Race Previews

Minnesotans in the Desert...

Friday, 29 April 2011 03:00

jenny 2009 US Duathlete of the Year Kevin O'Connor and Jenny Wilcox (photo L), the woman who should have won the 2010 DOY, and thirteen other Minnesotans will be on the starting line of the USAT National Duathlon Championships tomorrow in suburban Tucson (pronounced "2-sahn," not "Tuck-sun").

On paper, Kevin and Jenny have overall (amateur) podium potential. Kevin was 6th overall at Nationals last year and felt he should have done better. This year, two of the Top 3 men are back--2009 US DOY David Slavinski (NJ) and Eneas Freyre (CT). Also, Du Nationals has a history of surprise finishes, heretofore unknowns like Kaleb VanOrt and Matt Sheeks, who have then gone on to stardom and are now pros. Still, don't be surprised if the 40-year-old O'Connor climbs the podium alongside the likes of Slavinski and Freyre, or this year's versions of them.....

For Wilcox, who has won seven of the 14 duathlons she's entered thus far in her career, this will be her first Du Nationals. Her stiffest competition will come from two-time DOY runner-up Gail Kattouf. The South Carolina resident was top amateur at Powerman Alabama a month ago and 2nd place overall at Du Nationals in 2008. She will be perceived by most to be the women's favorite on Saturday. The girls Gail should be most concerned about are Wilcox and California's Susanne Davis.

The Top 15ish finishers in all AGs earn the right to represent Team USA at the ITU World Duathlon Championships in Gijon, Spain in late September.

kevin Stay tuned to MTN for race coverage and results.

Minnesotans at Duathlon Nationals '11:

* Michael Danielson

* Brendan Dolan

* Ben Ewers Jr.

* James Hannon

* John Heinlein III

* Ashley Heinlein

* Kevin O'Connor (photo)

* Dereck Podratz

* Ann Rhea

* Charles Rhea

* Mike Svensk

* Nick Vanduzee

* Troy Vargas (Okay, Troy lives in Hudson, WI)

* Jenny Wilcox

* Jean Wood

NOTE: In addition to Du Nationals, Minnesota multisporters will be racing at St. Anthony's in Florida, Wildflower in central California, perhaps at St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands as well as in Morris and Cannon Falls. MTN will post results and coverage of all events that featured Minnesota athletes.