Race Previews

2023 LMT - The Men...

Wednesday, 14 June 2023 00:10

2023 LAKE MINNETONKA PREVIEW - The Men - Below, in alpha order, are our Top 5 and some Age Group predictions:

NOAH BILLINGS, 17- A prolific racer, he's going after Kyle Swenson's junior records in Minnesota triathlons. He placed 3rd overall here in 2022 and could actually better that on Saturday. Matching Swenson's 1:05:40 may not happen this year, but Noah has two more years of junior racing after this, so...

UPDATE: We just learned that Noah is ill and connot race.

MIKE BUENTING, 48 - A Top 5 finisher here last year, we are axious to see who wins the 45-49 battle between him and Brett Lovaas. Mike won that battle last year. UPDATE: We learned today that Mike will not be racing on Saturday, though he will be on-site to cheer for his daughter.

SAMUEL HAUCK, 39 - Sam's pre-2010 tri record was stellar, then came med school and, well, life. He returned to racing locally in 2018, then another pause. He's back this year and had placed 6th two weeks ago at Buffalo Olympic. How much rust was knocked off there? We will find out this weekend.

BRETT LOVAAS, 48 - Like Brian Bich, Brett is a guy whose name we love to mispronounce. We also love to watch him race. He's won this race four times and has amassed 36 career tri victories.

KURT YOUNGDAHL, 29 (photo) - In Kurt's last four starts, his 4th at LMT last year was his lowest placing.

PRESTON YOUNGDAHL, 33 - Winner of four of the six regional races he did last year, including LMT, Preston was the clear choice for Triathlete of the Year. He is favored to repeat this weekend.

AG PREDICTIONS

00-19M - NOAH BILLINGS, 17 - The 2022 Junior of the Year is the clear junior favorite.

45-49M- BRETT LOVAAS, 48 - 

45-49W - ANDREA MYERS, 46 - The five-time Master of the Year nominee has placed 6th overall here in the last two seasons, winning her AG both times.

55-59M - CHUCK HENGEL, 59 - Chuck'scoming off a divisional win at Buffalo Sprint and is our pick to win the 55-59M on Saturday.

55-59W - CHERYL ZITUR, 57 - Cheryl is untouchable in her AG. UPDATE: Cheryl will not be racing.

60-64- JEFFREY WARSHAW, 62 - Jeff was the clear choice for Minnesota Grand Master of the Year in 2022, and with should handily win the 60-64M title. Can he challenge Tony Schiller's divisional record (1:08:52!)? We're anxious to find out.

60-64W - JAN GUENTHER, 64 - AG record-holder is the clear choice. She may even break her own 60-64W mark.

65-59W - MEGAN WEBSTER, 68 - 65-69W course record-holder, Megan won her AG here in 2022 and 2021.

70-74M - LUKE HARNED, 70 - Luke should not only win his AG, we think he'll  erase Ed Rymer's (FL) divisional record.