Race Previews
Timberman XXXIV Preview II....
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Sunday, 08 July 2018 23:20
TIMBERMAN OLYMPIC PREVIEW - Yesterday we previewed next Saturday's T-Man Sprint race. Today we are analyzing the Olympic-ish competition.
Based on the last registration report we saw, here are the four guys, in alpha order, that we think will battle for men's podium spots next Saturday:
- BROOKS GROSSINGER - Three-tme T-Man champ, Brooks owns half of the six fastest times on this course, including his CR - 1:54:24. He did not have his best day here in 2017, yet still placed 2nd, with a Masters record to show for it. Yes, he could collect his 4th T-Man Olympic W on Saturday.
- DAVID LEWIS - In the last three years, Dave has placed 5th, 7th and 3rd here. We predict a 3rd or a 4th for him this time around.
- SCOTT MYERS - Scott and David appear to be evenly matched. Scott may have a slight advantage over Lewis this weekend because he has three performances under his belt in 2018, whereas David has yet to race.
- JORDAN ROBY - Winner here in 2017, Jordan can be counted on to post a sub-2-hour clocking this weekend. That could be enough for a return to the Winners Circle, but maybe not. The Brooks / Jordan battle should be epic....
Five of last year's Top 6 women are returning. They are, in order of finish: CHRISTINA ROBERTS (1st), ANDREA MYERS (2nd), TIFFANY KARI (3rd), CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN (5th) and the flamboyant LEEANNE BRONSON (6th - Top photo).
Will they be the Top 5 on Saturday?
Basically yes, but we see Canadian KAYLA KJELLMAN claiming a top 5 spot, either 3rd or 4th. Her PR on this course is two minutes faster than Kari's, but Tiff is a rising star. We are anxious to see how that head-to-head turns out.
A win for Roberts will be her 3rd straight here. She also owns the women's record - 2:09:18 - on the current route. A W would be the 19th of her tri career.
Here are some AG predictions:
00-19 - MAISY WAECH (photo R)
40-44 - BROOKS GROSSINGER & ANDREA MYERS
45-49 - LEEANNE BRONSON
50-54 - CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN
65-69 - NEIL KING & PAM STEVENS
