Race Previews

Minnesota's Most Competitive Tri...

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:10

2025 MAPLE GROVE TRIATHLON - One of Minnesota's largest triathlons which also happenes to be its most competitive swim-bike-run, is this 16th-edition classic. Both the Olympic and Sprint races boast deep fields, especially the Olympic, so let's start there....

So you know, we have not seen a list of entrants, but history and word-of-mouth tells us that many of our region's fastest athletes will be there next Saturday.

Who are we talking about?

NATHAN KIM - Last year's runner-up has expressed his desire to return to MGO's stunning Weaver Lake Park next weekend. Nominated for Triathlete of the Year in '24, and a veritable shoo-in for another nomination this year, Nathan does not want be a close second (3 seconds!)  this time around.

PRESTON YOUNGDAHL - We'd be surprised if the three-time Minnesota Triathlete of the Year, who has won the last two editions of the MGO, each in record time, would not be on the starting line. 

SPENCER SYVERTSON - Undefeated in five starts this year, Spencer will be making his MG debut and he is hellbent to keep his win streak alive.

Others who we expect to race include JOE ADRIAENS (3rd in 2024) and TEVIN NEEGAARD (5th in 2024).

As for the women's Olympic field, we do know that HEATHER LENDWAY is not entered this year, which is very good news to other local and regional elites. We don't know which our our state's top women, or those that have historically visited from Wisconsin and Iowa, will be on hand, but we are anxious to find out.

Elite Juniors boys have won the last several editions of the MG Sprint and that movie may play again this year. 2024 Junior of the Year CORBIN DEICHMAN, two-time JOY NOAH BILLINGS, plus KYLER WILLIAMS, three of the Top 5 finishers here last year, are likely returnees. If so, we're picking Deichman to repeat. However, don't be surprised if occasional triathlete ANTHONY HIRSCHMAN is on hand. He's won both of the races he's entered this year and would have a legitmate shot at a 3-for-3 season if he is on the MGS starting line next Saturday.

Eight-time MGS winner CHERYL ZITUR is a likely returnee, making her the woman to beat. Perhaps are state's two most successful junior girls--ADELINE ALTHAUS-KOTILA and RAYCHEL TONG will also be enrolled and ready to give Cheryl a run for her money.