Race Previews

Bridget's Return...

Friday, 01 June 2018 23:10

27th PIGMAN SPRINT TRIATHLON - Since 1992, the Pigman has been Iowa's premier sprint triathlon, and Minnesotans have always rocked at this annual classic.

We expect more of the same on Sunday, however there will be some notable absentees, like HEATHER LENDWAY and DAVID THOMPSON (retired).

KEVIN O'CONNOR, now 47, has won the amateur title her more than anyone in the event's history. We cannot predict that he will repeat that feat this weekend. This is because the men's amateur field is insanely deep. We do think that KO will bring home the masters award, and may even finish as high as 7th overall.

So who are the front pack guys? Check out this list, which we have alphabetized:

KEVIN DENNY (Lees Summitt, MO) - Kevin's been the top amateur here the last two years. Will he do it again? Maybe, but we don't think so. In fact, he may not even make the podium. This is because the young upstarts, those whippersnappers who he had beaten in the past, are older, wiser, and faster. 

IAN HOOVER-GRINDE (Cedar Rapids) - A former USAT Junior of the Year, Ian is a special talent, one who is being groomed for a pro career.

KIPP KINSLEY (Yankton, SD) - Kinnsley broke out of the pack a few years back when he WON the Minneapolis Triathlon.

REECE LINDER (Cedar Rapids) - This young man impressed our socks off with his big win at Maple Grove Olympic last year. He has what it takes to win here, too....

PATRICK PARISH (Minneapolis) - PP has at least 33 career multisport wins to his credit, including SIX national titles.

COLIN RILEY (Cincinnati, OH) - Colin is a former Age Group National Champion, and has been named USAT AOY. Great guy, too.

Who will win? Our gut tells us that it's Linder's turn.

As for the women, St. Paul's BRIDGET MCCOY (top photo) is returning to action after a year on the sidelines recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident. In both 2016 and 2015, the former Minneapolis Triathlon champ was the 2nd amateur woman to finish here at Pigman. This year's women's field isn't as deep as in years' past, so we believe that it is possible for Bridge to podium on Sunday. 

Two other Minnesota women, one who attends ISU, another who relocated to Coralville a decade-or-so ago, will also battle for Top spots. We're taliking about KRISTINA SWENSON, former Minnesota Junior fot the Year, and JOANNA HALL, convincing winner at Quad Cities last year. Swenson is ready for a breakout season, and Hall is, too.

We're anxious to see how this race shakes out.