Race Previews

Tom Petty Was Right....

Wednesday, 22 June 2016 06:10

LAKE WACONIA PREVIEW - The LWT, one of America's awesomest sprint tris, will happen next Sunday and we want to encourage those who haven't signed up yet to do so at their earliest convenience. In case you didn't know, there are no multisport races in Minnesota on the weekend of July 2-3, so, if you want to get in a race before July 9-10, when your choices include Timberman, Minneapolis, Graniteman Clearwater and Elysian, then you need to register for the LWT.  Online reg. closes on Friday at 11:59 PM. Walk-up registration will be available on race morning ...

Waconia has always been one of our state's most competitive races, and this year's event will perpetuate that legacy. In fact, the 2016 women's field will be as deep as ever. Six 2015 Team Minnesota members are already registered, and we'd be surprised if 1-2 more didn't sign-up.

The field features two-time champ/course record holder/ 2015 Triathlete of the Year Suzie Fox. Though she raced at Grandma's Marathon last weekend, Suzie will still be the one to beat. She'll be challenged by, in alpha order, Kortney Haag (two-time LWT podium finisher), Nicole Heininger (2014 LWT Champ, 2013 runner-up), Diane Hankee, Lisa Lendway and Christina Roberts (2014 LWT runner-up).

Additionally, super-rookie Hanna Grinaker will probably be among the later sign-ups. If she races, she'll probably land on the podium.

All of these women are racing well right now. We'd be surprised if, weather permitting, the women's course record didn't fall.

In our opinion, the deepest of the women's AGs is 50-54, which will feature two-time Minnesota MOY Cheryl Zitur, and former MOY nominees Julia Weisbecker and Tracy Serreyn. All three of these women are racing lights-out this season, and will definitely be part of the post-season MOY discussion.

Now for the guys. With three-time LWT champ Matt Payne in Bend, Oregon at Duathllon Nationals, several guys have a shot a the W.

Who?

Once again, in alpha order, Josh Blankenheim (3rd in 2014), Brooks Grossinger (2nd in 2014), and Kevin O'Connor (2nd in 2015). Also, if Hanna G races, then so will her SO Sean Cooley. If so, he could come away with the win.

Lurking not far back will be darkhorses Steve Sander and Jordan Roby, the guys that finished 2-3 behind Grossinger at Lake Minnetonka last Saturday.

The LWT has a long history of exciting, ultra-competitive racing, and Sunday's race promises to be one of the most thrilling ever. We can't wait for Sunday to get here. Tom Petty was right: The waiting is the hardest part. - RACE WEBSITE

TOP PHOTO (L-R) - Ann Snuggerud, Suzie Fox and Kortney Haag.