Race Previews

2025 Buffalo Triathlon Preview #1...The Sprint...

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:10

GRANITEMANN BUFFALO TRIATHLON PREVIEW -  The 20th edition of the Sprint version of this epic race is happening next Sunday; it's Olympic companion event will be clebrating it's 19th running. GBT boasts a terrific venue (Sturges Park) that for almost two decades has served as our state's fully outdoor triathlon opening day. (It is preceded on the calendar by a few pool swim tris.)

Today's preview, the first of two, will discuss the credentials of some of the talented athletes that are currently registered in the Sprint. The second preview will post information on some of the credentialed triathletes who will be racing in the Olympic event.

On paper, here are some of the athletes expected to lead the way in the Sprint:

MITCHELL CLAYTON - 2026 MInnesota Junior of the Year, Mitch, now 29, is making his Buffalo debut and it should be a successful one. In fact, his performances over the last two seasons suggest that he should land a spot on the podium, perhaps even pick up his 8th career tri victory...

COREY NYGAARD - A Team Minnesota member in 2024, a season wherein he won half of the six races he entered and placed 2nd in two others, make him, in our opinion, the prohibitive favorite to take the men's Sprint title on Sunday.

BRIAN STORHAUG - Winner here in 2023, Brian also has two 2nd places finishes at Buffalo Sprint.  Corey, Mitch and Brian comprise a nice Top 3.

ANDREA MYERS - A seven-time Master of the Year nominee hasn't raced at Sturges Park since 2019, where she placed 4th in the Olympic race. She should be a definite podum contender this weekend.

BETTE ROWLEY - She finished in front of Myers at Hopkins in 2022 and 2023, but can she challenge for the win against Cheryl Z? There are several races where it is unwise to bet against Cheryl. Buffalo is one of them.

CHERYL ZITUR - Since 2014, Cheryl Z has won this race four times and paced 2nd on three other occasions. Yes, she is our pick to win, that is unless 2023 winner Elena Jasper decides to enroll, which is quite possible, although we suspect that if she races, she'll choose the Olympic event.

ED. Visit MTN's Facebook page for field updates and other breaking news. Photo - Elite Grand Master Amy Woolsey.