NORTHWOODS TRI filled early, thus enrollment numbers are not an issue. And though we have not seen a list of entrants we confidently predict that Brooks Grossinger will cross the finish line ahead of everyone else. Why? That's what he had done at ten of the first 12 editions of this event. He's got this one dialed in. Also, if our records are correct, a W for Brooks would be a milestone, the 25th of his career.

The resurrected TURTLEMAN will be an intimate event, which is to say that its won't be large, perhaps 100 participants. But an event's size doesn't always dictate its value. Capitol City is a great example of this. A wonderful event that only had about 130 particpants and featured super competition, excellent courses and abundant amenities. We believe T-Man will be awesome. Its Shoreview venue is awesome and the lake is in good shape. TURTLEMAN WEBSITE

To learn more about WINGMAN, a sweet event in beautiful Red Wing that will celebrate its 7th birthday on Sunday, visit the WINGMAN WEBSITE. For info on the RAINY LAKE TRI in International Falls, check the event's WEBSITE.