Race Previews

Whadda Field!...

Friday, 02 September 2011 03:00

The men's podium at Burlington--Colorado's Karl Kahsar, Pennsylvanian Brian Duffy, Jr. and Minnesota's own Dan Hedgecock--will also be racing in Des Moines this Sunday. Missing at Nats, but present in Iowa, will be likely USAT AOY considerees Jake Rhyner (WI), Adam Webber (2008 AOY from PA) and James McCurdy (AL). Then add National stars Patrick Parish (2010 AOY HM), Colin Riley (FL), Dan Theleen (CT) and a dozen other fast guys.

Yeah. Hy-Vee's Top 10 guys can beat up Burlington's Top 10 guys.

Now for the girls. 2011 National champ / 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Susan Williams is not on the start list, nor is runner-up and major AOY contender Catherine Sterling of Massachusetts. Actually, most of the women's Top 10 in Burlington will not be racing in Des Moines.

But, check out who WILL be there: Christine Anderson (shoo-in for 2nd straight AOY nomination), Cindi Bannink (2010 AOY HM), Suzanne Huelster (former AOY HM & two-time US Duathlete of the Year), Natalie Kirchoff, Kim Pancoast, Meghan Newcomer, Megan Riepma and Erica Urquiola. This field may not be quite as deep as the one assembled for Nationals, but it's pretty goshdarned close.

Why are all these studs and studettes going to Iowa this weekend, you ask yourself?