Race Previews

Graniteman Buffalo Preview #2 - 19th Olympic...UPDATED

Friday, 30 May 2025 00:10

2025 GRANITEMAN BUFFALO OLYMPIC PREVIEW - Who do we expect to see at the front of the pack at the 19th Buffalo Olympic Triathlon next Sunday? Here are our current picks, though we are reasonably sure that additional elite athletes will enroll on or before race day....

Men:

JOE ADRIAENS - Joe's resume is full of podium finishes at our state's most competitive races, e.g. Maple Grove, Chisago and Buffalo. Is this the year he doesn't have to settle for 2nd or 3rd?

SPENCER SYVERTSON - The last time Spencer raced at Buffalo, he placed 15th. That was back in 2019, and today's Syverston is a lot smarter and faster than he was back then. Barring late registrants like Preston Youngdahl or Nathan Kim, we expect to see a great battle for first place between Spencer and Joe.

Women:

KATIE DEREGNIER - Based on the last regiistration list we saw, 2024 Tinona and Big Lake Olympic winner Katie Deregnier has to be considerd the favorite to win the women's Olympic title. We suspect, however, that she will be challenged by a few late enrollees. Like who? 2023 winner Cami Eckhoff, perhaps? 2024 Minnesota Female Triathlete of the Year Caryn Wikman might show, and her husband, too, who would vy for a men's podium spot. Then there's Elena Jasper, who won the last two editions of the Sprint race and has since moved up to longer distances. We'd be surprised if Elena doesn't race on Sunday.

UPDATE: There's a good chance that BECKY YOUNGBERG will race on Sunday. Though age 50, he 2024 Master of the Year will be our pick to win if she shows up (and Ellena Jasper doesn't). She has three podium finishes here, including a win Sprint win in 2007 and has set three AG records along the way. Also: CAMI ECKHOFF will race in the Sprint , not the Olympic.