Race Previews
Podium Predictions: Trinona IX...Update...
-
Sunday, 04 June 2017 23:10
Photos - Defending Trinona champs Kris Spoth and Gaby Bunten.
TRINONA PREVIEW - There are few races anywhere that are in the same league with Trinona. It is outstanding in every way. Venue/Courses, Swag. Atmosphere. Amenities. Memories. You name it, Trinona has it "in spades," which is an expression we have never really understood. What do spades have to do with having a lot of something?
We digress.
Trinona has always been a very competitive race and this year's fields are strong. So without further ado-do, let's make some predictions.
MEN'S PODIUM: ...
1. TIMOTHY WINSLOW, 20, Boulder, CO - A second-year pro, Timothy is a former USAT Junior of the Year, an award he's been nominated for, as both a triathlete and a duathlete, several times. We think he'll need a 1:53 or 1:54 to win.
2. SEAN HARRINGTON, 28, Santa Barbara, CA - Based alone on his 2nd place finish at Collegiate Nationals in 2016, we'd pick this young pro to win in Winona on June 11. His entire resume, while good, reveals some inconsistencies, which is why we're not picking him to win. That said, we would be surprised if the winner''s margin of victory was more than twenty seconds.
3. KRIS SPOTH, 29, St. Paul - Kris is a two-time Trinona winner who is coming off three podium efforts in regional multis. He's a clear choice for the final podium spot, and the overall amateur victory.
WOMEN'S PODIUM:
1. RUTH BRENNAN MORREY, 41, Rochester (photo R) - One of America's premier long distance triathletes, this fifth-year pro is our pick to lower Heather Lendway's women's record, a 2:09:50 set in 2014.
2. GABY BUNTEN, 25, Forest Lake - Our clear choice for the #2 spot, Gaby will lead out of the water. Finishing 2nd overall would giver her the amateur win, which would her 8th career tri W. Gaby demolished the sprint course record here in 2016.
3. ERIN HYNDMAN-FARRENS, 36, Maple Grove - Erin's win at Maple Grove Olympic told us that she's ready to give Gaby a run for her money. Erin finished 3rd here last year.
Prize money: 1st - $1000, 2nd - $500, 3. $250
ED. See Wade Cruser's comment below. If Daniel Bretscher chooses to race at Trinona, pros should sweep the podium. Daniel is coming off a win yesterday at Buffalo Olympic.
