Race Previews
An Addictive Experience...
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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 06:10
LAKE MINNETONKA TRIATHLON XIII Preview - Few tris and dus are immune to trends. Most races have endured reduced attendances for the last four or five years. Those events remain on the calendar because they're optimistic that the sport will experience a resurgence in the near future. We're optimist, too.
A couple of races, however, appear to be basically immune to downward trends. One is Northwoods. Another is the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon.
What elevates the LMT in this comparison is the fact that its enrollment ceiling (600) is twice as high as Northwoods. Sure, neither race fills as quickly as it used to, but both consistently get their numbers....
Part of the reason for this is "Recidivism." Lake Minnetonka has everything a participant can want: gorgeous scenery, challenge, atmosphere, amenities, flawless execution, a spacious transition et al, making it an addictive experience, and most are unable to kick the habit. A significantly large percentage of the field make an annual pilgrimage to Excelsior Commons. Five past champions, who have thirteen victories between them have registered early forSaturday's race. They are:
Brett Lovaas (2009, 2006, 2006- BOUS, 2005)
Brooks Grossinger (2015, 2014, 2012)
Steve Sander (2011, 2010) - Photo Above
Jan Guenther (2009, 2008)
Tony Schiller (2008, 2008)
We suspect that one or two or more will sign up this week.
Who will win this year? Hard to say. It's possible that two-time champ Heather Lendway will race. If she's here, she'll win. But she's a pro and subject to the lure of out-of-town prize money races.
If 2015 champ Suzie Fox, Minnesota's 2015 Triathlete of the Year, is in the field, she'd be our pick to win the women's amateur title, though she would have her work cut out for her holding off last year's runner-up / Most Improved Award winner Christina Roberts (photo R). Other podium hopefuls include Lisa Lendway and Angela Kidd.
The women's race promises to be super exciting.
For the guys, we believe that unless someone like Matt Payne decides to pop in, Brooks Grossinger should pick up his fourth LMT title. He certainly has muscle memory in his favor.
But an upset is certainly possible, especially considering that Brooks has yet to race this season. If that happens, we think that Erik Hendrickson will be the upsetter.
We're anxious to get to Excelsior Commons on Saturday. Though registration has closed, Race Director "Iron Man" Ross Rogney, a super guy!, has a special offer:
The race is full. 15 charitable entries will be available beginning on June 17th at 3:30 PM at packet pick-up at Startline Running Store in Minnetonka. They will be available on a first-come first serve basis, with any extras available on race day between 5:30-6 am. The charity spots are $100, and may be paid with cash or check. A drivers license is required to register for the event.
ED. We just heard from Heather Lendway. Her and 2013 LMT men's champ David Thompson will be racing in a pro team competition this weekend in Sarasota, Florida.And Suzie Fox told us that she plans to run Grandma's this weekend.
